Front windscreen and wiper (update)

[MMaurice52]

After a drive in heavy rain Sunday, I have decided it was time to replace the windscreen rubber. While the W/screen was out I removed the W/wiper assembly, the speedometer cable and the clock. The wiper assembly needed to be cleaned and new grease fitted. The old grease had solidified causing the wipers to slow down. After a thorough cleaning I assembled everything and used a silcone grease for lube. I was thoroughly amazed at the condition of the parts. The parts are 57 years old and show very little sign of wear. Once assembled, they worked as smooth as a babies bottom! I will install them tomorrow before the windscreen. The split windscreen will be assembled with the interior rubber as is after a thorough cleaning. My plan of action is to use a standard, modern sealant for the center-outer portion. The chrome trim pieces will be added later after they are re-chromed.

Have I missed anything?

BTW: The recess in the body where the windscreen rubber rests is in "like new" condition! The paint (after cleaning) looks as if it was painted yesterday! I was fully expecting to see large areas of rust and expecting to do some repairs. After 57 years it will be a straight forward installation!

[mike.perry]

Best of luck mate! If you need any encouragement read back through previous posts on fitting split windscreens.

[kennatt]

have i missed anything

Yes the three helpers,and three days to fit,and the loads of sealant to stick the corners down where the new rubbers don't fit,Been there done it twice never want to do it again good luck with it,read all the other posts be carefull not to break a glass they are becoming a bit rare laminated ones can be cut but are slightly thinner than the toughened and allthough they can be fitted need lots of sealant to fill the gap:(

[mike.perry]

Did you fit your windscreen?
Do tell us how you got on

[MMaurice52]

Did you fit your windscreen?
Do tell us how you got on

Mike,

I (actually WE) did fit the front windscreen. It was a TOUGH job done in 90 degree heat! The rubber is tight and seals water but the center chrome leaks. I will remove it and add some sealant. Before fitting the W/S I made a piece to take the place of the center chrome to make the installation easier. The work was done in the shop where I teach and I made notes but do not have them here at home. I will review my notes and repost.

Marc

[MMaurice52]

The process I used to install the W/screen and new rubber:

The old rubber was cut out (easily) with a carpet knife against the outside surface of the glass. The windscreen was removed from inside the car.

The body surfaces were cleaned of the old sealant and rubber and cleaned thoroughly.
Important note! The new rubber is smaller on the outside than the original. I hadn't anticipated that! The paint should be touched up at this time BEFORE installation. I have a small strip of ugly paint that needs to be addressed.

A strip of mild 1/8" steel was cut to 12 inches and drilled and tapped for 10-24 flat head screws to match the inside center bar. A gasket was made to match the steel "dummy" piece and to protect the glass from direct contact. This piece is used with the inside bar to hold the center of the glass in alignment during installation.

The glass was cleaned thoroughly and a 1/8 inch bead of sealant was used on the inside groove that holds the glass. 1/8" is plenty of sealant for this as long as it's a smooth continues bead. I used too much on the rear window and the cleanup was a mess!

The gasket was installed around the glass sections making certain that the rubber was positione properly and the gap in the rubber was placed at the bottom of the W/screen.

A nylon clothesline was inserted into the out gasket groove to facilitate installation.

I was on the inside of the car and with help from my partner held the glass against the inside window channel. CAUTION Use heavy gloves! If the glass breaks you want to protect your hands from injury.

As I stated earlier the outside of the rubber is smaller than the original and this makes installation harder than it should be. A larger "lip" would make the job much easier.

It is VERY hard to pull the rubber lip out and over the edge of the body. My teaching partner is 6 feet 4 inches and 230 pounds of LARGE German stock, he struggled with that rope! As he pulled the lip through I used a 1 inch wide DULL putty knife to push the rubber out which helped get it into place.

This is NOT a job for the "faint of heart" but with patience it can be done.

My son just arrived to help me install a new window in my home (This one is MUCH easier) and I have to go. I will look this over and make corrections later.

Sorry about the inch measures!

[mike.perry]

Thanks for such a detailed reply. When you have tweaked it I will transfer it to Technical Info if that is OK with you

[MMaurice52]

Thanks for such a detailed reply. When you have tweaked it I will transfer it to Technical Info if that is OK with you

Mike,

I would like to add to it. I will be away this weekend so will start back next week.

Thanks,

Marc