Windscreen replacement (Split Screen)

[SUE482]

OK I've so I have read some of the horror stories surrounding the replacement of the two part glass and the new rubber seal, I have no option as the rubber was removed and thrown years ago. I have the original glass, a bit marked but OK and a new rubber from ESM and intend to get a fitter to do the job, I had a little go but on your own it's impossible.
My rubber seal has only 5mm overlapping the front lip, is this standard, it doesn’t seem much to hold the glass from being pushed in.
If anyone has some photos of the rubber extrusion just to confirm that I have been sent the correct one it would be most reassuring before I book the fitter.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

5mm would be about right, you will need to seal it to the body and the glass with something like 3m windscreen sealant. Its at least a 2 man job, a 3rd is also handy

The way I have fitted 2 split screens was to use an old split screen pillar with about 1 1/2' cut off each end and join the 2 pieces of glass together, then fit the rubber to the glass. Next fit the strong string in the gap in the rubber that goes to the body and a skinny string in the gap for the chrome insert. Carefully lift it off the bench hold, 2 people and put in from inside the car, this is much easier if the front seats are fitted as it gives you something to push against while you are holding the window in place. Start from the bottom using a screw driver to lift the edge over the body once your started then pull the string carefully. Wear a pair of thick gloves as the string can really cut into your hand when pulling. Take your time especially on the corners. When you happy or have got it as good as possible remove the cut down pillar and fit the proper one. In some of the manuals it suggest making a similar version of the pillar out of wood.

[SUE482]

Thanks David, lucky I kept the old pillar.

[mike.perry]

First thing to do is fit the rubber and see if it does actually fit, particularly around the corners.

[SUE482]

Hi Mike I have tried the rubber and as far as I can tell it fits, but you need two people for even that.

[ASL642]

We used 4 people to fit one 2 inside and 2 outside. 2 inside need to keep a constant pressure from within to hold the screens in place. I outside gently pulling the string and someone to assist if there is a problem/you need to pause.

[IaininTenbury]

Sounds about right. I've found it ok with three! two inside pushing one pane each and one outside faffing with the string and shouting "push harder!"...
David's suggestion of a cut down centre pillar is fine. The workshop manual suggest making up a dummy centre pillar short enough to pass through the aperture but acut down original is more convenient if you have one.

Ages ago someone posted a youtube clip of the Dutch factory assembly line building up MMs and there was a splendid shot of windscreen fitting showing someone inside a car bashing the glass with a rubber mallet to seat it correctly!

[SUE482]

OK thanks for all the advice, I'm back to square one. I can't get any of the national window companies to attempt it so I will have to do it myself (with helpers). All the tips will come in usefull. I'll keep you posted.