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MG MGB Technical - GT winscreen

Hi

Another problem with my GT, when I bought it, the windscreen had a large crack on the passenger side, this is approx 3/4 of the way down from the top of the screen towards the bottom. It hasn't got any worse, but I dont like it.

How easy is it to change a screen? I've done midget screens before, but this is worrying me.

Are there any instructions anywhere?, as there are non in porters guide to restoration.

Thanks
John
J M Collins

John,

The screen itself is not that difficult if normal precautions are taken, and you follow the workshop manual. Not so handling the bright trim around the glass seal itself. Plenty in the archives about this, but the best tip I learned doing my B/GT was to cut (with a razor knife) the bright trim out of the old windscreen seal, so that you don't "roll" these pieces trying to pry them free. This, almost always causing the owner to purchase new bright trim, as the old will be curved like a cork screw and nearly imposible to fit correctly when the new seal and screen are refitted.

Regards,

L.C. '74 B/GT
Larry C

Jim,
If your windshield has a crack originating from the bottom edge upwards, or from any edge actually, beware of the possibility of burrs and blobs of metal along the windshield frame at that point. These sometimes occur from mis-set spot welders, and cause a pressure point against the glass which can sometimes eventually, as this point of metal cuts thru the rubber seal and touches the glass, start a stress crack in the glass. This may not be the cause of your crack, but if you replace your glass it might be worth checking and correcting before a new glass is installed. Lots of cars and trucks have this happen to them, so it is not as far fetched as it may seem. FWIW.
Bob Muenchausen

Larrys got this one sussed John but there is also a thread under MGB General, windscreen chromes it's enough to make you cry but true.
Iain MacKintosh

Hey Mr Collins!

Believe me when I say you are taking on the most frustrating and will breaking job on the GT.

I started the thread on MGB General about Windscreen Chrome and the advise on there is fantastic.

Unfortunately, we had already removed the windscreen so the chrome has "corkscrewed"!

I don't fancy laying out £40+ quid on a set of new ones so have being trying to refit the old ones, without joy.

It has pushed me to the point of insanity so read what has been said and take note.

Your sanity depends on it!!!

Adam
Adam Cooper

The amazing Paul Hunt has a piece on this on his website http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk use the Spanners link. I believe he says that the corkscrewed trim will go back in, in fact you mustn't try to straighten it. Have a look.
Mike Howlett

Indeed, I saw this done on my V8. The repairer (a car restorer in his spare time) said it is vital to note where each piece came from and which way up, and put it back exactly as it was. That was just to replace the glass using the existing rubber. A few months later I took it back as someone had tried to break in through the windscreen (!) and trashed glass, rubber and trim. He cried.

See http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/wn_bodyframe.htm and click on 'GT Screens' for the full monte.
Paul Hunt

The last time I had my GT's windshield replaced, the fellow who did it accomplished it with a minimum of tools (1 right angled pointed tool) and in about 20 minutes time. He did this with NO soap, glycerine, oils, silicone, nothing to lube it. And he did this without tearing the rubber seal or any problems slipping in the glass or the trim strips.

He set the seal in the hole, placed the glass into the seal, popped in the lock strip, tapped a few places with the heel of his hand to work the gasket around to center the gasket on the hole correctly, and then took the L-shaped hook tool and zipped the trim in two fairly quick passes of the tool thru the rubber channels to secure each strip. He made this all seem pretty simple and pretty routine. Maybe he was just gifted, beats the hell out of me. But as the third windshield I have had installed on this car, his was far and away the slickest, quickest, most out of the ordinary I have witnessed. He used few of the aids or tricks I have seen others struggle with, so all I can guess is that there is a talent component to this as well as a competency component to getting it in. FWIW.
Bob Muenchausen

Hi all

thanks for the tips and advice, I guess that this will be a job for the easter hols!

My car is already missing the chrome surrounds, so I guess that someone messed these up in the past, Ive bought a new set to fit after the screen though.

I dont suppose that anyone near birmingham has a good (cheap!) 2nd hand screen that they dont want?

cheers
John
J M Collins

Bob,

Next time you have to get your screen replaced make sure you take a video camera with you and then stream it to the web !!
Iain MacKintosh

This thread was discussed between 28/03/2004 and 31/03/2004

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