I want to reinstall the metal strips that fit over the front and rear rubber windscreen surrounds. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the front rubber is very old and I will change it before mounting the chrome strips on it. However, the rear rubber is no more than ten years old and fairly flexible.
Is there a preferred installation sequence for each of the polished strips? For example, start at one end and work to the other end. Or start between the two curves and work to the ends at the top and bottom. The two curves seem the most difficult to get in place
Is there a preferred sequence to get the chrome into place? For example, start at one end and continue around? Or do the two curved sections first and then work to the two straight ends.
Should I heat the rubber a bit before attempting to get the chrome into place? As you know, one must stretch the rubber to get the upper and lower rubber flaps on top of the metal.
Wold some liquid facilitate the rubber into place? Water, silicone?
Also, the two metal strips, left and right, have a hole at each end. Do the two holes get a machine screw and nut? I believe I recall a short cover that hides the hole and screws?
Hi It is best to start the metal strips by marking the center of the glass screen then lay the chrome strip up to that line and work you way around the corners it is not too hard to do and I did not use any liquid once started it seams to go in very easy.
When you put the other side chrome strip in do it the same way the if the gap at the join is a little large you can close it with circlip pliers to pull both ends together.
Then place you joining chrome over the top of this join top and bottom.
Hope this helps you.
Gary: Thanks for the advice. Seems straight forward enough. I am going to use some heat on the rubber as it’s a little stiff especially on the curves. It’s about 10 years old.
Installing that chrome trim was definitely the hardest part of replacing my windshield. I started with the curved corners at the edges of the screen, since if the straight parts were put in first, the curves may not align, they would be near impossible to enter. I found the use of a 2.5 mm ball-end allen key to be the best tool for getting the rubber lips up and over the chrome. Used a rolling action, facilitated by the grip of the hex shaft. The ball end won’t puncture or tear the thin rubber with patient working of the lip. I didn’t heat the rubber beyond normal warm-car temps. I may have used drug store personal lubricant for the chrome strip - I can’t remember, I certainly did for getting the windscreen in to the gasket.
Lou, I said the holes ring a bell, but on the Series 1 I just removed a chrome strip from the holes are punched, no screws used. Maybe a later ‚federal‘ regulation we do not worry about.
Brad: Thanks for your suggestions regarding the chrome on the window rubber. I was doing some work this morning on the car and recalled what you and Gary said about starting with the curve. I agree, because it’s hard to figure out where to put the chrome due to the curves.
I had never heard of a “ball end allen key” before. A google of the name brought up a screwdriver with a small ball on the tip. I assume thats the tool? I like the idea of a “rolling” tip. I was using wooden popsicle sticks {they are sold in hobby stores} and the flat end of a small screwdriver, to pull the rubber over the metal edge.
The idea of a “rolling the ball” sounds like a better metohd.
The holes are not used to secure the trim. I suspect they are only used to suspend the trim in the tank during plating as they seem to serve no other purpose. As with all these things, patience is the key!
Kevin: I would not have guessed that in a million years! But I am surprised that no one has created a tool for installing the metal strips in the rubber. It’s really hard to get it to work right.
Lou,
There is indeed a special tool for installing the trim; in New Zealand ( and UK is assume) there are specialist windscreen installers and they would carry such a tool. I recently spoke to such a gentleman to coax him to install the rubbers in my S1. Hopefully he will oblige. I have installed the screens and trims myself in the past but in my opinion paying a professional is well worth the expense, especially if you are doing a high quality resto. Good luck with yours.
Kevin
I doubt you could use those holes to clinch the 2 halves together. Once they are in their channels, they are not moving, assuming good rubber seals , of course. There is now a separate thread on this.
I find a little lube helps. I use ru glyde or sil glyde, I dont like to use petroleum based lubes on modern “rubber” or plastics . Seems you never know whats going to happen…either now or later . -and be mindful of the heatgun close to the windscreen…or anything else I suppose.