Chrome strip in Tailgate heated backlight seal

[MaxieCoak47]

Hi to all. In the couple of years I have had the Series 3 V12 Etype the lower half of the chrome seal insert was not in place and over this time given a few spare hours I have tried to refit it each time giving up in frustration. Given the old rubber seal was a bit torn and brittle I took the plunge and after more frustration fitted a new seal not to mention the seal insert and now after a few more frustrating hours I have tried to fit both top and bottom chrome insert in place again and as before without success.It is driving me nuts not to mention the hours I could have had driving the car in this nice weather. Please has anybody any ideas or could recommend somebody to fit the chrome strips in the Southampton area , before I get too old to drive.
Many thanks
Max

[Gfhug]

Max, there are a few classic car restorers in the New Forest area, I don’t know them to recommend one or another.
However you might find it easier to look for one of the windscreen repair people. Anyone who has experience of fitting older style car glass (not the modern bonded windows) will probably do it before you can make them a cup of tea. Just a suggestion.

Geoff

[MaxieCoak47]

Many Thanks Geoff perhaps I should try Beaulieu.
I think what I need are many pairs of hands to hold strip in place as I work around the frame putting it in to stop one end popping out as I get half way around. I wondered if others have had the same experience and had and came up with a simple solution. Max

[Series1 Stu]

Hi

When I did mine, I found I needed to keep drawing the trim part way back out, give it a little twist in the opposite direction to which it was kinking out of the seal and then re-fit it. Rinse and repeat until the whole trim is in. Then struggle to fit the finisher pieces.

It took about an hour but it was a new (aftermarket) chrome and a new but (very) old stock seal and spreader in the original door and original glass, if that makes any difference.

It helps if you have the right glass fitting tools, which are relatively inexpensive. I also did mine on the bench, which probably helped enormously.

Regards

[BobV12]

Hi Geoff I note your considerable frustration!

Beaulieu Garage in Lyndhurst Road has a great many years experience and has specialised in restoring E types. When I was there a few weeks ago they still have at least a couple covered in dust in their large workshop area behind the showroom, awaiting sponsoring clients. I'm quite sure they would have the expertise and the right little tool to fix your problem.

Cheers
Bob

[MaxieCoak47]

Many Thanks for your replies
I think it is one of jobs that needs experience and a great deal of patience. I will seek out some experience as suggested and I think extra hands to assist especially in preventing the chrome from popping out.
Thanks again.Max