Windscreen replacement

[DazbodS2]

I am having my original windscreen replaced on my S2 Coupe as it is very scratched and chipped. This is being done through the insurers who generally use one of the main national companies. After a lot of dialogue they now have, I am told, the right windscreen. Following the first home visits by their fitter, he declined to do the work as he had no experience of such a replacement (“er it ain’t bonded is it Gov!”). This was despite me going into great detail on the phone prior to the visit explaining exactly what sort of job this would be and that the car is 50 years old. The second (“more experienced”) fitter then turned up and stated he also had no experience of such a replacement (and didn’t think any of his colleagues had either) but would “love to have a go at it”. I politely declined his offer and sent him away. It is now going into their workshop for the work to be done, supposedly by someone who has worked on classic cars. I am somewhat nervous despite their assurances. Has anybody used any of the big national windscreen companies on their e type? Incidentally, how are the window side chrome pieces fixed and how are they removed? - I note they are not cheap to replace if damaged. Any comments would be appreciated.

[rswaffie]

Hi,

I used Auto Windscreens to do my front screen as part of my restoration. I did the other glass replacement but didn’t fancy doing the front on my own! They advertise as having a classic car capability and the two guys that turned up had clearly done classics before. The glass was the original Green Sundym so was potentially quite fragile but would at least be a good fit. The seal was new and I had softened it first by heating it on the radiator! I was nervous to say the least, but they had it done in an hour. They did the replacement of the original seal spreader chrome trim, but I did the larger chrome pillar trims.



Given what you have noted, I would be concerned about leaving your car at their place to do it - they don’t sound like they are capable. I would also remove the trims myself - the larger two are normally held with sealant so can be removed by softening with a hairdryer or (carefully) with a heat gun.

[Jeremy]

Probably no help Darren but I got Addison's from Guildford to fit mine (a new one from Pilkington Classic). The guy knew exactly what he was doing. The side chromes in my case were problematic and remain a niggle - I refitted the originals, rechromed, but try as I might I could get them under the inside lip of the rubber. I think the new screen must be slightly wider than the old one. So they sit on top of the rubber and are held in place with mastic.
You have to know your E types pretty well to notice it. Angus spotted it immediately when I took the car up to him for checking and fettling when I'd finished the restoration...and he told me they often have to grind the rear edges of those chromes back a bit to get them to fit. I wasn't to do that after the rechroming of course.

[Jeremy]

That should read: I could NOT get them to fit under.....

[DazbodS2]

Guys I appreciate your responses thank you. I think you have confirmed my concerns!

[johnetype]

Changing the windscreen is not actually a difficult job but like all things it helps if you've done one before. The challenges start if the replacement screen is a little bigger etc.

The screen itself is very strong and can take a good deal of smacking around to get it to fit but that's not your concern since if they break it on fitting they'll have to get another one.

The best advice I've seen is to use a new rubber surround each time as it'll be nice and soft and you need to stretch it for 24 hours before using it. I doubt the windscreen company will have been paid to use a new rubber seal so I'd get one and supply it to them yourself. (From COH Baines or the usuals)

The side chromes are held in by being tucked under the rubber but can be tight if the new screen is a little wider or the bodywork channel behind them has been filled a bit with paint and primer after a restoration and folks often resort to glueing them in.

I spent a lot of time worrying and finding someone to refit mine after my restoration. When he came he said he'd have it back in before I could make him a cup of tea - and he had!

[DazbodS2]

Hi John many thanks for your post. May seem a daft question but how did you stretch your rubber surround and to what extent? Also do you advise I replace the rubber insert strip too?

[johnetype]

The screen rubber comes as a loop having already been glued together. I attached one part to a bannister rail and put the leg of a dining table chair through the lower part. Adjusted the height so the chair leg was off the ground and weighted the chair seat with a of bag of flour, maybe two. Left it for 24 hours before the screen fitter came.

I did use new locking rubber in case reusing the old one came up short in length (as it did when I did my mini many years ago) but it's not necessary.

[DazbodS2]

Thanks again John for taking the time to respond - much appreciated.