Windscreen installation: PIA!!!!

Hi all,

So, last Friday I took to the much dreaded job of re-installing the windscreen. I was lucky enough not having to replace the screen to body seal, but still have not managed to complete the job.

I have read a number of posts and articles in the library about tricks but still have a number of questions:

1. Does the screen to body seal go over the pillar seal or under it? There is a tiny part of the screen to body seal that overlaps the pillar seal and I can not seem to find out how it should be fitted.

2. I am thinking of using spanners (you know, ropes) to press the screen down. What is the best place to use as an anchor? I was thinking of using the knock-on's on the wheels or should I rather use another part of the car?

3. What kind of sealer are you using; is it the kind that stays sticky or will it dry yet remain flexible. What is the generic name of this sealer?

Thanks for your help!

I put the rope right through the wheel once and on another occasion used one long rope passed around the front of the bottom of the tyres. Spinners might get just the right angle, haven't tried.
I put a loop over the top of the windscreen side pillars. I put a towel or blanket between the duco/paint and the rope.
I get the windscreen most of the way and use the ropes for the last difficult line the holes up bit. Finger tighten up the centre bolts may be a bit more. Take your time push it down a little, massage the seal and wiggle the stress out of everything. One side then the other, back and forth a bit at a time. If you just wind the ropes without all the jiggling, crank it on, you can break the glass. You can produce an enormous amount of force twisting a rope. You don't need all that much force, it's just getting it in the right direction, holding it there while you get the first bolt in. With two people it would probably be easy, but I've ever done it that way.
I also use philips screw drivers to help align the hole, that last bit. Some people use clamps to push the frame down.
The pillar seal goes under the windscreen seal.
black windsreen caulking compound, available at any auto shop and probably Kmart as well. Get a big tube and use it wherever o think water might get in, I'd uggest you wear disposable gloves, nitrile are best. Otherwise black fingerprints every where. cleans up with kero, but that's unpleasant.

There are various methods that folks use to hold down the unit while getting it in position to attach the mounting bolts and all are correct in their minds. What ever works for them, but here's how I do it. I use two 1 inch wide ratchet straps. I attach one end to the front of the cowling by the hood hinge, (padded of course) and then I run the straps over the top of the posts and hook the other end in the upper door hinge hole, or on the hinge it's self. By gradually ratcheting the strap tighter, I can maintain the proper tension I want, plus with the strap over the top of the post, you can rock the frame back and forth as you wish. I also use the rope method to flip out the new bottom seal. I use soft nylon for this. Hope this helps somewhat. PJ
Incidentally, this is how I do it with no help.

Hubby and I had two off at the same time and once we got em back on he said "Never again" -- well he actually added some more adjectives but that's what he meant :)

Hey, sorry to redirect to another MG site but, I used this trick on a brand new seal and it worked like a champ- requires 2 4" clamps and some protective tape or foam. The problem with using a strap is that, if you're not careful, you can break the glass.

http://www.mgexperience.net/article/windscreen-install.html

Is doing this any easier with the dash out of the car?

I installed without help by using a jackobs adjustable wood working clamp right side nuts just a few threads then left side.

Just place a large drift (or alignment tool) onto one hole (of the windscreeen bracket) and put a bolt into the other hole when aligned. It marvels me of all the other cock'il'maney tricks others do with ropes and clamps....bwaa haa haa haa....just use a drift or punch to align.

Before I went through all this aggravation, I'd just call a professional. If they break it it's their baby.

don't forget , there are two spacers each side. Thick plastic one and thin board one.