Windshield Frame Problem

Ok, I should know better one week before vacation. I picked up my new windshield glass last week and today a decided I didn't want to go on vacation with the cracked windshield so I started changing it out. Got it out of the car easy enough and then started to loosen up the little screws that hold the frame together. The top ones broke loose but the bottom ones are all rusted tight. I used some PB and let it soak for a while and then used the impact driver, this only rounded out the heads. So I guess the only solution is to drill them out and try an EZout. Maybe you guys might have a better thing to try?

I just drill and rethread.

Do you happen to Know the thread size.

10/32 I think.

sounds right. There are a lot of 10 32 machine screws used on the MG

I'll give it a go, I know they say to be careful about the lengths or you can brake the glass if they go in to far.

OH! Well yes. You will need two lengths of screws, I forget the lengths though.

IIRC, the shortest ones are only about 1/4 - 3/8" long. Doesn't sound like much but it's all you get when you replace them.

I put new screws in when I did a windshield a while back and just measured the old screws and cut new ones to length. Or you can just order new ones.

#10-32 sounds about right. I did crack the original windshield when I tried to pull up on the small bracket in one of the top posts using a screw I knew was too long but I couldn't reach the bracket with the short one. One twist too many and a new windshield was required.

Be really careful putting them in.

OK, you made me look at my secret decoder list.
The short ones are 10/32 by 5/16" and the others are 10/32x 1/2".

What if the bit broke while you were drilling, and buggered up the hole so bad that the screw falls into it? Do heli coils come that small?

The screw goes into a L-bracket, which can be replaced. Drill the heads off then the frame will come apart. You can probably then get the leftover screw out with vice grips.

If not, THAT would be the time to drill and tap, not while the bracket is still in the frame. Sorry if I was unclear earlier.

lhess Wrote: