Windscreen

Got new windscreen and rubber coming at weekend.
Watched all the Vids and Guides on how to fit myself, does look quite easy . So might just have a go, Anyone done this ? is it easy , or should I get someone else to do it ?

During my refurb we used a specialist fitter, glad we did as he had to try twice, bottom corner of the seal refused to seat correctly, removed, re cleaned, lubricated two people fitting it (one to apply even constant pressure as the rope is withdrawn around the seal) best £30 I've spent rather than cause damage to the frame, glass or seal its up to you just giving my opinion

border said:

Got new windscreen and rubber coming at weekend.
Watched all the Vids and Guides on how to fit myself, does look quite easy . So might just have a go, Anyone done this ? is it easy , or should I get someone else to do it ?

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Yeah I fitted mine with the help of my wife. It’s a relatively simple task. I wouldn’t pay anyone to do it for me. The trick is getting the correct string, not too thick, but plenty strong. Slow and steady, 2 people.

mick 1986 said:

Yeah I fitted mine with the help of my wife. It’s a relatively simple task. I wouldn’t pay anyone to do it for me. The trick is getting the correct string, not too thick, but plenty strong. Slow and steady, 2 people.

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Thanks Mate what string did you use ?

border said:

Thanks Mate what string did you use ?

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Its the thinnest paracord the army regularly stocked. I have plenty of it if you want to try and fit it yourself?

mick 1986 said:

Its the thinnest paracord the army regularly stocked. I have plenty of it if you want to try and fit it yourself?

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Wouldn't mind a bit Mate. Im through your way in the morning if your kicking about.

border said:

Wouldn't mind a bit Mate. Im through your way in the morning if your kicking about.

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I won’t be around until the weekend, sorry.

mick 1986 said:

I won’t be around until the weekend, sorry.

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No Bother Mate will find something. just need a god idea of thickness.

border said:

No Bother Mate will find something. just need a god idea of thickness.

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The stuff I have is only around 1-1.5mm diameter, but it must be 70-80 strands woven together. It’s incredibly strong. I’m not sure what to recommend to be honest, as that’s all I have ever used to fit sealed windows.

Get a window fitter to do it.easier to blame someone else for breaking the glass .

It probably is easy (to an expert) and I thought it looked a doddle, 1 cracked screen later, paid a pro to fit it for £30

mick 1986 said:

The stuff I have is only around 1-1.5mm diameter, but it must be 70-80 strands woven together. It’s incredibly strong. I’m not sure what to recommend to be honest, as that’s all I have ever used to fit sealed windows.

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Just found this, and know a bloke that fits Blinds https://www.liveabout.com/install-windshield-rubber-soapy-string-trick-281410

It's fairly easy. I've done quite a few. More on 70's beetles.
Thin shoe lace type stuff or bailers twine.
I always wrap the cord around the screen twice so if it misses a bit I've got another go.
When you pull the cord you have to try and do it in a circular motion or you can cut the rubber.
The most important part is lubrication. Don't just smear, it cover it. The more the better.
I find the lube for putting drainage pipes together good. Also, it doesn't rot the rubber over time

the modern laminated screens are quite prone to crack,unlike the tougher toughened screens

jamesmartin said:

the modern laminated screens are quite prone to crack,unlike the tougher toughened screens

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Wished you hadnt said that James got me worried now might bottle it and get someone in.

border said:

Wished you hadnt said that James got me worried now might bottle it and get someone in.

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its true though, a length of insulated wire with some soap or similar rub along it works well but i generally wont fit laminated defender screens too likely to crack

jamesmartin said:

its true though, a length of insulated wire with some soap or similar rub along it works well but i generally wont fit laminated defender screens too likely to crack

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Go on make it worse . Got a good length of speaker wire might try that.

border said:

Go on make it worse . Got a good length of speaker wire might try that.

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I remember once back in the 90's my sister had a 1965 1200 delux beetle.
We were on our way to Detling show ground for a beetle show. We were almost there when a car over took and flicked a stone. The windscreen went bang and we couldn't see anything. The joy of toughened glass.
After removing the remains we limped to the show minus a screen. (I kept the rubber)
Went to the swap meet and bought a second hand screen. Then the burger bar for a burger and pleaded for some washing up liquid. I can't remember where I got the cord from but anyway. I did it without any tools in the middle of a field.
Point is. It's not all that difficult. Just be slow and take your time. And resist the temptation of a tap here or there...lol

Don’t use washing up liquid or soap. They have salt in to soften the water to make better suds.
Unless of course you are about to sell it.
In a couple of years time the surround will seriously corrode.

V8bob said:

Don’t use washing up liquid or soap. They have salt in to soften the water to make better suds.
Unless of course you are about to sell it.
In a couple of years time the surround will seriously corrode.

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Thanks ,Will think of something else to use.