MG Car Repair: Midget 1500 windshield, silicone grease, rtv sealant

Question
QUESTION: Barrie, I'm replacing the glass in my '76 midget 1500, do I have to "glue" the rubber seals that fit above, and below, the windshield frame? I'm no mechanic so I have to ask these "dumb" questions of people with knowledge.
Thanx,
Lionel

ANSWER: Hi Lionel.  Replacing the windscreen glass on a Midget is not an easy task, and your question is certainly not "dumb".  

No, the factory did not use any "glue", although I do find that washing-up liquid helps when trying to slide the glass/rubber into the frame.  After assembly, leave it to settle and dry out.  If there are any visible gaps, these can be sealed when thoroughly dry with a small quantity of black RTV sealant.  (Room Temperature Vulcanising low-modulus Silicone sealant).

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Barrie, thanks for the prompt response,and the advice for the "main windshield seal". I was probably not clear in asking the question...the seals that I refer to are the ones that fit between the top of the frame and the "soft top", and the one that fits below the frame where it "sits" on the body of the car.

Lionel

Answer
HI Lionel.  You should not need any glue.  The top and bottom seals clip into recesses in the frame.  

You can use soft soap as a lubricant to help with the assembly, or washing-up liquid.  Nowadays, I use silicone grease instead.

Before you start, measure the length of the frame and measure the length of the rubber seal that you are about to insert.  The rubber must be as long as the frame, or longer.  Do not cut it shorter at this stage.  

Insert the seal into the frame (easier said than done).  When you have finished, you should have piece of seal sticking out at each end.  Measure them, and calculate by how much you have stretched the seal when inserting it.  Now cut off the calculated amount from each end, so that the excess protrudes equally from both sides.  Leave it for a day or two, and it will usually shrink into the frame without any help.  If it still protrudes after a week, then you might like to trim the ends a bit, but it may still shrink some more, so do not be in a hurry to cut it off.