QuestionHello,
I have a 71 Spitfire with a hard top that needs some repair. The rear glass seal/grommet needs to be replaced, it's all hard and cracked. Can you walk me through removal of the glass and installation of the new seals with any tools I might need? I already have all the parts: main seal, both chrome trim moulding pieces, and the two rubber seals.
Thanks, Nate
AnswerOk.
Prize out the chrome surround.
then carefully cut! the old seal off from around the glass, then remove the glass.
Fit the new seal to the hole.
Get washing liquid on a sponge with just a bit of water so its slimy.
rub the liquid into the glass gap in the rubber seal.
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now for the difficult bit.
Fit one BOTTOM corner of the glass to the bottom corner of the seal, whichever is easier for you.
Make sure the glass is the right way round.
Once one corner of the glass is snug in the seal then wiggle and manipulate the glass until one corner and most of the bottom of the glass is in the seal.
You need a little wedge of wood or plastic (not metal, it'll scratch or crack the glass)
Now prize the seal open at the corner to let the glass into its slot, lift the glass a bit so its diagonal and maybe slide it down the gap, just try not to put too much force into the corners, getting the bottom corners right is the hardest bit.
You must start from the bottom, if you start at the top the glass will smash when putting the bottom corners in.. bottom corners first (sorry for the repetition but I'd hate it to break!)
keep going a bit at a time lifting the seal and pushing on the glass a little, move 1CM at a time.
Eventually it will be in.
Wash the residue of soap off on the inside and outside.
fit the chrome surround.
Just take your time, dont force anything - if you need extra soap apply it.
You cant go wrong so long as you dont use too much force or any metallic tools, dont put any more force into any part of the job than the glass can take - that way its impossible to mess it up.
