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MG MGA - BLACK SUNDAY

Have you ever seen an old man cry......well you should have been in my garage Sunday when I started the procedure of installing the interior headliner. I have been driving around without it installed and I now wanted to get it in place for Stowe. Well, and here it comes....some gentle persuation and a little push and the windshield started to move ....when all of a sudden...."CRACK"....right down the middle. unbelivable....shocked....pissed off...furious with myself...and completely deflated.

Today monday, the pain has numbed a bit but I am still hurting. This is partly because I am the guy that shows you how to "install" the windshield on Mr. Gaylords website. And yet in one minute, I have cracked mine trying to take it out.

So several questions,

*** Does anyone have a used Frt winshield for sale?
*** What is the procedure for removal of the F/W?
*** Are there any special tools required?
*** Is this a job for a professional?
*** Is it possible to install the HL without
removing the windshield?

So I have searched the internet and find that Jeff Zorn LBC has repro winshields for sale at an extemely fair price of $152.96 + shipping. Does anybody have experience with these repro windshields (quality...fit...etc)

Thanks in advance and please pass the tissue box. Gordon.
Gordon Harrison

Gordon, when buying a new windscreen for the mga (mine is a roadster), for peace of mind go for one made by "PILKINGTON". I believe they are made in UK but not sure who makes or sells them. They are of the best quality. I paid just over £100 for mine about three years ago. That's including carriage to Malta.

Frank
F Camilleri

Gordon,
I feel your pain...but it is just a windshield.

I've had my windshield in and out several times. You can do it, but it's better to have two people. There is a risk that you may damage the sealing rubber, especially if it's dryed out. Start in the lower corner of the winshield by one of the vent wings. Rollup the inside lip of the seal and push outward. Work a few inches at a time. Once you get the corner popped out at the bottom, work your way up and around. A flat wooden stick, like a paint stirrer, can be helpful. Once you get across the top and down the other side you should be able to tip the windshield forward and lift the windshield, seal in place, out of the car.

A couple of cautions...
1. Who ever you buy from, make sure it's the correct thickness. A few years back Moss had a bunch that were too thin. I still have a brand new one of these in the box. Moss refunded my money and said don't bother to return it. I'm currently using my old windshield.
2. Consider a new rubber seal if your's hasn't been replaced in a while. They are not too expensive and will make installation easier and hold your windshield securely.

Having both the front and rear glass removed is generally recommended (required) for headliner installs.

Best of luck,
Gerry
G T Foster

GT
Would you know what thickness the Moss replacement is and do you know what the proper thickness should be?
Gordon Harrison

I second the recommendation for Triplex glass. This is the company that made original glass for the cars when they were on production. They have a habit of using original vintage tooling and refurbishing it from time to time. The company was relatively recently bought by LOF (Libby Ownens Ford) who now have the rights to use the Triplex name on anything they chose. But I think Triplex glass for MGA is still produced in the original factory in England, and maybe also in Australia (as it was while the CKD cars were in production there).

Windscreen glass for MGA should be 1/4-inch thick (in the range of 0.230" to 0.260"). There have been a rash of new roadster parts only 3/16-inch thick (0.180"), and lots of parts too small around the perimeter leaving gaps at the corners and sometimes at the edges. I would guess that a Coupe windscreen glass, even aftermarket brand, should be close to the correct shape to fit the body opening, but might still be too thin.

I have lots of info about roadster glass here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/windscrn/wt_103.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/windscrn/wt_103a.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/windscrn/wt_103b.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/faulty/ft006.htm

If anyone has ANY information about Coupe glass I would be happy to post that too.
Barney Gaylord

Mr. Gaylord
I have some info on ...."How Not To Remove a Coupe Windshield". I will contact Pilkington and see what I can get. I will keep the board posted on the results etc.
Gordon Harrison

Please let us know what you find out from Pilkington Gordon, I also need a new coupe windscreen. Thanks!
G Goeppner

Well I got the broken frt 7 rear windshield out last night using a thin plastic wedge and my fingers. It is a little rough on the fingers thought. I contacted Pilkington and am waiting a reply.

GT: did you put anything in between the roof & the liner when you re-installed yours. I know there is a felt pad that goes there.
Gordon Harrison

Gordon,

We have the shield for your MGA in clear glass. Your cost is $250.00 + $150.00 s&h & your local sales taxes.

Thanks,

Al

This is the response I received this morning. I have re-contacted them asking for any possible alternate type of shipping in order to reduce the cost. I will keep you posted.
Gordon Harrison

Scarborough Faire has them (Triplex/Pilkington)- $289 + 12 for the box.
Decent discount if you buy enough stuff, so get together a couple of guys to make a big/club order and drive to RI to pick it up. Or put the busted one in, drive down, and change it stateside, save shipping and customs! Support Cecelia! Possibly you could get a local glass shop to include it on an order, since Pilkington/Triplex/LOF is a major supplier to the industry. Think there's a big show in CT this weekend as a sweetener, but there is usually something like that with a little planning.

FRM
Fletcher R Millmore

Gordon,
I put a product (insulation) called Lizard Skin on the inside of the top. I also used it on the tranny tunnel and other places. Car is still in primer so I don't really know yet how effective it is.
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

Gordon. If you have somebody in upper state NY you could have it shipped via GREYHOUND. They are most reasonable in cost. I just shipped four fenders for an MGA to Oregon from Florida for $67.00 and a hardtop for an MGA to Houston Taxas for $72.00. It is an automatic $300.00 insurance. They do not insure for more.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

Fletcher,
Thanks for the note but due to my last order at SF....Ceceila and I don't quite see eye to eye. Funny thing it was all because of my headliner.

GT
I lined my interior with a similar product and without the carpets or headliner I really can't tell if the noise is less but I do notice a difference in roof temperature inside the car. I am not sure what the origional pad was there for other than maybe a sound deadiner or heat shield. can't believe it was very effective on either point.

Sandy
Geoff Rogers in Shutebury Mass can get me the Pilkington Triplex for $250.00 plus shipping. I have a Shipping & Receiving place in Champlain NY just over the border by the discount liquor shop (remember that) and Geoff's daughter says they have great sucess with shipping UPS. I checked and ground freight shipping is about $25.00 and one day service. I will take insurance most likely.
Gordon Harrison

The best way to remove any of this glass involves cutting the seal. Millions of VW beetles,type 1's had the glass installed the same way. Sure you have to buy a new seal but their cheaper and easier to ship. Gordan call around and see if any auto glass places has someone experenced in replacing beetle glass.Might be a long shot but does not hurt to ask.
gary starr

Gordon,here are some pictures of a tool I copied from a guy who used to do VW glass. I made it out of a screwdriver,and you use it to pull the inside lip of the rubber seal over the metal lip of the glass opening.Used with the cord method in the MGA shop manual it helps alot. Do not use it to pry on the glass

gary starr

here's another pic


gary starr

Glass must be out front and rear to install head liner.I used a length of electrical wire and 2 extra sets of hands to install mine, no tools. If you are going to replace the vinyl on the dash now is the time to do it. the glass must be out to do it also.

R J Brown

Hi there
It is few weeks since I replaced windshield on VW.
It take two persons (guys?) to do. One outside one inside, we used rope in the seal groove all around.
Start at bottom centre and just pull streight out on rope to get seal over the lip. The bottom and both lower corner are done first. The guy outside pushes in and down, while you do the upright. Little grease or other lube is helpful.

Martin
m zazvorka

Latest update,

A fellow car nut came by the house last night and suggested that I look up a website called Lespac.com. It's a local car site that has a company speciallizing in British glass. He is only 20 miles from my house. I called this morning and although he did not have one in stock, he is going to order one from Pilklington (a triplex origional) and I should have it in two weeks. This will give me time to install the headliner. Best part is the price. I was quoted by Pilkington ($250.00 + $150.00 shipping + taxes)shipped to NY border and then I would have to go down pick it up ( a 1/2 tank of gas), pay the duties and tariffs and the Americain exchange rate. I am guessing that would be a total of app $525.00/$600.00. This man is charging me $400.00 Canadian delievered to my door.

Sometimes a Black Sunday can become a Sunny Wednesday.
Although I still have to spent an extra $400.00.

Gary, your right...at $400.0 a shield it is cheaper to cut the seal and get a new one for $40.00.

Mr Zazvorka: The installation is something that I have documented on Mr. Gaylords site.
Gordon Harrison

This thread was discussed between 16/08/2010 and 18/08/2010

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