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MG TD TF 1500 - Windshield installation help - TF

Question to those who've tackled this task.

I assembled the windshield frame late yesterday as a trial run to make sure everything is put together nicely and identify the location of all the different screws. Quite a task for a first timer for this intricate puzzle consisting of interlocking pieces and hardware...

My first question is the packing. I bought mine from Brown and Gammons. It is the rubber embossed typed. Do you cut four separate pieces when installing each frame or keep it all in one piece mitering the corners?

Second, when you first start installing the glass to the top frame, do you keep the sides still installed but the screws / sides loose - get the top frame installed to the glass and next wedge the side pieces in?

I've been reading archives and searching the web. I've seen different methods. Just trying to get this done right the first time.

Frank
TF1414



Frank Cronin

I can't offer a definitive answer Frank except to say that the two biggest issues for me were the differences between metric and imperial glass and the original and AM rubber thickness. In the end I gave up on the rubber in frustration and used black polyurethane. One good thing with the TF is you don't have to worry about the wiper wiring. You also shouldn't have the glass thickness issue. I had mine together and apart a few times before I was happy. I binned the AM top corner brackets from Moss as the position of the post prevented the corners from aligning. They were 1/2" out of whack! I had to have my originals repaired and rechromed. I've seen a couple of cars here that persevered with the Moss corners and boy do they look ugly! Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Putting in the glass is a PITA for sure. I like to keep the rubber in one piece so it does not slip around as much. You might want to buy an extra rubber packing material just in case or just buy more when you end up discovering everything does not work the way you want it to.

Here are some tips:
* As Peter mentioned the original glass was 1/4" and since about 1970 in the US you can only get metric, unless you get it from a source like FTFU.
* Whatever packing you use it has to fit tight so a bit of pounding with a rubber hammer is going to be required
* The best packing I ever used was a self adhesive one that also had cork bits imbedded in it.
* You can also put some painters tape on the packing material to hold it in place as you get everything in position. It probably won't come out when you trim it so watch for that.
* if you use the painters tape trick you can try to pre miter the corners. I have had some (limited) success with that.
* I like to wait a few days after assembly before trimming. During that time I will pull on the packing to make sure its out as far as it can be
* After you are all done you may need put in some black silicone in a few places (corners) if the gasket does suck in.

Good luck.
Christopher Couper

Hi Frank,

The easiest way to fit the glass to the screen is to bin the rubber gasket and use black silicone sealant instead. You will have to do careful masking but the job is FAR easier using this method. I know lots of other owners have used this method.

Jan T
J Targosz

I agree with Jan-much easier!
Beware of el cheapo DIY indoor silicone! It should be weather proof.
I used a product called PCI and it turned out lovely. The masking is the secret to success. I used PVC insulating tape. Always pull the tape off towards the silicone and not away from it. Wear disposable gloves and have a waste bin beside you. It can be a messy job if you are not used to it.
Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

I assemble the top and sides. I fold the seal over the glass and tape it to the glass. I miter cut the corners , keeping it in one piece and make the joint in the center of the bottom. I use a little K Y jelly on the rubber seal and and insert the assembly into the frame. A rubber mallet maybe used to set the glass firmly into the channels. I fix the corner brackets to the lower rail, but leave the screws loose. Offer up the lower rail and after fixing it to the side rails I tighten up the bottom screws. Once it's together I trim off the excess rubber weather seal with a razor knife and wash off the KY. I have done 4 that way and will be doing another one very soon.
L E D LaVerne

I installed my new glass using LaVernes method and had no problems. Only difference was I used a silicone lubricate. I took my old glass to a shop that cut the new piece using the exact dimensions of the old glass. New safety glass, $25.00. PJ
PJ Jennings

Broadly the same for me too, worked perfectly. I also put additional rubber packing in the channels to keep the glass centralised and away from any projecting screws (which should be only long enough to do the job required).
Dave H
Dave Hill

Thank you to everyone who shared their tips and suggestions.

Frank

TF1414
Frank Cronin

If you use silicon to fit the glass into the frame don't worry about future dismantling. I have grandchildren who play with hard balls and have fitted a screen with silicon twice! No problems with either assembly or removal of the broken glass.

Jan
J Targosz

This thread was discussed between 06/08/2018 and 08/08/2018

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