R5 diy windscreen fitting

[Jeff Ninebar]

anyone done a diy fitting of a windscreen on a 5? should i attempt it?

[Trevhib]

I'd definitely get a pro to do this.

[phase i 16 v turbo]

Speak to someone in the Tesco car park and see if they want a cash job ;)

[Jeff Ninebar]

what you saying mike, find an autoglass man doing a repair and offer him a cash job?

[James5]

i know a localish guy near me whom is a windscreen fitter that could prob do it cash:agree:

[LukeRobbo]

Make sure they seal it all the way round the stupid autoglass guy who done my old screen never sealed the bottom at all.I'm gonna have a go myself it can't be hard?

[wilton_warrior]

window easy enough to come out? without a big size 12 from inside lol. what sealant would you use for sealing the new one on.

[phase i 16 v turbo]

what you saying mike, find an autoglass man doing a repair and offer him a cash job?

Yes that is how I found the guy I now use for all mine

[Jeff Ninebar]

Screens are hard to get out without damaging them, you need some special tools to get all the sealant off properly. I've got a brand new screen to go in and the shell is completely clean from the re-spray so it should be easy to get it to stick.

I've seen these kits Dinitrol do: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221210608276 I hate paying someone to do stuff I could probably do myself, just scarred of messing up the sealant getting the window in the right place...

This guy makes it look pretty straight forward :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoljdvhPUGE

[Trevhib]

I watched both of his vids, the removal and the refitting.

In your position, fitting doesn't seem too difficult. With the GTT though, isn't there an inner AND an outer seal? Plus the doofer in the middle. And what about suction cups to aid the fitment process?

If you're paying £16 for the bonding kit and then some for two lots of seals and it comes to say £45 (and you do the job without suction cups). If the pro fitting costs you £60 (a guess), then surely it's worth the £15 for both the peace of mind that it's been done properly and the convenience?

If you get it wrong there are a number of things that could be costly, like catching the paint, dropping the glass, or worst of all, having a leaky (or noisy) windscreen, any of which would be a dreadful outcome given the effort and quality of the rest of the car.

Otherwise, I'm all for you doing it yourself and letting us know how it goes :D :agree:

[Alex]

Really not worth dicking around trying to do this yourself. You might as well pay someone that does it for a living, it doesn't cost much. :)

[V Man]

I did mine and it was fine. I had a mate (Ashy) hold the screen with some home made handles (gaffer tape) and just seated it in. Just line to corners up and it it goes. The surround of the screen is your guide so it's easy enough to line up. Just make sure everything is clean. I used sikaflex from eBay. :agree:t

[Jeff Ninebar]

I think finding someone to do it is the right way to go, although I'm sure I can do it myself. V man has just swayed me over to the diy side again though :laugh:

[Trevhib]

Seals - There are numerous parts. Read down to the bottom here:

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=32889

Mark discussing bits here:
http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=28400

Dave May talks about what can happen if the inner seal is missing in favour of lots of sealant:
http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=24284


There is also talk of using universal and/or transit seals.

[Jeff Ninebar]

I've been looking at the options on seals, there are 3 seals required for the window, the inner seal that attaches to the shell of the car and is basically a trim piece to cover up the metal edge of the window frame, a plastic edge strip that goes around the edge of the glass and then the outer rubber seal/ trim that covers the gap between the glass and the car body. The window sealant is what actually makes it all watertight.

I've found a rubber trim that fits nice on the frame that is a 5th of the price of the oe trim, its not quite the same shape but i think will do the job. I found a supplier for the middle plastic glass edge that was also a 5th of the price of oe and fits great and tested with my old outer fine. I'm just waiting for them to supply the outer seal also at a 5th of the price. once delivered I'll report on the fit.

[Trevhib]

Brilliant. I love that you're taking this on :)

Keep us informed :coffee: :D

[Alex]

I suppose if you're just fitting it, it won't be so bad. I definitely wouldn't bother trying to take one out.