windshield frame restoration

barrysmgb · January 01, 2011, 07:36:43 PM

dismantleing my 79 mgb. i,m waiting for 302 from my engine builder so referbing parts as i go do i polish window frame on my buffing wheels ? or other is that clear coat on frame . frame in good condition but like things to look new. replacing all rubber etc thanks barry

rficalora · January 01, 2011, 09:14:19 PM

Pretty sure they were clear anodized originally. Several people have polished & they look great. Check Paul Schil's (sp?) car for an example. Probably shooting clearcoat after the polish - or maybe having the pieces clear powder coated like wheels would reduce maintenance.

Moderator · January 02, 2011, 04:11:33 PM

Shiniest I've seen was Mike Moor's:

I believe he started by removing the anodization with oven cleaner, and I think he also welded-in the old sunvisor mounting holes. Warning: putting the windshield back on the car will be a pain.

rficalora · January 02, 2011, 07:01:03 PM

I must be missing something Curtis... why would polishing the windshield frame make it harder to reinstall?

Moderator · January 02, 2011, 11:16:38 PM

Ooops. I didn't mean to imply that... just that installing windshields on MGB convertible's is always a chore.

rficalora · January 02, 2011, 11:35:06 PM

I never had any trouble except when doing it with a new bottom seal -- then it is a real PITA. I guess if you go to the trouble of polishing the frame, a new seal is likely so your warning is probably valid!

MGBV8 · January 03, 2011, 09:22:34 PM

Mike finished his off by having it chromed.

RockyMountainMGB · January 14, 2011, 03:06:14 PM

I've broken a brand new windshield installing it with the install tip from MG Experience (the C-clamp approach).
Now my newer new one is just mounted with the middle rear view mirror bolts.
I don't have the heart to crack another one. It's a $500 mistake.
I've taken in to a shop in town and they couldn't get it installed for fear of breaking it.

Now I've cut the entire rubber compression part of the seal off and am waiting for a warm day.
If it breaks again I figure it's God's way of telling me to pull the car apart again and redo the body work.
That or sell my B and buy a Bugeye --- much to my wife's shagrin.

Mark

rficalora · January 14, 2011, 04:17:21 PM

Ouch. If you haven't bought your replacement glass, call around. I got mine locally for ~$185... not that breaking a $200 windshield is something you want to do either but it'd hurt a little less.

As for reinstalling -- are you re-using your bottom seal or replacing with new? If new, you should definitely ensure it & the cowl are reasonably warmed up. With temps in the 30's & 40's the rubber is bound to be stiff. Maybe bring it inside for a day or two & use some 100W regular or even 500W halogen lights warm the car a bit.

Not sure I follow the part about cutting the compression part off. If you're talkinga bout the tube part at the bottom I think you're going to get water leaking through w/o that. May work for the winter & have to redo it in the spring/summer when temps are higher & it'd be a little easier?