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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Will any windscreen do?

I'd like to refurbish a spare windscreen for my 68 Sprite IV. (New glass and seals, re-anodised etc)
Will any wind-up window screen fit? Are they shimmed individually, or does the scuttle/screen frame seal allow for any discrepancies?
I've searched the archives for fitting tips, like squeezing the frame parts together and the duct tape for the lower seal.
M Crossley

They are all the same from when wind-up windows used.

They are shimmed according to each car, i.e. the legs that are bolted to the bulkhead have spacers inserted between frame and body... the idea is not to distort the frame as they are bolted in... since its might weaken frame, crack glass, ...

The seals should be compressed to seal against the bulkhead, and the screen angled to touch the 1/4 lights when doors shut.

Best done with 2 people - one to sit on frame (facing backwards to compress and get the angle right, the other to do up the bolts.

A
Anthony Cutler

I redid mine with new glass last summer.
Most of the work is obvious enough. There are two scarey bits.
Compressing the frame components onto the glass requires a lot of force and I was convinced the glass would shatter. But after some experimenting I used a couple of small ratchet straps and just gradually kept alternately increasing the tension and waiting for the parts to move together, with the help of some rubber lubricant.
Fitting the assembled screen to the car needs it to be pulled down hard onto the scuttle. Not having someone to sit on it as Ant describes, I again used my ratchet straps over the top of the screen and under the top door hinge. This pulled it down at the right angle and I could adjust the tension until the bolt holes lined up.

Incidentally, it is awkward getting at those screen pillar bolts, but easier if you undo the bottom corner fixing brackets for the dashboard, and pull the bottom towards you.

Guy
Guy

Meant to add a photo, but editing doesn't include that option!

Guy

Ta Chaps,
That was quick.
So are the shims differing thicknesses, or can I just bung in whats already there with my existing frame? I'd prefer to fit a spare screen that I'd refurbished at my leisure (when its convenient to send the frame parts to the anodiser with stuff from work) but if I'd be better using the present item, then thats what I'll do.

Mark
M Crossley

Mark - whatever method you use be prepared for lacerated hands! The dashboard and various things under the dash are all quite sharp. I speak from experience!

I'm not sure why no one has mentioned fitting laminated glass rather than safety glass (are all replacements now laminated?). Laminated is much safer and is required for motorsport.

Guy - what a fantastic method using the rachet straps. I wish i had thought of that when I replaced my screen. I used the bent-over pointy handle to pull the screen down but it was a struggle.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

I got my screen from Moss which I think was cheapest at the time at around £50. Pretty sure it was laminated. It came in a huge plywood packing case for which there was a £35 refundable deposit. What wasn't clear until after it came was that none of the normal carriers would collect it because it was "oversize". One of them quoted £295 because it would require a special collection! In the end I kept the case, - it makes a useful extra work bench and storage unit.
Guy

regarding the shims, you need what will fill the gap so that the bolt tightening does not squeeze the glass

after building up a new glass assembly (reusing the frame, or using a different frame) ought to result in about the same thing, shim-wise, and if not, well, that's why there's shims

I had to add shims, didn't have any more, and used washers instead (works just as effectively as shims, but not as worker friendly for getting in there is all).


Norm
Norm Kerr

This thread was discussed on 07/04/2011

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