Windscreen Replacement I wasn't expecting this

[charlie vrs]

I took my car in to have the windscreen replaced and half an hour later, got one of dreaded calls.

They had removed the rubber seal around the screen and found some serious corrosion. I struggled to mack send of this as I was thinking fibreglass doesn't rust!

Turns out that there is a metal plate sandwiched between the fibreglass windscreen frame and the the windscreen.




I have spoken to a couple of TVR parts specialists who cannot even find a part number let alone stock, one of them couldn't remember ever being asked for the part.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

If yes did you do to fix it?

[SSPPGG]

that sounds very odd, perhaps someone used it as a packer or some such.....

[charlie vrs]

Simon, yes photos not great, but I can't get any that are better this evening. I will try again in the morning.

[SILICONEKID340HP]

Mail raceboy he had the same problem .

[Alexdaredevilz]

I will ask at work on Monday what the best solution is

[estutjaweh]

As far as I remember it is just a thin sheet steel strip which is riveted to the fiberglass frame under the windscreen. Its sole purpose is to allow the windscreen rubber a surface to sit onto. Its only steel because the fiberglass would be too brittle at this thickness.

As soon as the windscreen is out it should be possible to drill the old rivets out and replace the rot with a new steel strip...annoying and time consuming but cheap as chips to do.

[charlie vrs]

estutjaweh said:

As far as I remember it is just a thin sheet steel strip which is riveted to the fiberglass frame under the windscreen. Its sole purpose is to allow the windscreen rubber a surface to sit onto. Its only steel because the fiberglass would be too brittle at this thickness.

As soon as the windscreen is out it should be possible to drill the old rivets out and replace the rot with a new steel strip...annoying and time consuming but cheap as chips to do.

I was hoping it was that simple, but until the screen is taken out I couldn't be sure. I've been caught before thinking this way and then a gotcha appears out of the blue.

Anyway, screen is being taken out on Monday so will be able to get much better pictures.

Thanks for all the replies and info.

[charlie vrs]

Right the windscreen has been removed and things are much clearer.

Here are a couple of pictures




Great big sigh of relief, all that is needed is 2 metal strips, 395mm x 25mm x 2mm for the sides and some pop rivets. Fortunately the more intricate piece across the top of the windscreen only has surface rust on it so can be rescued. :-)

Edited by charlie vrs on Monday 13th August 20:58

Edited by charlie vrs on Monday 13th August 21:07

[gavgavgav]

replace with stainless?

[Alexdaredevilz]

I personally use ally rivets that split in 3 parts

It's not likey to crack/split the fibreglass and won't rust

[Kwacker]

Have noticed this is happening on mine as well. Glad to see it is not to fatal. Now all I need is a decent bird strike!

Kwacker

[charlie vrs]

Went to B&Q and found a perfect strip of Anodised Aluminium. Well over priced at nearly £7, but still less than postage from any mail order place and don't have to wait for delivery.

Just need to get a couple of hours in the garage and everything should be good as new.

[Pursyluv]

Kwacker said:

Have noticed this is happening on mine as well. Glad to see it is not to fatal. Now all I need is a decent bird strike!

Kwacker

Jacking it up and down to work on the chassis will always find any weak areas in the screen laminate.

Also, mine were changed by the company that replaced the screen, it didn't present them with any problems, as they'd seen it all before.