windshield frame restoration
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
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rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
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.
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Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
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 Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
I must be missing something Curtis... why would polishing the windshield frame make it harder to reinstall?
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Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
Ooops. I didn't mean to imply that... just that installing windshields on MGB convertible's is always a chore.
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rficalora Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
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!
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RockyMountainMGB Mark Taylor Denver Colorado, USA (39 posts) Registered: 05/30/2008 07:22PM Main British Car: 1973 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
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 Rob Ficalora Willis, TX (2764 posts) Registered: 10/24/2007 02:46PM Main British Car: '76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302 |
Re: windshield frame restoration
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? |