windscreen rubber

[ian hawkes]

Anyone had problems with fitting laminated screen to mk1 mini,45 mins fitting time . First rubber supplied was to long,second rubber will not allow the screen to seat correctly,Also chrome strip tight fit.

[AndyPen]

Similar experience here, had to be very patient but got there in the end using plenty of lube gel... which no doubt got me a few looks in Boots

[mab01uk]

A thicker laminated windscreen (6mm) was fitted to MPi Minis along with a wider rubber seal which was a requirement I believe to prevent it blowing out upon airbag deployment.
These screens are usually more expensive, tinted and have an area for bonding the interior mirror in position....I assume replacement laminated screens for older Minis have not started to be produced in the thicker glass...

[ian hawkes]

Thanks guys just makes a simple job a pain. just been asked to try again with screen rubber number 3.!!!

[whistler]

I fitted a standard minispares laminated screen to the front of my mk1 with absolutely no problems at all.

[AndyPen]

I fitted a standard minispares laminated screen to the front of my mk1 with absolutely no problems at all.

Now that I've done one again and got the feel of it all, I think I'd be a lot quicker next time around. I do have a pair of suction handles and they make it all a lot easier too.

[mini_surfari]

Had a rubber from the same supplier as the 'radius arm kit thread supplier' thread, couldn't get the filler strip in after a battle with the windscreen...

Bought a rubber from Somerford, its channel for the screen and surround was deeper and it went straight in.

[Bob46320]

The little metal strip that finishes off the plastic trim was a bugger to get in. Went to a W'screen place, he struggled until he used plenty of lube and then slid it into place from one side of the joint, then centralised it by sliding it back a bit. Advice was to leave a bit of lube on the joint for a week or two as the rubber "relaxes".

[Old English White]

There isn't a "little metal strip" on a standard Mk1 windscreen surround

[mab01uk]

According to the book "Anatomy of the Classic Mini" the front windscreen rubber for:-
Toughened glass is 14A 6809,
Laminated glass is 14A 6842 (has a wider slot for the thicker glass),
Wider screen rubber from 1991 to 2000 is CCB 10011.

[minibitz]

I’ve fitted well in excess of a 100 screens and can confirm that it more a case of technique and to a degree determination rather than where the rubber is sourced from. I’ve tried seals from many suppliers and they can all be made to work.

Like all things mini there is variation in screen surrounds so some cars will accept glass easier than others. I’ve had some screens fall into place dead easy and others put up a rear fight.

Interior trim will also affect how easily a rubber will seat. Pillar and roof trim material if too thick makes the job harder.

Adequate lubricant is the key and needs to be applied to both seal channels. When done correctly the screen will seat centrally in the seal and can be tapped down into place so glass is level with surround lip on body which then makes fitting the fillet strip a lot easier.

If I get a screen that’s putting up a fight I’ve found it’s better to pull it out, re-lube then start again rather than struggle on. Normally they go in easier on second attempt as there will have been a dry spot on the seal or the glass was slightly out of centre.

[Polarsilver]

My experiences are first check the edges of any Windscreen are there any rough bits to edge of the glass? if so sand that area smooth .. Then smear Silicone Grease as the lubricant on the inner seal channel & give it a finger smear all around ..then with the windcreen teased into the channel give it several by hand pushes in & out still keeping the glass in the channel & that Windscreen now sits in a good location with the outer seal now sitting happy .. insert the locking strip by now the locking strip channel will have my silicone grease helping the insertion .. then using my 1960,s wire shape tool i insert the locking strip & try not to stretch the rubber locking strip during insertion.. also cut the locking strip about 5 mm too long .. then push the over long tail end of locking strip into its position, reason the "Rubber " locking strip will settle & maybe shrink over time & i do not want to see a shrinkage gap at the bottom locking strip start / finish area under the wiper... as already said "Lubrication is the Key."
"Never Ever try to fit a Windscreen on a Cold Winters Day "