In a message dated 98-09-26 13:53:16 EDT, you write:
<< In over my head I think..... again.
My car has a very badly cracked, aged rubber gasket on the windscreen. I
got the better quality replacement from TRF and have successfully removed
the glass. Thank goodness there is no rust on the frame anywhere
The problem is how to get all of the old gasket out. It was installed
originally with a black mastic of some kind which is now very hard and stuck
on tight. I need to clean up the windscreen frame to receive the new rubber
gasket. The trick is to get all the old stuff off without damaging the nice
paint job. I have gotten the bulk of the hard rubber off with a Stanley
knife. I have sliced into the paint on the interior covered parts at times
and will have to touch up those spots to prevent rust. The critical part is
the edge of the old gasket on the surface of the windscreen where it mates
with the paint. The hardness and stuck-on quality has me very concerned
about getting it off and keeping the appearance.
I thought of using a heat gun.. any experience from the list?
What about tools for scraping and digging out this stuff that don't harm the
surface?
Any experience on a safe solvent to use with this stuff?
Do I need to use a new sealer/mastic when I install the new gasket.
What is the sequence to follow for a easy install of the glass? Gasket on
the frame and then the glass into the gasket... or put the gasket on the
glass and jimmy the whole thing onto the frame.
Thanks for the help. (This might be good one for Malcolm's FAQ)
>>
Brian
Not sure about the stuck mastic, maybe try one of those plastic scrubbing
pads?
Last time I did this job I mixed some rustproofer with mineral spirits, (to
thin it) plugged up all but one hole, and poured the stuff inside. Then moved
it around - ala gas tank slush - then let the excess drain out. Messy job -
put down lots of newspapers - but it seemed a good bit of prevention. Clean up
w/ more m-spirits.
To install the glass you get about 20 ft of stout but small cord. Fit the
rubber onto the glass, and wrap the cord around the periphery inside the flap
that faces inside. Lay the glass down on a flat surface with some bunched up
rags supporting it. Then put the frame down and make sure the cord is sticking
thru. Pull the cord whilst pressing down on the frame and it should pull the
flap of rubber thru, maybe not all but most. The balance can be carefully
worked thru with a screwdriver or plastic instrument.
This really works and I have done single-handed, tho' probably even easier
with a helper or 2.
Oh yeah silicone spray lube will help a lot too. No sealer/mastic should be
used.
Good Luck!
Ken Nuelle
58 TR3A
62 TR3B
64 TR4
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