[Healeys] Windshield to cowl gasget - BJ8

[Bob Yule]

    Bob, we seem to have done this job more times than I would like. On some 
of the aftermarket seals, the "T" section is really too thick.  You have to 
make sure the slot is open as far as it should be. Many times it has been 
squeezed down to hold the seal in.  You need to pry it open all round the 
curve.  Then after the seal is worked in from the middle, you need another 
person to pull the seal really tight.  It can then usually be worked in 
around the curve, while under tension.  When one side is in, tape it in 
place untill the other side is in and then install the windshield as quickly 
as possible.  You will find that the shape of the car to frame holds it all 
in place.  We have been trying to find better seals for some time now, and 
one of our suppliers is finally listening.  Unfortunatly this won't help you 
this weekend.  Good luck!!
Cheers.......Bob
Check out our web site www.autofarm.net
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <HealeyBJ7 at aol.com>
To: <healeys at autox.team.net>
Cc: <david.r.altman at altmancompany.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 8:59 AM
Subject: [Healeys] Windshield to cowl gasget - BJ8


> Once again, I need to ask the knowledgable group a reassembly question.
> I have probably just ruined the second widshield to cowl gasget on a BJ8.
> I've used two different sources and still cannot get the gasget in around 
> the
> bend in the frame. The windshield shop I took the first one to tried for 
> three
> hours and said they would cut the " T " shape from the bottom edge and 
> glue
> the  gasget in at the corners. This didn't seem right so I got a new 
> gasget and
> have  been trying to do it myself. The new gasget has a better profile and 
> I
> can work  it in on the straight section of the frame, but not around the
> bends. I've even  taken the windshield frame back apart and am working 
> with the
> bottom frame  member by itself on the bench, but still no sucess.
> Anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to do this job??
>
> PS  I see the tech article by Jean Caron in the August issue of the 
> Austin
> Healey Magazine about installing a grill in a BJ8. He starts out by 
> saying, "
> Other than installing the windshield bottom seal on a BJ7/BJ8, the
> installation of the ...... is my least favorite job on an Austin Healey". 
> Guess  what my
> NEXT project will be?
>
> Thanks for any advice you can offer,
> Bob