Fitting a S4 DHC Screen !!!!!!!!! HELLLPP!

[archigator]

John,

I think the rubber windscreen gasket that Lotus now supplies is not
the same as the original, in that the rubber flange that is exposed
to the exterior side (the exposed lip) is about a quarter of an inch
shorter than the original. (ie. it doesn't flush out with the roof
line as the original did, but falls short and actually butts up
against the lip at the roof line. DHC's may be different at that
condition however; I don't know.)

I recently bought my replacement windscreen gasket from Dave Bean,
and they say they procured it directly from Lotus. (I don't think
this profile makes installation any more difficult however.) I put
mine in by myself, and the wooden clothespin lever "tools" really did
the trick. Although it took quite a few sanity breaks. I didn't use
soap at all.

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint FHC

[garyeanderson]

I have tried aftermarket windscreen surrounds with simmilar
results and only use the Lotus Factory suplyed ones now, they are a
much softer rubber and are easier to work.

Gary

--- In ***@***.***, "nebogipfel2004"
<nebogipfel2004@y...> wrote:

[Gordon Sauer]

With all this about fitting, no one has mentioned sealants--and those don't
seem compatible with soap for ease of fitment. Does the rubber seal well
enough--no leaks--without using any sealant of sorts? Gordon Sauer

[twincamracing]

I've never had the cord trick fail me, an extra pair of hands is an
invaluable asset to do the job. Andrew's note about spacing needs to be
checked. I've had good luck with using a dry powder like corn starch as
soap and water tends to make my hands too slippery to hold a smooth
surface. The cord can be smaller and wrapped around the rubber more
than once, not too much smaller as it can cut right through the rubber.


I do it by wrapping the rubber twice with the cord ends crossing and
hanging out the top center, apply a liberal application of corn starch
or baby powder to the rubber chaanel and the cord. Set the bottom of
the rubber onto the windscreen aperture flange, with one person holding
hands flat on the outside of the glass, providing even pressure, you
gently work the cord out from the inside with a gentle motion to coax
the rubber over the flange without cutting or tearing (here, the amount
of outside pressure is relevant) work first toward one side then the
other and go all around. Nice part about the double wrap is if you
can't get it the first time, you have anothe rchance before removing
the windscreen and rewrapping. Patience and a warm day or garage aids
the flexibility of the rubber. Walk away if you get frustrated and save
the beer for when it is done. The glass will retain its integrity much
better

Speaking of, check the edges of the glass while it is out and smooth
down any chips or sharpness which is a stress riser and could lead to
premature cracking.

Cheers,
Scott





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[poiuyt]

Gary,

Probably easier with the FHC because the windshield frame probably
doesn't flex as much under pressure.

Question: Did you use any lubricant in either the windshield or lock
strip insertion?

Steve B.

--- In ***@***.***, "Gary" <MCGRAW@C...> wrote:

[poiuyt]

I agree! Just because it is possible for you to do a job does not
mean that you should.

As Dirty Harry said in Magnum Force, "A man's got to know his
limitations."

Steve B.


--- In ***@***.***, "Jeff Wolfson" <jeffw@i...> wrote:

[archigator]

Steve,

Actually, you'd be suprised how much that roof does flex with those
little fiberglass pilars up front and no windshield in place to
stiffen the assembly, but you're right in that I'm sure the DHC is
not the same. I didn't use any lubricant at all for the gasket or the
lock strip. (The lock strip goes in relatively easy, compared to the
windshield and gasket.)

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint FHC

___________________________________________________________________
--- In ***@***.***, "Steve B" <mygti@o...> wrote:

[archigator]

"You've also got to ask yourself... Do I feel lucky today? Well, do
ya?"

D.H.

______________________________________________________________________
--- In ***@***.***, "Steve B" <mygti@o...> wrote: