Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I am in the process of restoring my 1970 coupe. Its been a non stop marathon of work. 7 days a week now. Anyway i am up to installing the windshield . I have the gasket in place and the glass stairing at me. Now what would be the next step I know the rope thing will not work i was told so i am looking for some advise and I know that this form has a lot of good people out there. Any words of wisdom Always is nice

thanks and long live the elan

I have done a few windscreens over the years in my Elan. I fit the glass into the bottom channel and one of the side channels and then use a suitable plastic trim removal tool to pry up the rubber lip on the other 2 sides over the glass. Then use the diamond shape tool to fit the trim strip into the gap in the rubber

cheers
Rohan

thank you. I am using wd 40 which works much better than soapy water

+1
i have fitted the back window on TVR 3000M like that and it works no problem. Also front screen TVR 1600M no problem.
Rubber seal fitted to appeture first then glass from outside.
I also found WD40 works well better than soap.
Set of plastic tools NO metal tools.
Alan

And if you’re not putting the original seal back make sure the new one has the correct bottom angles (135 I think rather than 90 degrees).

elanfan1 wrote:And if you’re not putting the original seal back make sure the new one has the correct bottom angles (135 I think rather than 90 degrees).

Spot on BUT where can you buy with 135°.
I need one for my Sprint fhc.
Well i'm waiting where can you buy one
Alan

The first time I put a windshield in was after repairs to the A pillars and the opening was a bit too big. I packed pillows inside so the glass couldn't fall into the car. I still take that precaution.

Just curious here...

I helped install quite a few windscreens back in the day - all done using the rope trick.

How does this NOT work with Lotus?

Is it metal versus fiberglass or...?

Again, just curious here.

I had several goes at the install. The wd 40 did not work but stole some dawn mixed it with some water then coated the glass edges and the seal. In 20 minutes the glass was in. i used some plastic interior tools and the glass goes right in. I think that the rope will hurt the fiberglass it is so thin that it will distort and maybe crack it.

I installed my windshield using rope & dish soap/water. Rubber on the glass, rope on the rubber, place the windshield/rubber on the bottom edge & pull her in...

I don't think the angle is as big as 135 degrees, but certainly not 90 degrees either:

I think it's a little more than 100°.
Using a cord/rope can damage the seal . Also rub against the headlining and drag it inside the car.
Alan

alan.barker wrote:Using a cord/rope can damage the seal . Also rub against the headlining and drag it inside the car.
Alan

You have to take your time... some skill required... I remember that's how it was done at Dagenham on Cortinas when I was there in the early 80's...

Yes, but dagenham dustbins are metal mon ami.
Alan

alan.barker wrote:Yes, but dagenham dustbins are metal mon ami.
Alan

Whatever… it works

True 100% if it works for you i'm happy.
It's good to have a choice.
Alan