S3 window glazing channels

[CG901]

My windows have been winding more slowly each year, so decided to do a complete overhaul including new motors.
All is progressing with one exception. The glazing channels I am using are too narrow once installed, thus severely restricting the glass movement.
I have applied non-silicone dry lube to no avail.
I bought them from a well known Lotus supplier a few years ago.
Measuring the material demonstrates the compressed width once installed. My original glass is 0.20” thick.
Rather than trying to evenly remove the rubber on the outside of the channel which would be a chore, I would like advice from those who have done this on sourcing a smaller profile channel.
Thank you
Scott in CA.

[RichardHawkins]

Scott,

I can’t give you a direct answer, however I did own a series 1 Lotus Elise. The workshop manual specifies a Krytox lubricant A082V62395. The difference when lubricated with krytox was outstanding.

Hope this helps,

Richard Hawkins

[CG901]

Thank you Richard.

[Marky_Mark]

Hi Scott,

Are you sure your glass is original? I believe standard thickness is ~ 4mm. I tried to install thicker glass recently as it was incorrectly supplied to me, I ended up swapping back to 4mm as it was very difficult to move the glass.

Mark

[Ianstuart]

Yes, glass needs to be 4mm.
I mistakenly bought 5mm, wouldn’t move in the channels, so had to change it.
Maybe there’s a version for thicker glass.

[ericbushby]

I thought the series 3 model had 5mm glass and the 4mm type came in later on the S4. Another saving in cost and weight.
My car has 5mm glass etched with the date code for xxx7 so is likely to be original.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[CG901]

new glazing channel

original channel

Mine is an early S3, pre- airflow coupe. 5 mm glass.
To illustrate my issue further, see attached images.

The first image is the original glazing channel ( notice the wings sit below the metal u- channel enclosures) and second image, new material ( notice the wings sit above the the metal u- channel enclosures).
I believe the original design allowed the channel to sit below and be retained by the ‘metal u- channel enclosures’ and have a wider gap for the glass, whereas as the new material has taller wings that sit above and therefore narrow the glass channel restricting its movement.
Only my observation. I would be interested if anybody else agrees.

[gherlt]

Hi,
i had the same problem, and - with shipping to Europe buying other ones is expensive - I just fully cut out one of the wings (I choose the inner side hoping for better closure on the outside).
And it worked, glass (5mm) is moving good, and there is no rattling or lateral movement.

[CG901]

Hi gherit,
Interesting approach. I’ll try this. Thanks

[CG901]

I have completed my window project successfully. The glazing channels sourced from Sue Miller worked perfectly. She siad they were for the +2 and slightly smaller than the Elan version. They sit nicely in the recesses and allowed the perfect clearance for my 5mm original glass. Now, no noise from the window glass when closing the doors.
I would recommend contacting Sue before buying the off the shelf S3/S4 glzaing channel.