Installing guarterlight glass

[mr.vman]

I have new seals (gaskets) and have had the window frames plated. How to install the quarterlight glass? Install the seals to the glass and then into the frame? Seals into the frame and force the glass in? Or what other method works? Silicon? Soap? Or what helps? Spent this afternoon attempting to install, can get the front seal on the glass, after that what to do? Thanks for the help on this one. Steve V. +2 in Arizona

[jono]

Seals in first and a few blobs of silicone to seat them. Dum Dum the top mitre and hole in the frame.

Angle grinder - gently take the sharp arrisses off the glass (all around) and then loads of soapy water - gently push the glass in from the open end of the frame. It should go in easily.

I tried all ways without success before hitting on the angle grinder trick - once the edges are eased they go in without too much difficulty.

(wear goggles when grinding!)

Jon

[alaric]

Hi. I fitted the quarter light on the driver side about a year ago and need to do the passenger side now. I didn't need to grind glass but have no doubt that would make pushing the glass into the seal easier. I had to fit the seals to the frame first, then with the aid of some fairy liquid slid the glass into the seal - it wasn't easy but did engage and push in. I then had to fettle the lower runner - the one that rusts out - as I have new stainless ones to fit and of course they're not quite the right shape. All looks smart now on the completed one though. Not looking forward to doing the other side but need to - long overdue. I'll let you know how I get on but would be interested in what works for you.

Regards.

Sean.

[stugilmour]

Steve, curious where you sourced the seals from? Poster in a recent thread below (Ennio) is trying to find them or something suitable. Cheers and good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[mr.vman]

Stu, Sports Car World had all of the quarter window seals. If ordering, you will need the Lotus part numbers. The seals appear to be a good match for the Lotus seals. I might take the windows to a glass company tomorrow. Will keep you "posted". Steve V.

[stugilmour]

Thanks Steve. I put a note in the other thread for Ennio. A glass professional sounds like the way to go to me as well. Sounds like you are making good progress.

[mr.vman]

The quarter windows are now installed. Had a local automotive glass shop install. They fought with the seals/gaskets for some time. Told me, the windows were the worst they had done. Charged me, $120 USD. I watched them work the window. They used two people, clamps and pry screwdrivers used to pull the gasket/seal over the glass. Getting the seal/gasket to first fit the glass, was the big problem. The new seals/gaskets fit tight on the glass, that appears to be the problem installing. Steve V. +2 in Arizona

[ennio]

Hi Steve,

I sent email to Sport Cars World 10 days ago for the Q/L seals, but there is still no reply. Just wonder who should I contact?

Thanks in advance.

Ennio

[alaric]

Ok trying to fit my quarterlight back in. All I can say is grrrrr aaahahhhhh!

I'm using my original seals backed up with silicon sealant. The problem is the replacement lower section that usually rusts out. I have stainless ones. I managed to bend and fettle the driver's side one to get it in. But this one is defeating me at the moment. So time for a beer and another attack tomorrow.

Are there any simple jobs that'll just go together... - ok I know - LOTUS!

Sean.

[jono]

Sean,

Been there and done that (with the stainless channels). They do eventually work but need patience.

What you will also find (as I have) is that when you offer the frames back up to the door shell the lug with the hole in on the new bottom channel does not align with the bobbin hole in the door shell. Still pondering this one but I think I will cut the hole in the lug to a slot and then 'clamp' the lug to the bobbin using some penny washers as shims.

Will post up some pics of my eventual solution so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Jon

[alaric]

Thanks Jon. Safety in numbers eh... I don't recall having a problem with the lug but probably did. Actually I could post a pic or two of the drivers side install as I've not put the external trim on yet. If I get a chance tomorrow I'll get some pics.

All the best.

Sean.