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MG MGA - Coupe Windshield Chrome Trim

Is there a special tool....secret trick.....or some VooDoo magic that will allow me to install this trim properly and without destroying the rubber windshield seal.
Gordon Harrison

Gordon,
I made a tool out of plastic that looks like a flat blade screwdriver with all rounded endges on the blade and still had some damage to the rubber. Now after 6 years the rubber is cracked is several places. I think the rubber seals are made of poor grade rubber and just won't take the sun or any use at all!

John
John Progess

Gordon, it's mostly VooDoo magic. Start off with a 1/32 MGA diecast model and some incense and pins....

Actually a very small flat blade screwdriver will do the trick, but you need some mental and physical fortitude. Try to shove the bottom of the chrome into the bottom lip, and use the screwdriver along the top. Get the blade in there very gently, and slide it along the chrome with the leading edge slightly upturned. If you hold the handle in the palm of your hand and the blade tip with your thumb and forefinger, I find that keeps it rigid enough for maximum control. Also use the forefinger of your other hand to keep pressure on the rubber lib from the other side, sliding along with the screwdriver to ensure that you don't slip off and slice the rubber. Or your paint. You'll probably only get a few inches and then need to readjust your body angle. Don't get ahead of yourself, and always keep the blade perpendicular to your work surface. If you get ahead and start pushing at an angle, that's when you'll slip off and wreck something. You'll have to do some adjusting and massaging as you progress, but you'll figure that out. You might want to protect the paint around the winshield with tape or carboard in case of a slip. I've done Coupe and Magnette trim, and it just requires patience. Patience of a Buddhist monk.

Mark J Michalak

Sounds like a whole day job and a case of beer later. But think about it? In the factory would the production assembly people have spent this much time installing this trim. Perhaps we should look at installing the trim, into the rubber windshield seal "BEFORE" we install the seal. There has got to be an easy way. I know putting in the windshields was easy compared to installing the trim. Gordon
Gordon Harrison

Woolies has a special tool for this
http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/c-163-tools.aspx, 4th one down
dominic clancy

Gordon,
Just a question, is the trim you are referring to the original metal trim or the replacement mylar trim? I still have to do mine and have the replacement type. (Been hunting for the original for years)
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

Gordon

Section S.12 of the Workshop Manual does in fact say to insert the trim strips into the rubber, using strings, before installing in the opening. I think I tried that and it was too difficult to keep everything together. Perhaps with more hands assisting it would work. Incidently, the detail shown, Fig F.7 is not the same metal trim as actually supplied. It has only one leg and would be easier to install either way.

The attached photo shows a factory installer at work on a coupe windshield.


John DeWolf

GT,
The trim I have is origional metal. Since I have owned the car (second owner) since I was 18....now I am 60 yrs old, I have all of the origional pieces.

John,
Neet picture but I am a little lost as to what the gent is doing in the pic. He is definatelly working on the windshield but what is the purpose of that tool. Caulking...Sealant ?????

Dominic,
Nice to hear from you. I(have their catolog) so I will look it up. The link did not open properly.
PS: Remember I still owe you,in helping to get some bushings. Let me know when you need them.


Gordon Harrison

I have usually done this using a small screwdriver that I make sure has no sharp edges. A bit of silicone lube helps it slide without pulling and a handy friend to hold everything in place when you need to shift position (or just straighten up to rest your back) is very useful.

The safest way to do this is to get a piece of hard white plastic about 1/2" wide, cut a piece maybe 3-4" long so that it fits in your hand comfortably, and then angle cut the end and shave it with a file to the right thin shape at the tip, finally polishing it with fine sandpaper to a dull sort of chisel point end about the width of a small screwdriver.

It does the same job as the screwdriver does, but with less risk to the rubber. The only problem I have had with this is that I made just such a tool about 25 years ago, then didn't need to remove the glass again until a few yeasr ago when I repainted the car and replaced the rubbers. Have you ever tried to find a tool that you put in a 'safe place' a quarter century ago?

Actually, I do seem to be able to find parts that I carefully stored away 25 or 30 years ago. Problem is that I always seem to find them right after I gave up and bought a new one......
Bill Spohn

Gordon

A 1 1/4" wide putty knife with well rounded corners would probably be a good tool for this. They have a thin blade that will easily slip under the rubber lip and can be levered side to side to lift the lip.
John DeWolf

I have seen pictures of the special tool used to do this. I think Dominic is correct that Woolies has the tool; but, as I recall, Woolies carries the same tool in various sizes and I'm not sure what size the Coupe would require. Many autos of this period and later periods had similar trim around the windshield, so some type of special tool had to be used. If there are any auto glass shops in your vicinity that handle lots of antique autos, they would probably have the tool.
M. D.

I believe the Woolies tool is for trim with a wedge filler strip. Mga coupe rubber is different.
John DeWolf

At an auto glass shop I visited for a "glued in" windshield replacement (1993 Mitsubishi) the young technician assured me (when I was describing how things had changed) that windshields were NEVER mounted in rubber. :)
GTF
G T Foster

Here are the details and a picture of the trim tool from woolies. Just search for tools, then click the link Tools in the results to get to the page

Universal Fitting Tool

E-mail this product to a friend

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For filler inserts in windscreen sections. Will fit both rubber and "chrome" type inserts. Good, grippable synthetic rubber handle. Supplied with a selection of detachable tools.

Each

SKU: 150
Weight: 0.17
Price: £17.75 inc vat




dominic clancy

Dominic,
Sure looks like the right tool. The wedge shape would "open" the rubber grooves and the roller would keep the chrome trim pressed down while it is being installed. I am going to buy one and I will keep everyone informed of how it works out.

I may even....rent it out....to others who need to install the trim. Gordon
Gordon Harrison

Gordon:

I would happily "rent it", as I've been sitting on replacement rubber for my coupe's rear windows for too long now.

M.D.
M. D.

This thread was discussed between 28/04/2008 and 05/05/2008

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