MGB Register Forum

Out driving my 1971 mgb gt recently, my windscreen was chipped and cracked by something thrown up by a skip lorry overtaking me.

The damage is on the driver's side and will likely result in an mot fail, so it needs to be replaced.

I have subsequently read just about everything there is to read on replacing the windscreen and trim and, some years ago, successfully re fitted the tailgate glass and trim, so am willing to have a go.

On the MG Experience forum, members have reported that some of the cheaper windscreens, ie. £70-£80, have required the corners to be ground down because they aren't manufactured to oem spec. The job's hard enough already without the risk of trying to modify a new windscreen!

Has anyone else come across this problem? I buy my parts from the usual uk suppliers, Mgb hive, Brown and Gammons and MGOC spares, etc.

Grateful for any comments; should I avoid the cheaper glass and go for the £300 windscreens?

Dave

Dave
Looking at this from another tack does your insurance cover you for screen replacement if so leave it to the professionals, its there responsibility to make sure everything is correct.

If your insurance doesn't cover windscreen replacement ( very rare) then go for the expensive screen. Cheaper in the long run.
Any grinding will almost certainly create stress points.

Thanks for your replies. My insurance does cover me for windscreen damage, but the following thoughts occur to me:

(a) I suspect most windscreen fitters are great at bonding glass to modern cars, but how many will take their time to re fit all the trim properly. Are windscreen fitters time constrained?

(b) I could ask my insurance if they would be happy to pay a local MG classic garage to fit a new windscreen.

(c) If I do it myself, it may take me an age, but I am prepared to spend the time to get it right, assuming the glass is a good fit to begin with.

Any personal experiences welcome.

Thanks

Dave

Dave b is the best option. I'd never try c and I don't know about a.
The flimsy chrome trims around the windscreen bend very easily and it's best to get a new windscreen rubber.

Dave,
I have fitted my own screen to my 72 BGT. I took the glass out myself when restoring and spraying the body. I did not get the chrome strips out in anything like a reusable condition! So I refitted the original glass with a new rubber and new chrome trim. Took ages and a lot of care, but a good result eventually. I did make up a couple of special tools to manipulate the rubber whilst inserting the chrome strips. Rubber installed using the string method.
Buy the best components, gives the best chance of a successful end result.

Ian F

My insurance company's recommended windscreen company is National Windscreens.

Their reviews aren't great.

I'm tempted to have a go myself, as I said, I have re fitted the tailgate glass with new rubbers and original trim, so I know it's not an easy job.

Anyone else beside Ian Fozzard have any personal experience?

Thanks to all for your advice,

Dave

I think you'll find the excess is different depending on whether you use your Insurer's preferred company, or go with your own choice of repairer.

Over forty years I've used two excellent MG specialist garages to install new screens, most recently in August 2018 using brand new seals, and they've always leaked after fitting. They tell me it isn't a job people queue-up to do.

The boss at one of them fitted his own screen on a 'homework' project, and found it cracked a few days after.

So it's your decision as ever, but not work I'd be quick to take-on.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Perhaps I was lucky when I fitted my BGT screen, but it hasn't leaked since I did it (it did previously), it looks fine, and it hasn't cracked!

The key is probably to use good parts and take your time. I would think that the owner/fitter would be able to do a much more careful and comprehensive job than a busy fitter in a business.

I did make sure all of the metal was sound and smooth (a good seal), and I applied sealant (can't recall what I used). The most useful tools were a length of string to fit the rubber and a home made broad ended spreader to open up the rubber whilst fitting the chrome trim. Clear waxoyl is a good seal/lubricant at this stage and helps the rubber/chrome settle in place.

Ian F

"Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise."
A maxim I always abide by.