Front and rear windscreen's rubber replacement

[Deleted]

Hi

I joined yesterday and apologize if this question has been raised before. I am considering buying a 1962 saloon. Both screen rubbers have perished due to the uncompromising South African climate and need to be replaced. There are a handful of P5's left here, and even less knowledge and expertise.

I have sourced the replacement rubbers from Scott's (Aus) but now need to remove the old and replace with new,

Any info and tips will be appreciated.

Many thanks

Eleuter

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Hi Eleuter welcome to the site and it's worth while joining the club even though you are in South Africa

I have done a few screen rubbers and it is not a easy job and not easy to explain but I will do my best it can be done but must not be hurried. Remove the various pieces from the interior around the screens, remove all the Stainless Steel trim prising with a flat blade screwdriver by a twisting motion at each clip don't pull the trim otherwise it will kink once it's all off it's a case of removing the screws and clips take a few pictures at all stages to help remind yourself how it is all fitted and which way up the clips are in particular use a Stanley knife to cut as much of the old rubbers away as possible before prising out the screens don't forget the wires for the rear screen heater! you may be lucky and a gentle tap or two will do the job as you are in a sunny climate I should think all the mastic has shrunk and gone rock hard
Then it's a case of cleaning the openings and the screens, you will need some sealant we use Dum Dum here it is easy to work with and you can use it in your hands. Fit the new rubbers ( Scott's Seals are a reasonable fit) it is far easier if there are two of you to do the job I struggle on my own.
I find spraying the rubber with a WD40 type product helps the rubber into place, ease the inner flap of the seal over the lip of the opening I use an old screwdriver bent 90 degrees about 10mm from the end remove the sharp corners push the screens into place carefully as you work your way along, when they are in place a few hand thumps all the way around to make sure it is well home you will find there are lots of spaces to be filled around the rubber and opening it may be worth getting the recommended sealant for your climate ask your local fitter if you have one? apply loads of seal it can be messy but will clean off with a bit of petrol It's then a case of refitting the clips and screws renewing them if necessary and refitting the SS trim with sealant arround all the clips my advice is if the trim is hard to clip in place adjust the clips don't bang it it should go back with a firm push of the thumbs seal arround the roof SS trim refit your interior pieces and with a bit of luck your watertight.

Not an easy thing to explain as I have said Eleuter at least you have a Saloon a lot easier than a coupe to do "GOOD LUCK"

[Deleted]

When my stainless steel trims were removed, the screen fitter stuck small strips of masking tape on to the body and roof to carefully mark where all the screws had to go, marking on the tape with a felt tip pen (screws pass through the rubber and in to the bodywork). When new rubber is fitted, you have to 'find' the holes and it is just a tip I hope will be helpful.

[Deleted]

I'd like to ask/make one point:- with screen fitting ,there is usually an ideal starting point (when using the string in the groove method). For example, the bottom of the screen in the centre to one lower corner, then the other lower corner up to the top corner, then repeat on the other pillar/top corner and finish of in the top centre:- working from side to side minimises the misalignment that invariably occurs, and gravity helps a little as well.
Does this apply on P5, or does the sharp curvature of the screen corners mean this doesn't work as well?

[johnwp5bcoupe]

You dont need the string on fitting these rubbers well not in my experience I managed without If you are going to have a go with string I would think the rear one would be the only one? they are not the normal tight fit and rely on mastic and clips a lot!!!

[Deleted]

johnwp5bcoupe said:

Hi Eleuter welcome to the site and it's worth while joining the club even though you are in South Africa

I have done a few screen rubbers and it is not a easy job and not easy to explain but I will do my best it can be done but must not be hurried. Remove the various pieces from the interior around the screens, remove all the Stainless Steel trim prising with a flat blade screwdriver by a twisting motion at each clip don't pull the trim otherwise it will kink once it's all off it's a case of removing the screws and clips take a few pictures at all stages to help remind yourself how it is all fitted and which way up the clips are in particular use a Stanley knife to cut as much of the old rubbers away as possible before prising out the screens don't forget the wires for the rear screen heater! you may be lucky and a gentle tap or two will do the job as you are in a sunny climate I should think all the mastic has shrunk and gone rock hard
Then it's a case of cleaning the openings and the screens, you will need some sealant we use Dum Dum here it is easy to work with and you can use it in your hands. Fit the new rubbers ( Scott's Seals are a reasonable fit) it is far easier if there are two of you to do the job I struggle on my own.
I find spraying the rubber with a WD40 type product helps the rubber into place, ease the inner flap of the seal over the lip of the opening I use an old screwdriver bent 90 degrees about 10mm from the end remove the sharp corners push the screens into place carefully as you work your way along, when they are in place a few hand thumps all the way around to make sure it is well home you will find there are lots of spaces to be filled around the rubber and opening it may be worth getting the recommended sealant for your climate ask your local fitter if you have one? apply loads of seal it can be messy but will clean off with a bit of petrol It's then a case of refitting the clips and screws renewing them if necessary and refitting the SS trim with sealant arround all the clips my advice is if the trim is hard to clip in place adjust the clips don't bang it it should go back with a firm push of the thumbs seal arround the roof SS trim refit your interior pieces and with a bit of luck your watertight.

Not an easy thing to explain as I have said Eleuter at least you have a Saloon a lot easier than a coupe to do "GOOD LUCK"

[Deleted]

Hi

Many thanks for your assistance. I feel far more confident about purchasing the car knowing that there is a plethora of well meaning and helpful members out there. Will let you know how it all pans out.

Regards

[Eric R]

CLIPS - does anyone have experience of the front and rear metal clips? On replacing rubbers will the clips be found unable to be re-used. Do we purchase all 64 at a cost of £100 or so? !! I note the Manual shows them as two plates, a washer and a screw - and then different front to back. Professionals will do the work but i dont want it all stripped out and find delay in obtaining parts

[johnwp5bcoupe]

You may be lucky and have good clips under the trim I have never done one that has had all clips in good condition,the question is do you want to fit trim with rusty clips

[Phil Nottingham]

Its unlikely that you will need all the clips but you ought to get a selection of both types - yours should have the chrome/brass trims which are even easier to damage when removing/refitting and these are very rare to find. You may have to fit a complete stainnless set - warn the fitter to be careful otherwise this will delay the project

[Deleted]

Hi Phil
My Dad has his 1966 P5 3 litre over in Oz and is in need of the front and rear screen clips. Could you tell me where I can get a set from please?
Thanks
Richard
(Kirkby in Ashfield!)

[Phil Nottingham]

JR Wadhams sells them P5 specialist with website. Scotts in Oz does the rubbers

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