The Roswell A Cometh !!!

[dandan]

Hello again.

got 2 hours on it today.
decided to cut the windows out & try them in.
they are lots of fun to fit with a radius involved.
got there in the end.


inside view with the spacer ring providing the extra 1.5mm needed.


wont bother fixing the spacer ring to the body, the rubber holds it fine.
didnt try the insert strip, (paid more & got chrome instead of black) thats
a job i only want to do the once !

the allowance for the rubber is 1/4" off each edge.
just enough to get all 3 windows out of 1x1M sheet.

sorry, dont mean to look so moody in the pic.
must remember to smile more.
was going straight to work but got a bit more mucky than planned.
must dig my usual scruffs out for next time.

hope to plough lots of time into it soon, assembily is not far off.

best rgds dan.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Looking good, Dan!

[dandan]

nearley forgot, advice needed
the rubber window seal,
is the insert supposed to go on the inside or out ???
not done this before
rgds dan.

[Mark McD]

Dan,
The insert goes on the outside
In case you were wondering...
You can pick up an insert tool from any local Mini shop for a few quid. It's just a little bent wire on a handle but makes getting the insert into ,( and out of),the seal much easier. Also, using lube to help makes it easier. Use a water based lube like k-y jelly , not a petro based product as oil breaks down the rubber. You're own you own as far as explaining to the wifey what you're doing with k-y jelly out in the garage!

[Mark McD]

Here's the tool I was speaking of:

[dandan]

Thanks Mark.
thats got to be the the quickest responce on record !


rgds dan.

[starleen2]

Gasketed window install: rope method

First, put the rubber around the glass. There's a lip on one side of the rubber. This needs to be on the inside and on the top. The ends of the flap need to be in the same place left and right. You may have to fiddle with it a bit to get this right.
Now is the time to install the rope. Push it down into the rubber. Start and finish in the middle on the bottom. Keep a loop of about 2 feet there, and tie a knot. Now carry the glass to the TD,
Make sure your extra loop of rope is inside the TD. Next is what I found to be the best trick of 'em all: grab the glass on the bottom, and push it towards the roof, and up, until it sits tight against the window opening. Get in the TD, use your fingers to fold the rubber around the edge of the window opening (on the top). Get out again, and push up as far as you can. Then push the window on the bottom, pushing the rubber tight against the windshield opening.
You might want to do one side first, then the other, standing on your stool besides your truck. Twist the rope loop a few times around the screwdriver (for an easy grip). Have a friend push the window against the TD while you pull the rope a few inches from the inside. The rubber should be pulled into the interior, over the aluminum lip.
Keep doing this, a few inches to the left, a few inches to the right. Keep checking the rubber. If it folds inwards, use the putty knife to pry it out. Slap you hands flat on the glass to push it in further. You can hit pretty hard when you keep your hands flat. Continue until you have pulled out your rope.
You've just installed a gasketed window

[starleen2]

a short video of the rope method

It's a two parter but should work for your application

part 2

[dandan]

great stuff.
it looks alot easier useing that method.
the soapy water looks to peform wonders too.
do like the demo video of the fitting.


now the window tint.
remember being told once upon a time, black lasts better than silver film tint.
assume its the same for polycarbonate (lexian) as it is for glass,
if it works on this stuff at all. (hope so)
has anyone had any success on this one ??? please chip in.

best rgds dan.

[dandan]

OK, there is no i in lexan

[starleen2]

great stuff.
it looks alot easier useing that method.
the soapy water looks to peform wonders too.
do like the demo video of the fitting.


now the window tint.
remember being told once upon a time, black lasts better than silver film tint.
assume its the same for polycarbonate (lexian) as it is for glass,
if it works on this stuff at all. (hope so)
has anyone had any success on this one ??? please chip in.

best rgds dan.

Sure you can tint lexan - Remember that the tinting film goes on the inside of the window, but needs to be cut on the outside of the lexan. if you can do this before you install the window and leave it sitting for two days before the install, the better. Go with a high grade tinting film - the cheaper stuff tends to turn purple over time - not much UV protection in the polymers. Yes - Black will last the longest over all other colors due to its translucence characteristics

[Mini Renegade]

Dan, on the window front I use electrical wire with wooden toggles on each end, window pushed from the inside and the toggles pulled from the outside, its explained in most Haynes manuals. The insert tool I used had a wheel on it and it was 10x easier than a normal fillet tool.

Don`t know if your interestad in any caravan spares for you build but somebody has dumped a 1970`s Sprite caravan about 4 miles south of the M40 on the A34 southbound. It was there this time last night, nose pointing to the sky and looking very mildewed. I would have had it but SWMBO told me where she would be going if I even contemplated dragging it the 150 miles home!!!

[dandan]

hi,
thanks fpr the tips.
there is a place called porterswood caravans located around 2 miles from me.
they brake a few up from time to time.
the owner, Steve sells alot on ebay & is a really nice bloke.
tapping him up for a zig unit & other bits which may be needed.

will give that dumped van a miss, probably get accused of pinching it knowing my luck !

hope to be back on the build for part of tomorrow & weds.
will post piccies.
best rgds dan.

[dandan]

OK, these are the ones you have been waiting for !
4 hours worth today.

the rear 2 panels with the non-door side.


looking from the front with both sides on. (im standing on some steps)


looking from the top.


& from the back with the roof on.


made the roof is 5mm short for some reason. (opps)
can get around it by adding the difference to the top of the front panels when they are made.

best rgds dan.

[Cliffmeister2000]

She's starting to look seaworthy, Dan. Maybe you could create the first caravan / submarine!