Windscreen removal on spyder - How?

[peteracs]

Hi

Can anyone tell me what is the best way of removing the windscreen on the Spyder (Series 2 pre F/L)?

I am guessing it is a specialist job to install one, anyone have a recommended company who they have used?

Thanks

Peter

[thecolonel]

A lot of companies won't guarantee safe removal.
most Beta windscreens were fitted by the hot bond system

using a solid mastic type sealant with a copper wire running through it
a voltage was applied to the wire melting the sealant, glass was then
placed in position and the sealant allowed to cool.

problem with removal is that the copper wire snags the cutting blade
and can cause the glass to crack.

Geoff

[fay66]

I've seen the hot mastic process when we used it at Vauxhall on new cars, as far as I know the only way to get it out is to make a hole through the edge of the mastic, push a length of cheese wire through the hole, attach a piece of round dowelling at either end to use as handles, and with one person inside and one outside, using a sawing action work your way around the seal until it's cut through all the the way.
I suppose if you could connect the cheese wire to a power supply (battery- not mains!) it might make it easier using a hot wire.

Brian.
8227

[peteracs]

Thanks for the replies, it does explain what I have seen so far. I have managed to get one out of a donor car, but that was pretty rotten around the screen and it came out with the mastic etc all together, just have to clean it up now to allow refit!

The one in my car has a large creck, so is for the bin anyway.

I guess my remaining question is how the brightwork around the screen is actually put in place. Is it simply pressed on whilst the mastic is soft?

Peter

[fay66]

Thanks for the replies, it does explain what I have seen so far. I have managed to get one out of a donor car, but that was pretty rotten around the screen and it came out with the mastic etc all together, just have to clean it up now to allow refit!

The one in my car has a large creck, so is for the bin anyway.

I guess my remaining question is how the brightwork around the screen is actually put in place. Is it simply pressed on whilst the mastic is soft?

Peter

Unlikely, I would expect it to be clipped in some way, but not being into Betas, I don't know.

Brian

[thecolonel]

Chrome or stainless trim is just stuck on while the hot bond is still soft.

Geoff

[peteracs]

Hi All

Thanks for the responses, I now know I can forget worrying about the black stuff and can just cut it out.

Peter