Practically Classics Forum

Hi Everyone,
I need the windscreen re fitting in my Austin A90 Westminster after completion of its restoration. Everyone I've asked has refused to tackle it. Apparently its quite a complex job ? Anyway, can anyone recommend a company in the midlands area who may be able to help please. Many thanks.

Noel.
noel.maule@tesco.net

Could you not find a friend to come and help you put it in by yourself? A length of thin, plastic-coated washing line, a little glycerine-based soap (not washing up liquid, that has loads of salt), a few well-placed pushes from the heel of the hand and off you go.
You'll be extremely unlikely to break a toughened screen in the fitting, unlike the laminated one which needs care to prevent its breaking and why any supposed specialist screen fitting outfit would be afraid to take on a simple job like this is beyond me. No bonding, no real breakage risk, simple!

The problem I have is the repro rubber. The compound is very hard compared to the original factory fitted. If you are familiar with the A90 windscreen fitment you will know that it is a lot more complex than the average car of the era with there being five grooves in the bead. The repro rubber being made in China or India or wherever doesn't lend itself easily to inexperience. Don't think I haven't tried. But thank you for your advice anyway.

Kind Regards
Noel

So exactly the same as the shorter, B-series cars then. It's been a good decades since I put a screen in an A50 but that was a new one from Baines and was easy to fit on account of its being supple, a quality helped by the number of grooves in the outer bead.

Have a look at pages 32 and 33 in Baines' current catalogue