Update by Tim Suddard to the
Lotus Elan project car
May 30, 2018
Like most everything else on our Elan, the windshield was cracked. We found a source for this rare, early Elan windshield on eBay. Prosource Glass International has windshields for almost any sports car.
Experts we consulted told us that we should have the windshield frame securely bolted to the Elan’s body before attempting to install the glass.
You also want to install the tensioning rod at the center of the windshield before installing the glass.
With these steps taken care of we installed the new windshield rubber gasket into the frame. Then using plastic pry bars, soapy water and a whole lot of elbow grease, we gently coaxed the windshield into place.
Move slowly and deliberately and be careful not to put too much pressure on the windshield, lest you crack it.
With the windshield in place, we used a special hook tool and more soapy water to coax the trim strip that keeps the windshield rubber gasket in place.
The whole process takes and hour or two and while best done by an expert, it can be done by a home restorer.
When I do windows with a seal like that, I install the seal on the frame, tuck an appropriately sized piece of nylon rope in the seal, pull the rope out while putting pressure on the window. Rope pulls the edge of seal out of way so the window can seat in the rubber seal. Definitely a two man job.
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