Scuttle to windshield rubber

[Stevensonjr]

Where would the best source for a new scuttle/windshield rubber for my series 2 original Lotus 7.  I can order from the UK but I’d rather buy from a US supplier. Thanks, Bill

[IamScotticus]

This looks like the item

https://mossmotors.com/windshield-seal-bottom

 

I have a new one from Cat and this looks identical.  The use of this by Austin-Healey in 1953 predates the Lotus 7

Edited September 5, 2022 by IamScotticus

[Stevensonjr]

I called Moss a while back, they said that they have nothing with the “t” shape required on the windshield side of the rubber strip. It fits in the t shaped groove on the bottom of the frame.     Bill

[11Budlite]

You might want to check with RMC, they have a lot of older Caterham parts. Your Series 2 seal could be the same as a Caterham. Contact details here: 

 

[Stevensonjr]

Thanks, 11Budlite, I just sent him an email.  Bill

[IamScotticus]

Looks similar to me

[Stevensonjr]

How wide is the anvil looking top?  Bill

[IamScotticus]

I will measure it later today. 

To clarify,  the strip I am holding is the Caterham Item.

Sorry,  I can't let it go, Im going to use it.

 

I would have used it currently,  but it wouldn't fit under a new screen.  The bottom of the screen frame is flatter than the scuttle curvature,  causing the two to contact and making it nearly impossible to fit the screen with the trim in place.  

The Lotus screen I have fits my scuttle perfectly.  I could continue to use the Lotus screen but I wanted the blue tint and supposedly safer glass.

Im trying to figure out how to solve this.

🤯

Damn, after 10 years of figuring, it just occurred to me...

Put the new glass in the old frame.  Glass thickness shall determine that.

 

The takeaway here for all you 7 builders is, test fit the windscreen without the weather strip first to check for conflicts. 

 

Here is my windscreen assembly procedure advice.  Everything here is based on my own errors.

 

Know your screen fasteners!  Don't assume the the side screws are the same pitch as  other screens.  Have the right parts and test fit.

 

Use plenty of masking tape on the scuttle sides under the stanchions. 

 

Attach the stanchions loosely first, without the screen.

 

If you are using a stanchion bracket, 

 

Be prepared to adjust the height of this with shims if needed. (you probably didn't know these existed, did you?)

 

Place the screen between the stanchions using masking tape wraped loosely  around the upper stanchions sticking to the front and back of the screen to keep to keep the screen upright (assuming you are working alone, as most 7ers will be).

 

Begin threading the lower side screen screws evenly on both sides, then align the top screws and loosly fit the screws.  

 

Observe the rubber strip to see if it is remaining in place.  

 

Remove masking tape from under the stanchions before they get too tight.

 

Snug down the six screen screws until the stanchions are flush with the screen frame.

 

Tighten the six screen screws to hand tight, or, remove and replace one at a time applying blue Loctite.  Then tighten to hand tight.  When the lower stanchions are tightened,  there will be considerable tension applied to these screws as the stanchions twist.  They don't need tension now.

 

Feed the ends of the weather strip down under the stanchion triangle and trim as necessary.  Personally,  I like to trim off the top "T" portion where it meets the scuttle and stanchion pinch point.

 

Tighten the lower stanchion screws.  If attaching directly to the scuttle sides, use doubled fender washers and lock nuts on the inside.  Stainless steel or geade 8 if you want to get fancy.  If these fasters are going to get sheared, you got worse problems to worry about. 

 

Finally,  a little trick.  On the upper screen fasteners,  apply an index mark of some kind to indicate backing out.  I would make a little dot with a starter punch, or score a line at the 90° point.

 

About stanscion tension and twisting, I don't know if its an intentional design, but I don't like it.  However, it seems this is how the things are supplied,  almost flat.  The difference between the screen angle and scuttle angle, I roughly estimate is 20°.  Thats a lot of tension applied.  I don't know if it's supposed to be that way so take it into account with my suggestions. 

 

 

Edited September 6, 2022 by IamScotticus

[Stevensonjr]

I figured you were going to use it, it will tell me about the Caterham offering.

Thanks, Bill