Apologies for this one but the Excel forum won’t accept this posting for some reason.
Is replacing a bonded screen feasible on a diy basis? I’ve replaced a few “ordinary” screens held by rubber mouldings so have some experience but I don’t want a hamfisted fitter damaging the interior of my Excel since it’s entirely unmarked.
Any ideas on alternative bonding agents besides the type heated up with electric current? I’m sure adhesives have come a long way since the present screen was fitted (1989).
Also- any better ways to remove the old screen besides using a flexi saw?
“any better ways to remove the old screen besides using a flexi saw?”
John,
There is a special wire that is used for this. You cut a 2 foot piece, push one end through the seal using needle nose pliers and then clamp Vise Grips to each end of the wire. You and a friend can then saw through the seal, one working from inside and the other from the outside.
It also helps to park the car in the sun prior to doing this in order to heat up the seal which softens it up. Good luck.
I had a bonded screen replaced on my workhorse BMW two years ago as an insurance claim and Autoglass did the replacement in the office car park in about 40 minutes. The guy was so quick I missed the chance to see how it was done. I’m sure the fitter did not break the old screen as there was absolutely no mess.
I would not worry about using one of the major companies - look them up in Google (windscreen) and get a quote for them coming to you or you going to them.
I’ve replaced both front a rear screens on my S1 Esprit. The only warning is if you are using butyl rubber type of seal (no heat require), you have one chance to set it right. Pretty much where is lands is where it stays. You cannot adjust it easily, if at all. So be very careful and work with someone you trust to follow directions. My wife did NOT make a good assistant.
In my opinion. Autoglass and the like are much maligned, I’ve had them replace stone chipped screens, both bonded and rubber types on all sorts of cars including Lotus. The fitters have always been courteous and conciencious and obviously respond well to a cup of tea and are tolerant of enthusiastic owners(my personal experience).
The modern bonding adhesives are two pack and dispensed/mixed by a heated, dual, cartridge gun. Not exactly a DIY proposition!
Also a personal visit to the branch has, for me anyway, enlisted the help of the manager, so my “damaged” screen was removed about a week before the “emergency” replacement was fitted for an extra ?10!!