Hi all! Just a quick question:
Ive noticed that the windows on my s3 fhc rattle a lot when either fully down or half way down (even more when halfway down) is this common? Should I replace the window felt on the chrome door frame? Will this mean removing the frame? (again!!!)
Thanks
Not only will you have to remove the window frame, but you will also have to redo the cable which move the window glass up and down. I just did this in my DHC SS this past autumn, and the rattle is gone, on that side.
I should mention that I bought the fuzzy channel was supplied by a antique car fuzzy channel supplier, not at all affiliated w/ Lotus. He had size cross-sections listed and I picked the one I felt best fit. It was a good choice and is not too tight or loose. No complaints about the glass fitting to tight and needing lubrication to move, as I had heard examples of this before on this site. I’m happy, but might be a problem getting them to Greece.
No I didn’t document the process. Basically, I was tired of the rattle and tired of installing a new cable, three in three years, after last replacing it in 1975. So, I decided I was going to replace everything I could. But I could only buy certain items. I had to make do with the main spool pulley, bought Weber leather washers from DBE, bought a whole box of copper washers (I have some to sell), made new bolts on my lathe from 1/4-28 UNF flat head socket head cap screws ( a more shallow angle on the underside of the head) I started to make new idle pulleys, but decided mine would work. New cable, has to be replaced each time. Cable is 1/16 SS, 7 x 19, the most flexible I could get.
I’ll have to dig out the receipt for the fuzzy channel. The old one will peal out of the chrome channel. You have to cut a straight piece for the bottom section, as is described in the late shop manual. The long piece is cut across the back in the tighter radius corner. The manual shows it too and I just copied the old one. The manual mentions using some sort of glue, but I did not use any. However, I put the window together, installed the glass, then got tied up making the parts and sourcing better cable, so it sat together for maybe a month, during which, the glass sort of put a set in the fuzzy channel, so I didn’t think I needed glue. It’s been about a year now and no complaints.
I purchased the felt from Paul matty. I have had the pax door dismantelled to fix a broken cable 1 month ago and it still rattles. A specialist did the job and it took him the best part of 3 hours!!! So the concept of doing it again is not apealing…
One last question: when you say “to redo the cable” do you mean to tighten it?
Anyway will probably do both doors sometime in the near future…
Thakns
Vassilis
When I say re-do the cable, I mean it must be replaced again. At least in my experience. I’ve found, as much as I regretted, that the cable, after fitting and adjusting, must be trimmed to just the correct length either side of the attaching bolt. For that reason, there is nothing left outside the loop of cable to pull on to get it back through the bolt or tension it. For that reason, the cable is a one use item and it must be replaced each time it is removed, broken or cut or in fine condition.
If the window is operating OK, I would leave it alone and live w/ the rattle. You might try replacing the fuzzy strips that are on either side glass at the bottom of the window opening. They can be done w/o removing the cable and will help the situation. They are held to the frame w/ small metal spring clips, and should be a much easier job.