Yep, windows was top of the to do list. Started the rear window, which was fun. The rubber seal kind of went straight on, but of a faf. Was a fiddle to get it on and the C pillar trim needed trimming back from the window opening just a smidge. I had seen some one struggle because of the opening not being big enough because of this, so cut to the chase and sorted that before it was a problem. With a lot of lube the glass was teased in ok, then it was time to fit the beading. I had bought the special tool to do this and set at it. It really didn't want to seat right at the start, several attempts and I decided I would just have to go back to it and flick the rubber fully round it later. I did the first corner surprisingly easily, then upto the next and that went well. Then along the top edge of the window .... the bead would just not sit right. Forwards then backwards and then I realised the tool was just moving so slowly .... I gave up/paused for the day. Tennis elbow was kicking in. I had been bracing mt self against the side of the garage whilst fitting the bead. Yes it was being that stubborn.
Under advice I added lube to the bead channel in the rubber the next day. So much better, still not a fast job as the bead needs to sit just right. Managed to trim the bead to just over length to allow for shrinkage and popped that in. I went back the the starting piece, hmmm that didn't quite go according to plan. It started ok flicking the rubber around the bead, then I slipped and run the screwdriver down the car! A lovely stripe of primer revealed, sigh... later for that job!
Have a look here for a few do and don'ts on fitting the glass. Video
The next stint was on a side window, went in nicely and then the I did a dry run for closing it. I know with new seals this can be a pain, just couldn't get the window closed and the catch to be sure of where to pierce the new C pillar lining for the catch fixing holes. So paused for advice and reference from the club.
With a nice ref picture from Emma (she has been a great help with knowledge and ref pictures) I tried again. Still not quite happy the seal was peeled back and I measured the fixing holes in the body work, put it back together and went for it. Which worked out nicely.
In between the pauses on that side window I tried to get the drivers one to the same stage. The bloody metal frame on the window had come away from the glass and made the outside diamond shaped compared to the opening. So that was cleaned up, glued and clamped.
Today that one went in and fairly quickly for a change, oh and I clipped the sunroof in some time between the side window stages.
Talking of which, in another moment when I was avoiding the side windows I fitted the front headlight bowls and lights, also managed to get one side light/indicator in as well. Sounds easy, I had to re wire the indicators due to only have 1" long wires before they where joined with another bit of wire. Hmmm that join by the way, was just the wires twisted together and that was mo way close to good enough. Managed to get the bulb fixing out and replaced the wires so they where new and long enough to reach the main loom. Really liked the prep when I was fitting them, nice clean wires and ages ago I had replaced the fixing bolts for marine grade stainless steel bolts :) there is a little fiddling still to do where the light wires join the main loom, but I have a clear plan and the work wont look out of place. Even managed to keep the same coloured wires again with identical connections. Will be wiring up so both side lights work but in a way they can be easily disconnected and worked on. You will see about the "both" when I test the lights (round nose lights but a clubman has separate side lights).
Tonight I sucked it in and repaired that scratch, sadly I think I have a better shine on the repair clear coat than the original one, so a bit of polishing to try and blend that some how. No picture as my phone was dead and charging.
Getting there as I'm not completely sure of what the next step is, a couple of small bits on the to do list but thats all at the moment.
Suppose it is either sort the dash switch panel out, fit the front screen or fit the door glass and hardware to get them on the car and out of the way. I colour coded the hinges a few weeks back so should be "just" add the fittings and buy new nuts and shims to fit them. Front suspension change after that !! That prob would put me on or very close to engine after that, eeek, that might be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!!
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