Windscreen replacement on S1

[Xbike]

Have got a crack in my windscreen and have it booked in for a replacement, as its on insurance it is being sent into Auto glass. Does anyone know of any problems in fitting them? Heard something about releasing the front clam is this correct?

[DanH]

Yeah they need to loosen it. I've heard mixed tales about autoglass being able to handle it. Most people tell the insurance that its a specialist job and needs to be done by a dealer/lotus specialist. They normally give in as putting it right when autoglass screw will cost them more.

I've head of them doing it fine at autoglass, but someone else also had the clam resat in the wrong place.

[Xbike]

Thanks DanH,
I rang the Auto Glass station that it is booked into to check that they had done them before. They reckon that they have done about 10 in the past with out any problems.
As it is booked in for tomorrow I think that I will take it to them, although must admit I am a little worried. My intention is to hang about and keep my eye on proceedings.
Do you know what to look out for to check that the clamshell is positioned/ fitted correctly?
I will keep you all posted on the outcome!

[DanH]

I imagine you just need to check everything looks true.

Trying to remember if the windscreen is glued, and in fact needs to be left for several hours to cure before driving... Anyone else able to remember?

[mpsgjt]

The following page on elises.co.uk makes informative reading.

www.elises.co.uk/components/s1/windows/index.html

[cuzza]

Don't you need to make sure they offset the rear view mirror when they replace it? I seem to remember 4 or 5 inches towards the passenger side.

[Xbike]

Thanks mpsgit for the link, you were right it was informative.
Windscreen is bonded and mirror does have to be offset, Will arm myself with all the info I get and supervise the job (that will probably not go down too well with the fitters).
Keep you all posted.
Are broken or cracked windows common? Any comments on the note in one article about using the window post as an aid to enter and exit the car can cause cracks?

[Dr Bob]

Xbike said:
Are broken or cracked windows common? Any comments on the note in one article about using the window post as an aid to enter and exit the car can cause cracks?

Everyone seems to do it on mine (myself included -oops!), no problems so far (touch wood).

CH

[DanH]

I wouldn't put weight on the windscreen if I were you...

[cuzza]

You should be able to lean on it to get in, just think how much downforce is created by the wind at high speed on a fairly large surface, the pillars must be pretty strong. IMO

[DanH]

You should be able to lean on it to get in, just think how much downforce is created by the wind at high speed on a fairly large surface, the pillars must be pretty strong. IMO

Thats going to be evenly spread across the whole surface area as opposed to 14 stone leaning on a corner putting a shearing force across the screen.

[Xbike]

Have now had new screen fitted, all seems ok, the fitters assured me they hade done them on S1,s before. They past there first test and opened the bonnet with out having to ask where the latch was. Job was done ok, bonding on as neat as could be expected, mirror on in correct position, noticed that the clam shell wasn’t back in exactly the same position but am talking only by a couple of mm. But in saying that the door joint line passed real close to the clamshell on its opening arc. So 10 mins of fiddling and I have put it back to as new.
Final thoughts!! Would get them to do it again (should the need arise) but still be a little worried and would still make them aware of what to look for and point out there short comings on aligning the clam shell to keep them on there toes.
My advice! If you have it done by one of the big glass replacement companies, ask them lots of questions let them know your concerns and that you will be on at them at the slightest fault.

[cuzza]

DanH said:
Thats going to be evenly spread across the whole surface area as opposed to 14 stone leaning on a corner putting a shearing force across the screen.

A valid point, but the whole of your body weight won't be on the screen as there'll be more than one point of contact at any one time (hand on roll bar, feet on the floor etc.). I agree that swinging from the screen is probably a bad move but using it as an aid to get in shouldn't do much harm. e.g. to get in mine I put one hand on the screen and one on the roll bar and step over the sill, then grab hold of the steering wheel and slide into the seat - all very delicate