windscreen seal

[Andy]

My 1st series coupe has fairly major leaks around the windscreen and rear window, which I gather is fairly normal for these cars. In fact there was a thread about this over on lancia-beta.de recently, but I had difficulty wading through the German...
I can't really picture what it looks like underneath, but my understanding is that on these early models the screen is just bonded into the frame with a piece of chrome trim laid on top. The adhesive becomes brittle over the years and begins to leak. Then, the black felt-like surround on the inside of the screen acts like a sponge, dripping down behind the dashboard and into the footwells to give your feet that longer-lasting spray even after the rain has stopped. Sound familiar?
Over on the German site, some folks suggest a skilful black silicone job on either side of the chrome trim as a fairly effective temporary solution. Anyone tried this? I know someone who could do a very neat job, but does it last at least a few months?
Meanwhile, I'm reluctantly thinking of taking out the front and rear screens to replace the seals properly. I've seen seals for sale at various places (incl. Omicron), but are they compatible with old-style windscreens/frames or are they only suitable for newer models?
One more question (!) - what are the odds on getting the screens out without breaking them? I read somewhere that underneath the chrome trim the front screen should have a surrounding wire running through the adhesive, which can be heated by an electrical current so as to soften the adhesive. This is not a job I would do myself, I hasten to add, but if a professional has only a 50/50 chance of getting the glass out intact I think I'll reach for the silicone.
Any thoughts much appreciated.

Andy

[Chris.]

Reach for the silicone. I ain't ever erd of a bonded beta screen doing as it's supposed!

I knew about a 1979 coupe, with a new windscreen fitted and new screen rubber. Glass was scratch free and correct sunband colour. IF any downside, the new chrome surround was only a silver plastic insert approx. 5-8 mm wide, the rest was black rubber. This was fitted in 1999/2000 and I am sure it was Autoglass (Stirling), but remember that you may get the answer of "who makes it, is it a kit car!!" which was my experience with some others.

Chris.

[Tony McMaster]

I am currently replacing my screen ['81 HPE] and the old one was broken by professionals trying to get it out.I am replacing the screen because it is so badly scratched and pitted it is very dangerous driving into the light.When I first got the car the screen was leaking and I fixed it with Sikaflex around under the glass side of the trim. Don'.t be tempted to use silicone as Sikaflex is much superior.
Tony

[Tony McMaster]

Just some more thoughts on Sikaflex, it is very messy stuff so apply it carefully under the trim using a cartridge gun and the smooth it out using a wet finger or tongue depresser and the LEAVE it alone till the next day when the excess will peal off fairly easily.If you use you finger use a thin rubber glove or you will have a black finger for days.If you sharpen the end of a tongue depresser to a chisels edge you can get it off the trim without scratching it.
Tony

[Andy]

Thanks for the tips, guys
My screen is still in good condition, so I guess I'll avoid the hazardous process of removing it. This Sikaflex stuff looks interesting. Was there any reason, Tony, why you didn't also apply it to the outer edge of the screen trim? Does it eat paint?

Andy

[Tony McMaster]

Andy,
There is no problem applying the Sikaflex all around both sides of the trim. On my screen the problem seemed to be the inner edge of the bottom of the screen. No the Sikaflex will not affect your paint.By the way it is available in both white and black however [as an ex boatbuilder] using this stuff daily I found the black much harder to get off your hands and figured it must stick better.Sikaflex is a urethane which I think is used to put in most modern windscreens.Good luck.
Tony

[Andy]

Good. I'm taking in enough water to suspect that both sides of the "seal" are shot. Don't suppose you remember which of the many Sikaflex products you used? From the information they provide in their extensive web site, it seems to me that Sikaflex 221 would be the one, but for some reason they don't mention patching up Lancia windscreens!
Andy

[Tony McMaster]

I would have used 291 because thats what I generally used.221 sounds OK though.
Tony

[Peter Coupe]

Hi Andy
From my experience with Beta, you have two possible leakage’s; around windscreen and rust behind air inlet which is hard to see (you can feel it with hand).

Most Beta range cars have glued front windscreen and not pressed into the rubber, for some reason some people where installing windscreen into to the rubber and then frame (happened with mine). Since then I have installed new wscreen properly glued and I don't have any more problems with water.
Check what you have installed.

Peter