14 replies to this topic

[CharlieBrown]

Hi all,

Well I've recently been working the Sprint (shock horror I know) and I’ve been thinking of the front and rear windscreens and have a few questions...

Most of you will know, but for those that don’t, the Sprint is a cut down mini in both the body and window pillars, hence the need for cut down windows.

Now I have been told that Autoglass should be able to cut the windscreens down, I’ve sent them and email to ask but wondered if anyone had any experience of this?

Whilst looking on the forum for info I found you can buy windscreen cutting wire:

http://www.justoffba...d-Sealey-WK0513

Has anyone tried this or know how to do it?

Essentially I am just interested in advice and am all ears.

Cheers,
Charlie

[Shifty]

Might be worth dropping garret3(i think that his username) He had the chopped mini that set on fire.

I'd guess he'd know.

The windscreen cutting wire is for cutting screens out of cars.

[glyn]

i think its for cutting the bonded style windows out and not for cutting glass but i could be wrong!

[CharlieBrown]

Right, well Autoglass have just phoned me back!!! I only sent the email a couple of hours ago!

The chap said he is not sure they can cut down an existing screen but he has given me the number of the local branch to speak to the technicians. So I will do that an see what they say.

I shall PM gattet and ask if I can get the non flamable windows

You may be right about the wire.

[Shifty]

The side and rear screens can be made of perspex, its only the front that needs to be glass.

(lighter as well!!)

[jayare]

Give Paul Wiginton a PM - he has made several steel sprints and has had screens cut down for them and I'm sure he'll be able to help,

JR

[Tomf]

im pretty sure the it doesnt say anywhere in the MOT that the front screen has to be glass, so if it came down to it im pretty sure you can use perspex as i know people do this with kit cars...

If you do want to cut down a mini windscreen you want to look for about a laminated screen as these are possible to cut down, but still very difficult to cut and often very unsuccessful.

[nordicmini]

Hi toughened windows are a no no but laminated you can cut any good glass cutting shop etc should be able to cut it

[mk1leg]

rule of thumb is you cut the A-pliiars in three cuts (ie) each side of pillar at different heights so to keep the strengh, same as B-pillars, and at C-posts wedl a plate behind............

Found this Speedwell bro and this is a pic of B-post.................



hope that helps..................

Edited by mk1leg, 24 June 2009 - 09:17 PM.

[Sprocket]

I thought you could not cut tempered glass? The glass is normaly cut before the temper is applied

[roofless]

Polycarbonate - http://www.raceplastics.com/

[CharlieBrown]

Give Paul Wiginton a PM - he has made several steel sprints and has had screens cut down for them and I'm sure he'll be able to help,

JR

Hi jayare, Ive chatted to Paul and as far as I'm aware he got the screens made to size not cut down.

MK1leg I've got a fibreglass sprint shell so its only the windows I would need cut down.


My understanding is that the front (and rear) is laminated so it can be cut. Side windows are toughend glass so cant be cut.

I dont want to use perspects as this car will be my main car and I understand that prespex would scratch easily with the wipers and for the rear can be heated. (Im not after a race mini, more of a normal mini thats a bit smaller - if that makes any sence at all )

Stiggy suggested that the windows might be able to be water cut but thats something i've not looked into yet.

As for a good glass cutting shop, I will have to look into it (but thought I would try Autoglass first).

Cheers for the help guys!

[Paul Wiginton]

Charlie, mine are cut down standard screens and the side glass was cut from flat then toughened.

I can check with my supplier to get a quote for you if you like. PM me if you want me to

Paul

[GraemeC]

Sounds like Paul can help you.
Also try Mark Forster over at www.Mk1performanceconversions.co.uk as he has just had this done. From what I gathered you can expect to use up 3 or 4 screens before one cuts successfully (especially if using old ones). You can do front and rear but the sides will need to be made from scratch as Paul suggests.

[CharlieBrown]

I got a reply form Garrett

Yeah I had my original screen cut down by a guy who worked at zenith windows.
Cost me £20.

The rear window was made from the left over section from the front.

The side glass was plate glass that I had clut to templates I made from thin mdf.
Once the glass was cut I had it toughened (again through zenith windows)

That sounds very reasonable so that will be one place to try.

Paul: I didnt realise you had the front cut down, PM coming your way.


Thanks for all you help guys, this is exactly why I like the forum so much, helpful people like you chaps!