Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus 8 windscreen

Hi,

Hope someone out there can help.

I need to replace my windscreen on a 1993 Plus 8. The one with the 10 stud fixing on the windscreen rail. Where can I get one from please? Ideally I'd like a bronze tint as the car does not have sun visors and it can be a little difficult to see out in certain conditions. I seem to remember many years ago I went to a glass supplier to have a new screen made for my 1975 Plus 8 but presume technology will have moved on since then. Does it have to be laminated? I read somewhere that toughened glass is better for a Morgan as it flexes more. And is the rubber beading that goes around the screen readily available? I've got the old screen out and wonder whether I can put it back together myself. Many thanks. Paul

It's many years since I've had to replace a screen on my Plus 8 but from what I'm aware, I'd use laminated glass. From memory, toughened glass is used for passenger side windoows and the like and in designed to disintregate into granular pieces to avoid serious cuts and lacerations. I used to go to a decent automotive glass fitter experieced in glazing caravans etc. Make sure that the rubber seal is used, not plastic foam or other weak material otherwise the flexing of the screen surround will cause the seal to 'walk' resulting in a non-seal. Make sure that the 2BA screws go back in in the same order (shortest at the top and middle, longest at the bottom.
Not sure about getting a tinted screen; you can only ask.
Could you fit it yourself? Probably with some Fairy Liquid, a rubber mallet and a little bit of patience!

[quote=Cheshire_David] and is designed to disintregate into granular pieces to avoid serious cuts and lacerations. /quote]

Not my experience of toughened glass when I had the misfortune to stuff my MG Midget under the rear of a lorry. When the tail bar came through the screen and it shattered, the backs of my hands were peppered with sharp granules, and bled really well........

The emphasis is on the word "serious"!

Yes, toughened glass granules will cause deep scratches, but any cuts are very unlikely to need stitches and unlike old fashioned sheet glass there are no long shards to stab you!

Laminated glass is safer as the broken glass is stuck to the plastic inner layer. The inner sheet may also be toughened.

I replaced a cracked screen on my plus 8 last year, a local windscreen repair company sourced one in 24 hrs. so they must be available 'off the shelf'.

A Morgan dealer may be able to supply the windscreens 'off the shelf' but I think possibly not as Morgan used to only sell the screen complete with the chrome surround.

Any competent glazier will be able to cut a new piece of glass for you. There are no complications: no double curvatures, not even a single curvature, it's completely flat.

Plain laminated glass screens are easily obtainable, what are not are heated screens. For those you will have to purchase the complete screen assembly including frame, from the factory.......at a price of around £700.

GoMog also has something on replacing older screens

Most has already been said. However, I asked a mobile screen guy for my screen, he picked up the complete screen (as taken off the car) took it away and it was returned ready to fit in a few days and not expensive.
An equally efficient option is to contact a crane/plant hire operator as mobile cranes, etc are getting cracked screens on a regular basis and they have to be replaced quick for safety reasons. They are on the ball with windscreen repairers and know the contacts.
Hope this helps.

Simon
'79 Plus 8

Check your insurance policy and then put a ding in it with a hammer. Autoglass will then get you a brand new screen (with surround) for the price of your insurance excess.