Hello,
I decided to revive this thread as I have experienced a cracked windscreen on my 2009 Sport. I bought the car with the a crack at the center of the screen and took about 1000 euros off the price in order to buy a new one (heated).
I finally got around to fit the new one (supplied by Melvyn Rutter) last week at a local garage that specialise in classic car restoration and race preparation. I told them about the sequence of the screws etc. I got the car back with no problems. I then went for a drive last Saturday only to see a crack appear on the left hand side of the screen!! This by now has expanded and met the top of the screen. I went to the garage that fitted it and they assured me it was done correctly. Also there is no screw where the crack was initiated.
As I was researching the subject I came across this thread and so here I am...
I read here
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/screens.htm that early 4/4 sports..." use different windscreen pillars from other classics as it has the older 9 stud hood. The pillars curve slightly to accommodate the width and type of screen. Sadly, the newer version of this part for these cars was made with the curvature section too thin (unlike the older versions) allowing unfortunate flexing and acting as pressure springs on the screen when they are installed. It was this that is reported to inevitably cause the cracking"
and also:
"Replacement pillars, stronger and thicker at the curve, have now been made and this has (hopefully) resolved the problem (though the aesthetics have not improved). Replacement screens should now delivered with these new pillars"
My replacement screen certainly wasn't delivered with new pillars! Is there any merit to contacting Melvyn Rutter about this??
If I don't get anywhere I will be going down the simple (ie non heated) route with a glass made locally. However, as can be understood, I am very frustrated after paying for a new heated screen plus installation!
Any suggestions and/of advice will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Vassilis