Windshield Question

[LuckyWinner]

After installing my windshield, I am noticing that I have a gap between the bottom of the windshield and the body. Its down as far as it can go where the arms enter the body the bottom of the windshield is flush. Am I suppose to have this gap???? the rubber strip at the base of the windshield isn't even flush with the body.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Check the angle; you probably have it laid back too far.

Jeff

[BobsMK4]

After installing my windshield, I am noticing that I have a gap between the bottom of the windshield and the body. Its down as far as it can go where the arms enter the body the bottom of the windshield is flush. Am I suppose to have this gap???? the rubber strip at the base of the windshield isn't even flush with the body.

According to my notes from the Factory Five Build School, the windshield angle is based on a 34 1/2" measurement from the back of the windshield frame to the edge of the deck behind the seats.

[CraigS]

Most I have seen have the outer lower corners of the w/s frame touching the body or missing by only 1/8 inch or so. The gap at the center of the frame varies. Usually time, and warm weather help the rubber gasket drop down to the body.

[edwardb]

I posted this over on the other forum. Will repeat here:

Agree this is likely a windshield angle issue. The dimension from the center of the windshield to the back of the cockpit is one way to measure. The other I like, and used on my Mk4 build, is to measure from the rear corner of the body at the door opening to the top screw of the windshield side post. This should measure 27 inches. Note this is the dimension referenced in the instructions for the newer top from FFR. I found with this dimension the windshield gasket on my MK4 seated correctly.

Personally, I'm not a fan of pre-drilling the holes in the side bars. I've seen several posts where guys have drilled the holes in the center of the bars per the instructions and then had alignment issues. Better to set the windshield in place, find the proper location and angle, and then mark where the holes should be drilled. As I recall, this is how the Mk3 instructions said to do it. They may end up still right in the center. But if slightly one way or the other, will work with the supplied 1/2 inch bolts. This is a little after the fact for your situation.

Other variables:

You may have to move the windshield posts forward or backwards where they go through the body to find the right location and angle. This means lengthening the FFR cut slots, which are pretty much only approximate locations anyway. As already stated, when done, you don't want the body touching the windshield posts.

Do you have the body completely installed? Sills pulled down and attached, front and back attached, front and back quick jacks installed, splash guards (elephant ears) installed? Everything works together to get the body into the proper location and shape. How does the hood fit? This would be an indication that the body is/is not positioned OK. What about the fit over the firewall? You do have the bulb seal on the firewall, right? Is it pulled down and slightly compressed?