Problem with windshield.

[jdavis500]

Because I had damaged the original windshield for my Gen 3 coupe I received from FFR, I ordered a new one from local supplier. The order was for a 1986 Jaguar XJS. The first one I received had a blue tint(BT) across the top. Returning it wasn't a problem and they ordered a second one that was a green tint(GT). When I received it today, it has a 1 inch frit across the bottom which I don't think is a big deal since I will be redoing the frit to surround the windshield. When I took it home and put it on the car, the ends both sat about 1.5" above the opening. In other words, the windshield was too flat. Everything else about it was fine. The original windshield is maybe 3/16" above the opening on either end. Has anyone else had this experience? Did I not order the correct windshield?

[edwardb]

1986 Jaguar XJS windshield is what Factory Five told me and I've heard that confirmed from other sources including Gordon Levy. Makes me wonder if you received the right one(s). Haven't seen any of that vintage with a frit either. I took a rock off my windshield a couple weeks ago (:() and after doing some investigating, ordered one from Factory Five. The ones they have in stock are for kit orders. But they promised more on the way and should be a month or two. OK, since I won't change it until this winter. Thankful for glass insurance but still not looking forward to removing and installing again.

[Alphamacaroon]

Speaking from recent experience...

I had to replace my windshield at the beginning of summer and I can confirm that a 1986 Jag XJS is indeed a perfect fit. My local shop ordered it from their standard supplier and it fit very well (or at least as well as the original). So as Paul says, you may not have the right one— the frit at the bottom seems suspect to me. Mine also had the blueish tint band across the top. At first I was a little disappointed because it was "different", but it's really not noticeable from the outside nor does it look out of place, and I really enjoy it now because it reduces the need for sun visors.

This time around I went ahead and had a local shop (which specializes in vintage cars) do the install, and I can say without a doubt that the $600 (including the windshield) was well worth it.

Just a general note on the install— and I apologize in advance to Paul because this goes against your build bible (it really is a bible for many of us)— I would recommend you don't use blocks and straps to set and hold the window firmly into the body recess. I did that and my installer had an immensely difficult time getting the window out because there was virtually no room to maneuver tools behind it or around it to cut out the adhesive. He eventually got it out, but he said he was extremely nervous he was going to damage the paint and it took him 3 hours when it normally takes him 30 minutes. When he installed it the second time he piled on the adhesive extremely high (not necessarily more adhesive, just a much higher v-cut in the applicator wand) and set it in so that the window is nearly flush with the surrounding body. Then he just used a few pieces of window installer tape to hold it up against gravity. It looks great and now there is plenty of room around the recess to get tools in as needed (which you can also cover with weatherstripping if that's your thing).

Update: one additional thought— were you able to test fit the original FFR window before it broke, or the newer blue band one? Is it possible that none of them fit very well and that your body just needs to be shimmed or repositioned?

[jdavis500]

Speaking from recent experience...

I had to replace my windshield at the beginning of summer and I can confirm that a 1986 Jag XJS is indeed a perfect fit. My local shop ordered it from their standard supplier and it fit very well (or at least as well as the original). So as Paul says, you may not have the right one— the frit at the bottom seems suspect to me. Mine also had the blueish tint band across the top. At first I was a little disappointed because it was "different", but it's really not noticeable from the outside nor does it look out of place, and I really enjoy it now because it reduces the need for sun visors.

This time around I went ahead and had a local shop (which specializes in vintage cars) do the install, and I can say without a doubt that the $600 (including the windshield) was well worth it.

Just a general note on the install— and I apologize in advance to Paul because this goes against your build bible (it really is a bible for many of us)— I would recommend you don't use blocks and straps to set and hold the window firmly into the body recess. I did that and my installer had an immensely difficult time getting the window out because there was virtually no room to maneuver tools behind it or around it to cut out the adhesive. He eventually got it out, but he said he was extremely nervous he was going to damage the paint and it took him 3 hours when it normally takes him 30 minutes. When he installed it the second time he piled on the adhesive extremely high (not necessarily more adhesive, just a much higher v-cut in the applicator wand) and set it in so that the window is nearly flush with the surrounding body. Then he just used a few pieces of window installer tape to hold it up against gravity. It looks great and now there is plenty of room around the recess to get tools in as needed (which you can also cover with weatherstripping if that's your thing).

Update: one additional thought— were you able to test fit the original FFR window before it broke, or the newer blue band one? Is it possible that none of them fit very well and that your body just needs to be shimmed or repositioned?

Thanks for your helpful reply. The original windshield fit reasonably well. When I went to pickup the BT windshield with the tint, I did not take it home so I am not sure how it would have fit. FFR says that they do not have any in stock and they expect maybe mid November and to try back. I may try a local supplier again and see if I have better luck.

[edwardb]

Speaking from recent experience...

I had to replace my windshield at the beginning of summer and I can confirm that a 1986 Jag XJS is indeed a perfect fit. My local shop ordered it from their standard supplier and it fit very well (or at least as well as the original). So as Paul says, you may not have the right one— the frit at the bottom seems suspect to me. Mine also had the blueish tint band across the top. At first I was a little disappointed because it was "different", but it's really not noticeable from the outside nor does it look out of place, and I really enjoy it now because it reduces the need for sun visors.

This time around I went ahead and had a local shop (which specializes in vintage cars) do the install, and I can say without a doubt that the $600 (including the windshield) was well worth it.

Just a general note on the install— and I apologize in advance to Paul because this goes against your build bible (it really is a bible for many of us)— I would recommend you don't use blocks and straps to set and hold the window firmly into the body recess. I did that and my installer had an immensely difficult time getting the window out because there was virtually no room to maneuver tools behind it or around it to cut out the adhesive. He eventually got it out, but he said he was extremely nervous he was going to damage the paint and it took him 3 hours when it normally takes him 30 minutes. When he installed it the second time he piled on the adhesive extremely high (not necessarily more adhesive, just a much higher v-cut in the applicator wand) and set it in so that the window is nearly flush with the surrounding body. Then he just used a few pieces of window installer tape to hold it up against gravity. It looks great and now there is plenty of room around the recess to get tools in as needed (which you can also cover with weatherstripping if that's your thing).

Update: one additional thought— were you able to test fit the original FFR window before it broke, or the newer blue band one? Is it possible that none of them fit very well and that your body just needs to be shimmed or repositioned?

No need to apologize. My windshield would have been above the body had it not been pressed down in some manner. Just pressing it into the adhesive wouldn't have held it where it needed to be. Others reporting similar fitment. Using the padded blocks and straps was an idea I saw in another build thread and worked for me. But nice that you were able to fit a new windshield without taking such measures. Maybe some variation in the body or the windshields themselves?