Hi All, Is it true the series 3 chrome surround is the cause of rust or is it the rubber finisher at the bottom that retains water . I was told there is a one piece seal available that does not require the chrome .Is it a big deal to remove and refit the screens as I have seen a few cars with damaged chrome and some botched fitting.

 

Having just had my screen "professionally" replaced whilst closely watching the entire process, I'd say the whole inner and out rubber finishers set up is the culprit. They are just pushed in under the chrome trim with little pressure. Immediately, it seemed to me that water could get in everywhere. Logically, the top and sides of the outer rubber, and upper edge of the bottom inner rubber would let most of the water ingress leaving it trapped around the bottom of the screen recess. After the operation I removed and resealed the rubber trims with windscreen silicone all round. Fingers crossed...

Yes, the chrome trims are very delicate and easily distorted, so great care needed when removing.

Haven't heard of a one piece seal - sounds interesting, but it would still need to seal well.

Cheers,

 

After thought:
Not sure where you are, but in Melbourne my screen only cost $265 all up incl. fitting on site. Didn't consider it worth attempting myself since the screen is heavy & awkward to manhandle, especially on fitting & aligning. The old screen also took a lot of effort to cut loose and remove. And finally, if the pro messes up, he has to fix it!

 

Just for my own sanity, i know the screen front and rear are bonded requiring specialist (preferred) removal, BUT once the screen is refitted the rubber seals are then pressed into place?

i have to have both front and rear screens removed to deal with the rust, if i can get away with having a professional remove and install and just deal with the bonding i am quite happy to seal the "rubber" seals in place...

thanks

 

Yes, the rubbers are just pressed in. Depends on the cost of pro fitting in your location, but I suspect they would want to quote for the whole process. The least time consuming part is final inserting of the rubbers, so I doubt you would save a much in the way of cost. Also, any guarantee could be compromised if the pro doesn't complete the job. IMO it's worth having the rubbers sealed in with silicone, something you can ask them to do or DIY.