Does anyone have experience with replacing the windshield on a 1996 XJS convertible?

 

Your windshield and seal is attached with an adhesive to the frame and needs to be cut out.
It might be possible to remove it with a wire windshield tool to break it free from the frame.
You cannot remove the glass without destroying the rubber seal.
The professionals can do it without much fuss and that is the way I would go.
Make sure that the frame is free of rust before the glass is reinserted.

 

Well that’s my issue too - do you happen to know of a source for replacement in the Connecticut area? Safe lite doesn’t want to do it. Thanks in advance.

SL

 

Keesh,

There are five challenges with replacing a late facelift windscreen:

- Getting the correct screen. There are size differences between Coupes & Convertibles. Be absolutely sure that you're able to source the correct screen from Pilkington
- Removing the rubber trim surround. This shouldn't be too bad, but it's not available new, so be extremely careful.
- Removing & refitting the chromes. It is incredibly easy to distort the chromes. I would not let a fitter do those chromes unless they have huge experience of XJSs and will pay for replacements (unobtainable) if they distort them
- Removing the screen from the mastic retention dam. As expected, the retention dam isn't available new either, so you need to reuse your existing one.
- The inevitable rust and corrosion that you may have in the windscreen flange, potentially extending hidden to the scuttle, plenum chamber, A-post, inner wing and even down to the sill, once the screen is removed. Don't underestimate how bad this may be, even if your car looks perfect from the outside.

Good luck!

Paul

 

It's been a year and it hasn't given any problems. New rubber was available, and the windshield was replaced without removing any trim strips or anything like that. It looks neat, and there was no rust under the rubber.

 

Apols Keesh, I hadn't noticed the original date of your thread!

Paul