New Window Frames

[mikeeskriett]

Hi All,

Just thought i'd pass on some tips for the new design window frames.

The standard Metro glass channel tends to be too short causing the winder to disconnect from the glass leaving you to reduce the travel. Having done some research Land Rover Defender front drop glass channels are absolutely perfect for the job. Part numbers are:

MTC 8477 - Channel
MUC 1713 – Rubber

For door mirrors I have chosen electric jobbies from a Rover 200 (model after the Rohonda) they use identical mounts to the Metro ones and are pretty much identical to MGF ones but half the price. They work a treat and are dead easy to wire up.

For interior handles I've gone for 1996 Rover 200 rears as the yards near me don't bother keeping mk2 Rover 200's these days.

Cheers,

Mike

[manifold]

Thanks for this Mike.

Very useful info. I've just ordered one of the defender channels as the frame behaves in exactly the way you describe. The back arm drops off the channel a couple of inches.

I've ordered one off Ebay which I will cut into 2 (1 for each side as its a double channel).

Incidently I have found these new frames are 1000 percent better than the old ones. The door is a lot more solid and doesnt twist in the frame as much.

Winder mechanism works properly and the window runs up and down the front and rear channels like it should do. A lot better job. Also gives an opportunity to bolt the inner door pull to the frame too, resulting in no more screws pulling out of the casing.

Door actually latches properly first time every time too. Before it used to bounce out.

Cheers,

David

[Rich]

Do the new frames fit in place of the older version? If so how much are we looking at to convert?

Rich

[manifold]

Yes they are a straight fit. Albeit you need to cut a bit out of the door as the front rail is in a (also better) more forward position.

You will probably be able to use existing door cards if you reglass, recover and remount the door pull and opener.

I opted to get new door cards and use the rover 200 handles like Mike did.

I got mine last year but I think all in it was a couple of hundred or so as I got all the glass, rubbers, frames and door cards etc.

A lot better and the channel is wider too, allowing a 'normal' glass channel rubber.

Pity they didnt come powder coated though.

Only just got round to fitting mine now.

[Rich]

Thanks David,

I take it the new set does away with the quarterlights?

Rich

[manifold]

Hi Rich,

Yes there's no quarterlights on the new frames. Just one piece of glass either side with a small steel triangle for mirror fitment.

You can use powered mirrors off the MGF on these too, as the holes (for a Metro Mk3/R100) are same fit. Mike mentions that rover 200 door mirrors fit too.

I haven't got round to fitting mine yet though. I chose to use manual ones as its not exactly a wide car . Trying to find some alloy controls as I know Mike Satur used to do some. Although I might even fabricate my own now I have a lathe and mill.

Cheers,

David

[Victorc]

Mike, David,
I have been having problems with window winding, as the glass tends to 'drop' out of sahpe and jam when opening.
I have tried to visualise what you have described, but it would be easier with a before and after photograph.
Any chance?
Even a photo of the after, next time you have the inner door panel off.
Thanks
Victor

[manifold]

Hi Victor,

What you describe is one of the many issues I had with the old frames.

This is because the window winder mech only has one pivot on the channel. As the winder goes across the rail, either up or down it tips the glass forward or back, causing the jamming....meaning having to stabilise it with hand (not really ideal)

The later type has 2 channels/arms plus third lower stabilising arm as per metro and most other cars.....meaning the glass is stabilised at a set angle throughout its travel. The result is a lot better.

When I get a chance I will try and get a photo or two . Best person to be doing this really though is the man who sells them! Alistair.

What I can say from memory is the box section frame is 20mm steel. Front and rear channels are wider than the early alloy ones, but fit correctly in the same door gap as the steel gauge is narrower than alloy.

In my opinion, doors and water sealing is the main things letting the convertibles down.

[manifold]

Here you go Victor, as promised. Had a few moments to strip the door down. I hope you find it useful.











Please note its in unpainted, primed state. The outer diameter of window channel is 16.5mm. The inner diameter is 12.5mm, meaning a steel gauge of 2mm.

Bottom door card (as its a 2 piece door card) hasnt been covered yet.

Cheers,

David

[Victorc]

David,
Thanks for the photos.
I did not expect you to strip down the door just to take the photos!

This looks like the new arrangement that Alistair made for the convertible (Issues with SVA ?)

I see the opening mechanism is in a more convenient position too.

The glass is different, so a complete kit would be required, i.e.

Glass, framework, winding mechanism, door opener, and inner door cards.
I guess the new glass and door card would be from Alistair, and the rest of the bits from the Mk2 Metro (or Rover 100).

It looks to be a very superior arrangement, but I guess I will have to wait and save the pennies.
I bought one of the new heated windscreens (not fitted yet), but I am having McDonald Minis in Edinburgh sort out the driveshaft issue, and some other small problems. Fingers crossed it will be ready for the Moffat next weekend!

Regards
Victor