Cobra Windscreen Replacement

[gcarm]

Hi,

My windscreen cracked yesterday while driving on a rough road. It had a small crack in it (one of the screws for the visor was a little too long which caused the initial small crack).

Now the crack has extended the full height of the glass.

Its an early model G-Force. Not sure how similar the windscreen frames are on Cobra replicas ?

Anyone know where I could get a replacement (around the Sydney area)?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[brodie]

My got broken I got one from vintage wheels.for a classic roadster ll

[Wazza]

I think you'll find NOVUS will have windscreens in stock.
I know they do in Gold Coast
https://www.novusglass.com/en-au/

[stephen low]

Greg

If your frame is the same as mine, I discovered you will need to find a screen shop that has a competent glass cutter.

My replacement screens have all had about 10mm cut off the top and some tapering to the sides.

The glass is generally available but finding someone with a capable cutter is the key, else you are wasting your time.

Steve

[eschaider]

Have you guys considered making a template for where the screws contact the windscreen glass and then waterjetting a small hole for the screw so it can not impinge on the windscreen and break it? Probably cheaper than a new windscreen ...

[CobraAddict]

I have a 1987 AC Cobra Mk IV (Brian Angliss) which I believe uses the same windscreen as the Mk III's.
When I purchased it from 'The Healey Factory' in Mitcham (VIC) the windscreen had been broken while fitting some components to the frame and they had it replaced without any issues. I don't know who they used but he said their supplier keeps them in stock.

The guy to talk to at The Healey Factory is Chris Hamilton (03) 9872 3900

[CobraAddict]

Can certainly get them in QLD

https://www.autoglasswarehouse.com.a...rrent-2dr-conv

[CobraAddict]

This is off the Cobra Club of NSW website

Windscreens

Auto Replacement Glass. Cobra windscreen Bar Code Model No. CO418LT
Ph. 131 838

[gcarm]

Originally Posted by CobraAddict

This is off the Cobra Club of NSW website

Windscreens

Auto Replacement Glass. Cobra windscreen Bar Code Model No. CO418LT
Ph. 131 838

Tried the number (131838). It seems to be disconnected......

[gcarm]

The one I found at autoglassshop.com.au was cracked in one corner, so I didn't go ahead with it.

I found one at O'briens Autoglass for a very good price. I took my old glass with me when I went to pick it up to make sure it was the correct size. They matched almost perfectly, so I shouldn't need to trim it at all. Apparently, it was the last one they had on the shelf. (they can get more, just need to order it)

I had to notch it out at four points across the top so I won't have any issues with the visor screws cracking it. I used a dremel with a diamond point bit. This worked quite well.

Next step is to put it back into the frame, and bolt it back into the Cobra. Hopefully I won't have any issues with fitment.

Cheers,
Greg

[gcarm]

I found one at autoglassshop.com.au. It says the dimensions are 1293*410.

This matches my screen if I meaure it along the bottom edge (~1293) and down the side edge (~410).

Steve, I believe my G-Force is around year 2000 so I think that would make it a Mk I the same as yours. It sounds like based on your experience I will need to get it trimmed.

Ed, I ended up using a dremel with a small stone grinding bit to grind the glass for the other holes. Will go that way with the new glass, hopefully won't have the issue again.

Greg

[gcarm]

Duplicate---

[bobcowan]

Replace it with MR-10. Easier, and cheaper. Won't ever crack again.

[letsboogie351]

Plastic windscreens are not permitted under our design rules.

7.3. The glass used in the windscreen of all vehicles must be laminated safety glass.

7.4. Marking of Glass

7.4.1. All glass must carry the indelible mark or marks of the relevant standards, visible when the glass is fitted in the vehicle.

7.4.2. The mark or marks must identify the type of glass and the relevant standard to which the glass conforms.

[gcarm]

Originally Posted by letsboogie351

Plastic windscreens are not permitted under our design rules.

7.3. The glass used in the windscreen of all vehicles must be laminated safety glass.

7.4. Marking of Glass

7.4.1. All glass must carry the indelible mark or marks of the relevant standards, visible when the glass is fitted in the vehicle.

7.4.2. The mark or marks must identify the type of glass and the relevant standard to which the glass conforms.

Yes, I was aware that Lexan windscreens are illegal in this country, so I had not really considered it.

Regarding the fitment of the O'briens glass, I couldn't get the top frame piece to meet with the bottom piece. There was about a 1cm gap on both sides.

The problem was the top corners which were a little sharper than the original. I used my trusty dremel to 'smooth' them out and that did the trick!

A little detergent on the rubber gasket, and the frame slipped on and I was able to screw it together without too much trouble.

I can highly recommend O'briens Nth Parramatta. Bob was very helpful and provided a few tips on how to install the glass.

[twobjshelbys]

Technically not in the US either...

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Technically not in the US either...

Correct. Not legal here. But many of us do it anyway. Never heard of anyone getting fined for it. But we generally don't have regular inspections, either.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Correct. Not legal here. But many of us do it anyway. Never heard of anyone getting fined for it. But we generally don't have regular inspections, either.

Billboard tires aren't legal either.

Neither are DOT stamped

[stephen low]

Well done Greg

My GF is a 90's built kit and talking with Rob at GF last year, at some stage he did start building later cars with larger screen frames to suit the glass, I reckon that's what you've got.

He did also say he ended up giving the glass/frame supply away completely, outsourcing these bits to make it easier on him I guess.

I've too have got a dremmel but I am not keen to run the gauntlet and risk of self cutting a screen in case it cracks. Particularly as it not a small cut or just a simple polish job.

Interestingly, despite all the mucking around my final glass supplier ended up using the same E stamped suppliers screen that was being replaced, from FUYAO. Was told the screen was only $200 - 300 supplied too.

[gcarm]

Originally Posted by stephen low

Well done Greg

My GF is a 90's built kit and talking with Rob at GF last year, at some stage he did start building later cars with larger screen frames to suit the glass, I reckon that's what you've got.

He did also say he ended up giving the glass/frame supply away completely, outsourcing these bits to make it easier on him I guess.

I've too have got a dremmel but I am not keen to run the gauntlet and risk of self cutting a screen in case it cracks. Particularly as it not a small cut or just a simple polish job.

Interestingly, despite all the mucking around my final glass supplier ended up using the same E stamped suppliers screen that was being replaced, from FUYAO. Was told the screen was only $200 - 300 supplied too.

I was a bit hesitant at first using the dremmel on a new screen. I tried one of the small circular sanding bits first but made very slow progress. I then tried a smal cylidrical bit with diamond bits embedded in it, and that worked a charm! Rather than trying to cut into it, I just 'shaved' the edge a bit at a time until I removed the desired amount. Dremmel was set midway between 2 and 3 which I assume is 2500rpm. Didn't feel at any stage like the glass was going to crack, keep one hand lightly on it to stop any vibrations and went slowly without pushing it too hard.

I was quite happy with the price from O'breins ($150) and their service was top notch.

See attached for the marking on the glass.