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Replacing an RV8 windscreen surround
David Reid (Nightfire Red 0299) from West Lothian recently visited
Clive Wheatley for one of his carbon fibre replacement windscreen
surrounds. (Apr 06)
Having
finally decided to do something about the windscreen of my RV8, which
was well overdue, since first spotting the tell tale signs of bubbling
paintwork along the bottom of the frame. The question was what to
do? Like all rust problems it is what you can't see that is usually
the problem, which would probably put the screen beyond repair. So
it was decided a new frame would be the best option but "do
I replace it with the traditional steel frame which are now being
remanufactured or is there an alternative?".

Underside of the frame clearly showing the extent of the rust.
(Photo: David Reid)
After doing a bit of research and costing, I found that Clive Wheatley
of V8 and RV8 parts in Worfield in the West Midlands, produced a carbon
fibre screen, albeit secured with steel fixings inside the frame to
the car. The choice was made - it would be the carbon fibre one since
at least it reduces the amount of steel that can rust. The next question
was "do I want to tackle this myself or leave it to the professionals?".
I am all for domestic harmony, so it was left to the professionals.
The car was transported
down to Worfield and the new frame duly fitted. The dash had to
be completely removed to allow fitting. Early models
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Dash had to be
completely removed to allow fitting. (Photo: David Reid)
had only three studs
pulling the frame to the body, so two additional holes had to be drilled
to accommodate the later version of the frame with five fixings.

Trial fit of frame before fitting glass. (Photo: David Reid)
Whilst the RV8 was with Clive Wheatley, it also had a service which
uncovered one of the other inherent problems with the RV8s, wear in
the steering rack. With the service done, windscreen fitted and bushes
replaced in the steering rack, the RV8 is safely back home raring
to go this summer. Many thanks to Clive and Steve for a job well done.
Copyright
reserved by the V8 Register of the MG Car Club, PO Box 888,
London SW14 7YT
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