Author Topic: Metal cracked under windscreen.  (Read 2356 times)

Offline Waspy

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Metal cracked under windscreen.
« on: 29 July 2014, 21:50 »
So I have this crack in the corner under my windscreen (See image). This picture is actually before a repair I did on it. I grinded it back and treated the rust, at which point the crack only looked cosmetic, so I filled it and resprayed it. And it looked great. Seem less even. However after jacking the car up, the crack has reappeared through the filler and paint which raises structural concerns with me.

Is this a common area? Is it weld-able? Anything I should know?


It's a mk2. Fill it, drive it, enjoy it.  :smiley:

Offline Wayne

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #1 on: 29 July 2014, 22:09 »
That will need the screen removing and then the cracked section cut out and replaced.

But I suspect you have deeper problems with the shell flexing
« Last Edit: 31 July 2014, 13:50 by Wayne »

Offline Waspy

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #2 on: 29 July 2014, 22:15 »
Screen need replacing anyway since it has a nice arc scratch after the wiper disembarked at 80 on a rainy day  :angry:

In my head that doesn't sit right. It doesn't feel like the kind of area which can just be cut out... But I'm no expert.

Getting very tempted just to buy a better Gti..
It's a mk2. Fill it, drive it, enjoy it.  :smiley:

Offline Mr Blue

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #3 on: 30 July 2014, 18:40 »
That crack isn't normal. Has the shell been in a stunt? Check behind the wings for rot around the a pillar while your there
« Last Edit: 30 July 2014, 18:42 by Mr Blue »
:)

Offline Waspy

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #4 on: 30 July 2014, 19:14 »
Has the shell been in a stunt?

I always wanted a stunt car! But not that I know of.

So maybe this car is just a challenge... Yeah. Let's call it that :)
It's a mk2. Fill it, drive it, enjoy it.  :smiley:

Offline Thom89

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #5 on: 31 July 2014, 00:23 »
Metal fatigue caused by the front of the shell flexing, I'd like to bet that the "A' posts have rot well set in around the area on the inner wing side of where the bonnet hinge mounts. The crack is slowly working its way around the screen pillar at its weakest point! Recognising the problem, and correct rectification are crucial at this point! Removing the wings for inspection of this area is about the only way to find out for sure! :sad:

Also worth inspecting is the area at the base of "A" post, where it meets the floor and sill area, and ramp lift bobbins on the underside of the floor pan, if this part of the car is rotten, then all stress will go to the cracked area!!

Edit, just re read your OP, seems you've answered your own question!

"However after jacking the car up, the crack has reappeared through the filler and paint which raises structural concerns with me"

Thom
« Last Edit: 31 July 2014, 00:27 by Thom89 »

Offline Waspy

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #6 on: 31 July 2014, 01:24 »
Recognising the problem, and correct rectification are crucial at this point!

What is correct rectification?!

*Goes to start project thread*

Thanks for the reply Thom. Supposing the A pillar is nice and rotten. Is it game over? How do you even go about repairing that?
It's a mk2. Fill it, drive it, enjoy it.  :smiley:

roberto

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Re: Metal cracked under windscreen.
« Reply #7 on: 01 August 2014, 20:43 »
you need to get the wing off first then all will be revealed. I certainly wouldn't condemn it yet. its amazing how much body shells flex without you realising. off course they shouldn't flex in that area enough to crack a small bit of filler.