Re: bonded-in windshields

[Matthew Killick <m.killick@domain.elided>]

John Hertzman wrote:

>WADR, AFIK this is backwards or at least sideways. None of the pre-Alfetta 
>Alfas which used bonded windshields did it for structural reasons; the 
>Berlinas and GT Veloces were designed with gasketed windshield and the bonded 
>windshields were fitted in the USA (but not, I believe, in any other market) 
>strictly as a glass retention expedient in case of accidents. The Alfetta was 
>very definitely engineered to use a bonded-in windshield which forms part of 
>the structural rigidity of the car, according to Italian publications at the 
>time, and used them from 1972 until the 2000 was introduces in 1977. With the 
>'78 the Alfetta reverted to gasketed windshields, but with detailing and 
>material selection which made them much more secure and probably somewhat 
>contributory to the structure.

My imperfect understanding is that the only 105 series cars to have bonded
in screens were US spec, which is in accord with John's comment.  I have to
disagree with John's second sentence.  The AlfaSud, which was definitely
pre-Alfetta, used a bonded screen for structural rigidity.  Whether the
AlfaSud is regarded as an Alfa or not, is an entirely different matter.  If
having a quart-sized heart and soul in a pint-sized car is relevant, then
it is.

Cheers
Mat

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