Windshield Help!!

cwmcobra · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2003, 08:43 PM

I've started installing the windshield and find that the side supports are mismatched to the frame. See the photo below.

Now, they came out of the same box, so I must be doing something wrong. I've installed them so that the leading edge is flush with the outside (toward the front) of the frame. I can't believe I have to bend the supports, so would appreciate the experiences of the group on this.

I'm actually getting closer to finsihing this project....should be on the road this summer.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Chuck

@%$#@#$.....Where did that picture go?? I'll try again.

cwmcobra · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2003, 08:47 PM

....I hope!

Captain Speed · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2003, 09:47 PM

That's not right. Have you swapped sides? Where is the windsheld from?

Michael C Henry · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2003, 10:45 PM

I just removed my 19 year old windsheild .The down legs have a slight outward bend to fit through slots in cowl . Tried to make windsheild angle match sidecurtains .

cwmcobra · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2003, 07:17 AM

The windshield came with the kit. Seems to be pretty high quality, but I obviously need to tweek with the setup some more.

Thanks for your inputs.

Chuck

Slow Dawg · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2003, 08:23 AM

Yup! Chuck, I'll bet it came from International Wholesale. About 2 or 3 years ago I went around and around with them about the same thing. They said to put it in a vise (with a lot of rags to not scratch the chrome) and use a crescent wrench (with more rags) and tweek it. Careful as to not pop the chrome off if you go too far.

Ron

cwmcobra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2003, 05:00 PM

Ron,

It appears you hit the nail on the head. That would explain the "I. W" sticker in the middle of the glass. I was really hoping it was some bonehead move that I made......This fix sounds dangerous to me.

Not surprised that my kit builder uses the cheap stuff. Sometimes (actually most times) I pay for it in other ways.

Guess I'd better go find some rags and clear the vise.

Thanks,

Chuck

Steve R · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2003, 09:12 PM

Chuck,
Post a photo of how you are positioning the support against the side of the window frame. The way to correctly install it was
not immediately obvious to me the first time I assembled one. It looks like you are holding it the way I was before I finally
realized what I was doing wrong. Bending that support will probably leave the chrome on your garage floor. It peels off
REALLY EASY.
Steven

cwmcobra · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2003, 10:04 PM

Here's a picture of the side support. I've aligned the front edge of the support with the leading edge of the windshield (the side that faces the front of the car. I've thought about other ways to assemble it, but haven't come up with any ideas.

If you see what I'm doing wrong, holler!

Thanks.

Chuck

Steve R · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 04:05 AM

Chuck,
How about 2 shots like that one, one from the side, one from the front.
Steven

cwmcobra · #11 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 08:01 AM

Steve,

Sorry, the light was bad and it was late. Here's a shot of the side angled from the front. I'll post another from the front.

cwmcobra · #12 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 08:04 AM

Here's another shot from the front corner.

cwmcobra · #13 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 08:06 AM

A closer shot from the front corner. Do you need one dead on from the side?

Thanks,

Chuck

Slow Dawg · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 09:06 AM

Chuck, I noticed a little gap at the top. You can take the post off and move the base (the part the screws go into) down a little. Before tapping it, put a screw in the hole as not to compress the hole. Then you will be "screwed." Use a small hammer and screwdriver or flat punch. Better to move a tiny bit than a lot. DON'T HIT THE SCREW! Tap on the end of the brass piece. The screw is only in about 3 threads. Pretty easy, huh? Good luck.

Ron

Steve R · #15 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 04:54 PM

Chuck,
I think I see the problem. picture 3's arrow points to the start of a bevel that the edge of the windshield frame is supposed to fit into. It is ok at the bottom, but about 1/2 way up (picture 1), it looks like it is not locked in.(it's hard to tell from the picture) See if you can get it to lock in all the way up. then the top part should rotate into position.
Let me know what you find.
Steven

cwmcobra · #16 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 08:28 PM

I took a closer look and the bevel in both supports fits well at the bottom of the windshield (as shown in the photo), but refuses to lock in from the middle to the top. The only thing I can see to change the relationship of the bevel to the windshield frame is to open up some of the holes in the supports slightly. Maybe then it would lock in. I'm going to consider this more before I get the drill out, though. I've twisted and tapped with a rubber mallet, but no go.

I'll let you know if my "fix" works.

Thanks,

Chuck

Steve R · #17 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 08:40 PM

Chuck Great news.
Just be VERY CAREFUL of the chrome. it will crack and peel off effortlessly. Treat it like an atom bomb with aids

Steven

cwmcobra · #18 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 09:33 PM

Steve,

Thanks for the warning.

Sounds like you are speaking from experience!

Chuck

Janusz · #19 (**permalink**) 03-09-2003, 09:39 PM

Chuck,

I ran into almost the same situation on my Shell Valley. The previous owner needed to replace the windshield and purchased a complete frame with glass, but kept the original side posts. The original side posts do not align with the windshield frame at the top by about 1/8".

Talking to the Shell Valley, I was told that there was a design change in the windshield a few years ago, so I purchased new side posts which look to be correct, but have not had a chance to install them. Purchasing new posts might be a fall back option if the rubber mallet method does not work. I might have a chance to install the new posts in the next week and can give you an update at that time.

John

Steve R · #20 (**permalink**) 03-10-2003, 04:25 AM

Chuck,
Look at the screws that hold the supports on. Maybe they are contacting the edge of the channel that they must go past in order to screw into those flat brass nuts. If that is the case, you could use a dremmel tool to knock a little off the edge of the channel in order to provide some clearance for the screw. Also, I think those brass nuts can be slid out of the channel and turned arround. this might give you the wiggle room you need.
When you finally get around to cutting the side supports to lenth, you will see what I am talking about with regard to the chrome's adhesion or lack thereof .
Steven
PS,
If you are not exactly sure of where to grind, I'll draw a diagram and post it. I am out of time right now and must go to work.....