The header panel (above windshield) on my 29 model A coupe is pretty solid for the most part....but there's a groove that runs along its width at the bottom (closest to the windshield) that is pretty much swiss cheese....I have no idea if it's necessary...Looks like it might be a groove for the windshield frame to fit into, but don't know for sure. I have a windshield frame...but I'm missing the top piece so I can't tell if the groove in the panel fits with the top of the windshield frame. The easiest thing for me to do, would be to make a patch for the whole thing on the break.....sans groove....but I don't know if that'll mess up my windshield situation when I get that far. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve
The header is pretty much a square piece and theres a hinge that bolts to it then the windshield frame hinge slides into that..
I think what you are talking about, is the area where the windshield frame hinge bolts to the header panel, the recess is for clearance for the screw heads, and is necessary.
So if I'm gonna use a hinged windshield, I gotta repair that section to stock or just replace the entire header. hmmmm....I'll get a better look at the mess tonight and make a decision. I'm half thinking about just siliconing the whole windshield(frame gl*** and all) into the opening. But hinges are definately cool...plus will help keep me cool in the summer. Just sick of working on my ride and not riding in my ride. haha Thanks for your help guys
Take the time and do it right. You'll kick yourself 2 months from now if you cut corners like this. Deep breaths, find the success in making each part fit correctly rather than focusing on "Let's get this ****er on the road!"
LOL....I'm hearing you...and you must be reading my mind because I am shifting to the "Let's get this ****er on the road!" mindset, after 3 years of the making everything perfect mindset and still not being on the road. But you're right...I'll have to just **** it up and do it. Thanks for the push in the right direction.
Dubb, If you plan on running the original wooden header and such then you want it to be as close to stock as possible. Here is my original piece: It wasnt gonna jive with what I wanted so I made new stuff: xStacked 1.25" square tube and smaller (Ithink .75") It's getting covered in upholstery and stuff, but It basicall came out allright.
Yeah dreddy, I love that coupe so much! thanks for posting the pics...but it's still what I can't see that's confusing me. What does it look like up underneath there where the windshield attaches ?
I'm into making my own stuff too...I've already modified the top part of the header to jive with the custom roof I have planned. My ride is actually a custom pickup...but made using the 29 coupe cowl...I just said coupe in the thread in order to minimize my typing and also minimize the ensuing confusion and explanations.
That's the truth there^^ You can get a whole new reproduction header panel pretty cheap, I just replaced the whole thing in my car.
Actually I left it perfectly flat. I attached the repro hinge from macs directly to the header piece with self tapping screws. it all fits just fine. Here's a still from a video of it. I don't have anypics...but you can see the screws..
Ok cool, so if it's just straight up flat tubing on the underside, then I can go with a similar fix and still have my swinging windshield! Perfect. Sorry if this was like pulling teeth guys..haha. I don't have any original 29 cars or hot rods anywhere near me to compare. And like I said, without having all of the pieces of the puzzle in front of me, I had no idea how it all went together. Thanks everybody
If you're using an aluminum replacement top hinge like I am, the profile of the hinge top fits into the raised recess like a key into a keyway. I would venture a guess that it could be related to Henry thinking the windshield could be pushed inward differently at each side and cousing the windshield frame misalign. The stock windshield does tuck against the hinge closely. And yes, it is convenient to allow for my use of stainless ****on head screws in my car.
Haha, yeah no problem. I get like that with my Plymouth coupe build as well, but at times I have to tell myself "Step away from the car!" I'm just about at my 3 year mark with mine, and on hold now waiting on back surgery.
The coupe is Dreddy's...so unless Dreddy's real name is Steve too, then you're complimenting the wrong guy. ps. wish I did own his coupe!
Roger that and gomenasai! As I often read slower than my brain works (or it appears so anyway) double-thanx for the correction as Dreddy has a build thread! Gary
Here are some pics for you. Sorry it took so long to get them. Hope this helps. The piece you are missing.
The Jalopy Journal
