Hey guys. Need some help. Probably going to need someone to break out a protractor for this, or at least get some decent side profile shots. I need to know if a standard 30/31 Ford Model A windshield frame is SIMILAR to a Slant Windshield frame. 30/31 Vicky, or '31 Fordor Town Sedan. I know they are different dimension wise, but there is a piece that extends into the dash rail support that blocks air flow into the cabin when the windshield is closed. I suspect it's angled on a slant windshield car, and straight on a standard closed car. Also, I'm wondering if the hinge is actually different. I have a slant windshield car and need a new frame. It will be chopped, so I'm not worried about the dimensions. They are difficult to find, it seems. I'm thinking of maybe trying to use a standards closed car frame and modifying it, but I have nothing to reference at this point. If someone could get some pictures of a 30/31 closed car frame showing the piece that extends into the dash support rail from the side, it would really help. Even better if someone had BOTH and could put them side by side to show the difference. I know that's a long shot, though. Also, if someone could measure out the mounting pattern on the hinge and get some pictures, that would be awesome too. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks everyone! S P.S. What about aluminum reproductions?? Anyone use one?
This is the cavity that gets filled... The piece that fills it on my windshield is slightly angled...
I hate to even ask, but has anyone ever used the new Aluminum windshield frames?? I can't believe I would ever consider using something like that, but... well... if it's an easy fit-up, I just might. http://www.mikes-afordable.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=A45410E&Category_Code=1049
Thanks Dave! And I can confirm, 100%, that the filler piece between the windshield opening and tank is specific to the slant windshield cars. It's also not available as reproduction in steel. Had to weld 3 patches in mine. Was fun. BOOO! My '31 coupe filler piece is VERY different, by comparison. Now if only I had a windshield frame for the coupe to compare. So yeah, I'm going to guess that the arch is going to be VERY similar, if not the same as all standard 30/31 closed cars. The slant on the A-pillars is only a few degrees to begin with, so it can't be TOO different... or can it? Hmmm... And I agree. HUGE opening for that extension to fit in to. Probably the real concern is the shape of the bottom and the hinge itself.
Hey Scott, The whole bottom part of a slant windshield frame is different. The flap is different, the radius is different (deeper) because the corners have further to go down and the tank is a bit higher where the intersect is on a slant windshield. So measured along its arc, the slant WS frame is longer than a standard. The side and top parts are relatively the same or could be modified easily especially if you're chopping them. If its the bottom that's bad, you'll need a SW bottom but you could easily join that to a standard sides and top. The slant is 7° ( windshield side of post) or 83° from the body line. It depends on how you attached your header back to your posts. If you put the header 90* perpendicular to the body line - the hinge would be 7° open. If you put the header on the same plane as the posts, your hinge would be fully closed. Neither one seems to be a big deal anyway as long as the header isn't laid back at a greater angle than the post. Haven't tried a reproduction frame or even held one in my hand but they are available.
My whole frame is basically just too pitted for chrome and needs an extensive amout of repair in the seal channels. The hinge is in poor shape and full of rust that I just can't get out. Basically, the only part of the frame in good condition is just the curved extension piece. It would be worth repairing if I were going to paint it, but would take an obscene amount of work to be chromed. Even I have my limits with how far I'm willing to go with this thing. Looking at some pictures, it does appear that there might be more curvature to the bottom of the SW windshield...
http://macsautoparts.com/model-a-fo...lity-a45410estq/camid/MDA/cp/JS0R3CHL1136796/ "Excellent quality " They have them already chromed for " concourse quality" for a tad over 1000.00 There's also some threads on making your own here too. I have a few ideas about making them that should work fine. The machining $ is holding me back . 8 piece frame , outer "T" shape with a bolt on inner frame.
All the finishing touches and details are big cheese, they can be draining in more ways than one. (Hint to why there are so many unfinished rods) Start your quest for the perfect chromable , and don't let it stop until you find it. In the mean time give your frame enough love to hold some glass and paint. Its only gotta work till you get the one you want to chrome.
So, I'll bump this up, just for the sake of aluminum reproduction windshields. The more I think about an aluminum windshield frame the more I'm considering it. I talked with a rep yesterday and he told me what to expect and what attention they need, and it doesn't seem like a big deal. Aluminum is nice to work with, easy to shape, and easy to polish. So anyone used an aluminum windshield frame?
No idea. Depends on the TYPE of aluminum that was used for the seal channel and rather or not it's separate or part of the extrusion. I would like to see more of the extrusions as well.
Here's some photos of the ones that Mr. Roadster makes. Not sure if it's the same as what Mikes a-fordable, MAC's, and Snyders sells, or not. And I'm going to guess these pictures are general for all their products. I'm guessing it doesn't use a stock type seal. Probably a stick-on type, or something.
I used an aluminum one on my pickup. Like any repro piece it wasn't perfect but it didn't take much to get it into shape. The bottom arch was slightly off on mine. I chopped it and to cut the corners and angle them out further. Once the corners were cut loose it was easy to reshape the arch. Like you said aluminum is easy to work with so it was no big deal. I ended up polishing it and I think it looks good.
Hey man, I'm using aluminum an aluminum frame and guess what? Live Wire did too! They look great polished and I know you can make it fit. I got mine from speedway.
There's a T-shaped rubber that slides in the frame. I can't tell you if it works or doesn't. I never put mine in. I don't have any side glass and the nothing else is sealed up so I'm not too worried about it. Plus the couple of times I've closed my windshield the exhaust fumes about killed me!
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