i was wondering what would be involved in building a wraparound windshield frame from scratch.... i was thinking maybe if two identical sections of 3 or 4 inch wide by whatever length 18 ga. sheetmetal was bent 90 degrees lengthwise, shaped with a shrinker stretcher to the appropriate shape, to form inner and outer frames and then pinched welded or spotwelded together to form the gl*** lip..seems like it would work,,,,, anyone think this might work,,,or what has been your experience regarding fabbing something like this?..
Yeah, a vee windshield. Had channel made, shaped & welded it, made plywood panels for patterns, had gl*** made & silicone glued in. Coulda done a better job & next time i will but when you have plates &insurance on it kinda just want to go for a ride so quality suffered. No way would I buy a thousand dollar casting for the "Duvall" thing.
could you do this??? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498065&highlight=ian+berky&page=7 post 129 picture 10. could go all the way around... i would think
Hey Jim, Here's how I'd probably build that windshield frame: First, I'd pick my gl***, be it a cut down oem or a complete gl*** from whatever would work. I'd build a master buck from plywood & lumber to the exact shape minus the gl*** if it's a glue in, if not allow for the thickness of the gasket in the fit of the buck. If you're thinkin bout maybe building a hard top to fit the build, now would be a good time to think about latches that will mount into the header rail of the windshield's frame. Also, this buck would include the exact shape of the cowl, and how it will mount to the body-weld on, or brackets that bolt to the cowl side panels at each A Post. Second, I'd build the actual frame from thin strap, say 1/16'' or 1/8'' and cut and shape this to fit the actual shape of your gl***, jus like a pinchweld. To this shape, weld the same thickness of material at a ninty degree to the other flange- there's your flange the gl*** will bed into. Next, weld this frame to box sections or tube that will fit ( with some work) to the cowl & become the header rail. Always compare your work to the master buck, as in theory, if it fits the buck, it should fit the gl*** & cowl. Bout now you're sayin, jeeze 1/16''-1/8'' material-built like a brick ****house, and a ***** to work, but if the frame ain't ridgid when you're done, and if flexes, yer ****ed! Do ya know anyone that lazer cuts metal in Austin? That'd be an easy way out! Wrap around gl*** is expensive, cut down wraparound gl*** is stupid money! Kool project! " Spending a nation into generational debt is not an act of comp***ion "
Here's one I built. I posted a bunch more pictures on Allmetalshaping http://allmetalshaping.com/album.php?albumid=433
The first thing you need is a windshield. You talk about wrap around. Like a 59 Chev. Impala? or? Once you have the gl*** then you can build the frame from Br*** "H" channel so you can put the gl*** in the top and a rubber seal in the bottom if needed. Br*** is good if your going to plate the frame when your done. This will take the use of a little heat and then bending of the stock to get your shape. Or you can make up the pieces out of steel "U" channel, cut and weld to get the shape. This will take some time but it can be done. I made a whindwhield frame for a 1918 Pierce Arrow. This was a custom bodied car and the lower frame had gone missing over the years. As per the pictures I only had the upper Frame. The Old Tinbasher P.S. This Car I reskinned 505bHrs.
Fitzee kinda made one from pieces of others, check out his thread another one added to the collection, I think it was called, some good pics in there.
I know the direction may or may not have changed and I can't remember everything that has gone on regarding the build but when I think of what this build can be, this car comes to mind. I know I've seen at least one more shot of it.
If you were to build a frame for a curved windshield you need the gl*** to start with. If it is for flat gl*** you just figure your overall size and if it is a glue in or rubber gasket install. Using a vertical band saw with a guide slice a square or rectangular tubing either into a u channel or a angle iron shape. You can also make windshield posts by taking 1" x 2" tubing. First cut into a tapper and height of your choice. Then clamp a guide and use your 4 inch cut off wheel to cut a corner off, 3/8 x 3/8 angle iron shape, then reverse it and weld it back to your post for the gl***, rubber gasket or glue in. good luck
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