1929 Model A Roadster Cowl Post/Dash Support Issue (Please show what you are using)

Hello,
I have several questions regarding the cowl posts on my 29 Ford Roadster. These support brackets are in the condition as I purchased the cowl. Some modifications have been made and I would like to see the originals if any of you have pictures of them. Do most roadsters use the original windshield posts or modify ones to fit their particular style?

 

You are missing the cowl rail, that goes between the posts and also bolts to the tank. The tops of your posts are worse than mine were. I have some pic's posted somewhere on the web I will see if I can find them and post them when I do. Rod

 

Here are two of the pic's. I hope they post. Notice the backer plate on the inside, it is for the screws that hold the windshield posts on. I thought I had more pic's but so far I have not found them. Rod

 

Brookville sells any part you need, of don't wish to make. Just check with them. Not trying to sell you on any vender, but the parts worked for me. Give them a call if needed. I was in the same boat as you, Brookville solved my issues.

 

Thanks Highboy and thank you CarMuts. I would like to see more pictures if you all have them. I do have the Cowl railing, but the supports are either bent or have the wrong rail.

The tops of the post do seem pretty rough. This is why I was considering filling the area with sheetmetal and then make my own windshield supports. Though I do not know how far gone these are until I see some of the original mounting types. Here is what I have now:

 

You have the reinforcement bar turned around backwards in the picture.

Here are some pics of mine.

I had to rebuild the top of one post. Everything that is shiny is new metal that I added. That was all missing.

 

...here's a different approach that you may consider. My roadster/coupster had the posts cut at the top of the cowl in order to install a homemade 'Duval' windshield (angle iron and plexiglass) on the cowl. I was going to replace the dash/dash rail anyway so I had them rippped out.
I had the windshield posts completely replaced (rockers to top of windshield) with those of a closed car. The windshield posts were chopped about 4" and leaned about 3-5 degrees. In addition, I've got a flip open windshield.....

 

This will not work if you want to use roadster doors without major modification.

 

...can you enlighten me? (just curious....)

 

The door posts are thicker and the hinge arrangement is different.

 

BGBDLINC, I like what you did with your windshield. I had been pondering this same thing for a while. Thanks for the pics.

 

Thanks Carter and bgbd for your information.
Carter; your approach seems like the idea and the direction in which I need to do more researching. I would like to get an idea as to what the originals post tops look like and begin making considerations for repair. Obviously I am very new to this and am trying to ask and learn beforehand. Here are my pics with the reinforcement bar turned to the proper position:

I still do not understand why the support brackets are not symmetrical. Can you all tell this from the photos? (Sorry for the bad pics; my better camera has fallen out on me)

 

When you say support brackets are you talking about the dash rail supports that have one tab going up and one down?

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Carter: Yes I am. I cannot seem to understand why the supports would not be symmetrical, yet appear to be riveted as original; unless someone hacked away at the supports. Which by looking at the tops of the posts, could be the case. I hate to keep beating this subject, but I would like to find some detailed pics of the original post tops and how all of the components would have been assembled.

 

Bttt

 

this is a common problem with 28-29 model a roadsters they seam to get metal fatigue at the top of the posts from vibration, pressure on the wind shield and after 80 years of abuse the cowl tops can break off. yours just didnt break evenly. at least fom what i can tell from your pics.
28hiboy, does brookville sell this repair part or just the complete cowl post?

 

The differences in the brackets from one side to the other won't affect anything, as long as the holes end up in the right places. The dash rail hides all of that. As far as why they are different, it is hard to say.
I don't think anyone sells a repair section for the tops of the posts. You can buy complete a-pillars.
If you can find someone nearby to let you make a pattern off of their posts, you could make some new pieces. Fortunately, I had one side intact to make a pattern from.

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My better camera is working now. Attached are a few additional pictures. The first three are taken on the right side and the last three are on the left. I do have a replacement post top, though I would like to see some other replacement options. Something along the lines of this? What do you guys think? Or is this too much of a stretch?
I have been doing so much research on other parts of the car that I have failed to notice the details in certain areas.

 

I just found this following thread to be very informative. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=683340

And some more: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462153

 

It really just depends on what direction you want to go. If you want to do a stock type arrangement, just fix the 2-3 inches or so that are missing from your pillars and get stock type stanchions and windshield frame. Chop or lean back until you like it.
If you want to go away from that completely, you're options are nearly unlimited.

If you go back and look at the picture of my repaired post and the 3rd picture in that post, that is all there is to the part of the A-pillar that is missing on yours. The stanchion slips down over that and bolts on through the 2 big holes on the side.

Heres another picture of my rebuilt A pillar top.

 

Used Brookville's 2 inch chopped '32 style frame for a 28/29 roadster along with their 2 inch chopped & leaned back windshield posts.

 

Carter; thanks again for all of your help. I will go back and take a look at your build thread again. I know that you have posted some really good pictures.
RetroSteel: Man that looks really good on your car. It's amazing what I can find when I am searching for this much detail. Do you have any close-ups of where it mount to the car and the fit around the top of the door? Same location on the backside?

 

RetroSteel: Man that looks really good on your car. It's amazing what I can find when I am searching for this much detail. Do you have any close-ups of where it mount to the car and the fit around the top of the door? Same location on the backside?[/QUOTE]

Stock location for aftermarket posts using stock FOMOCO mounting bracket shown in one of your pics.

 

RetroSteel; Interesting. I will have to do some research on this. Thank you for your help. Surely there are more applications available?

 

Is there no one else that has a modified windshield post on a roadster?

 

Mine were ridiculous. ...someone tried to make some with thin body metal...cut them so they could fit inside the stanchions. ...weren't even any holes...
Why someone would do this....AND PAINT IT....I have no idea.
I've since removed the poor attempt at repair...and all the bondo.... and replaced with a nice, solid original set...

 

Doing a run of these to sell. Pm if you want a set .

$90 per set
$50 per side

us funds plus shipping

 

How do I order a set of these?

Many thanks
Kevin

 

ill send you a pm. you will see a notification in the top corner of your screen. thanks

 

That price shot up