I got my windshield back with new glass, and got the seals for the sides and the top. Seals for the sides and bottom are installed, but I'm having a hell of a time getting the windshield back attached to the header. I punched the holes in the seal that goes across the top, but I just can't get the screws to go back in. Any tips or tricks on how to get this beast back in? TIA.
I havnt done exactly that but it sounds like it’s likely one of those “old ford dance” situations. I feel like I can pull a part off, lol at it, and try to bolt it right back on and it won’t go on unless I put the bolts back in in a specific order. My thought would be to get a few drifts/ awls to get the holes close through all the layers and clamp it in place or close. And then get a screw/bolt threw on each end, and then the middle never getting them any more than started. Similar to stitch welding something. then once they are all in dance around tightening them a little bit at a time so it’s drawing tight evenly. If you can get it clamped or ratchet strapped in place so the screws aren’t having to “lift” the windshield into place that would be best but that’s not always realistic. pepper in some colorful language and walking away a few times and it should get you there no trouble lol
I would also try you tube. Aaron, a member here did his entire model A build as video updates and it’s a gold mine of information. Might flip through and see if he covers his windshield instal. Old fords don’t really change terribly much over a few years. https://youtube.com/@aarondominguez4533?si=VvFa21HdvSuLjUR6
@Tim Yeah, I need to scrub through his videos again. I followed his build very closely. Don't remember him removing the windshield though. I'll have to look. Thanks for the tips!
It's only an assembly suggestion for you to try . If you just pierced the rubber with a pointed object, then yes you'll probably have issues with the screws and their alignments. Take your seal and place it in its proper location on the windshields frame - hold it in place with lots of clothes pins and mark the holes with a Marker. Now comes the easy/hard part - the perfect tool is a sharp paper punch, and you punch holes "through" the seal, rather than.just piercing it with a pointed object.
Got the windshield back in with the help of a friend. What a bear! But it's done. I also got the drivers door back on the car with a new check strap and fixed the damaged hinge area (sort of). Should be good for a while.
The new header seal makes it hard to line up the holes. It’s thicker and holds the frame forward. We used an awl in the adjacent hole to pull the hinge back to get the adjacent screw in. We tried all kinds of other ways that didn’t work. I punched holes in the upper header seal for the screws. I think that worked well. Reminds me that I should take more pictures. Not necessarily for me, but for others who need to do the same thing
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