I am re-installing my wiper towers in my 40 coupe after some paint repairs. As shown in the picture, is this really the correct angle of the screw to the bracket? Am I missing a part or does the screw really just seat at an angle on the bracket? I know this is how it was when I took it apart but this just seems wrong. Now when I try to install them, the front of the tower base does not seat against the cowl.
33: The head of the bolt should sit flat. Here's the way my OEM 1940 Ford coupe wiper mechanism looks when correctly mounted under the dash. The head of the bolt should sit "flat" on the bracket. The last few photos show 1980's BOB DRAKE catalog pictorial of wiper towers when he was selling them. NOTICE there is a difference between the configuration of the exterior chrome mounting brackets for(convertibles and station wagons) and (coupes and sedans) including the underdash "U" shaped clamping bracket. Perhaps you have a mix of parts. If your exterior chrome mount fits properly you can probably use what you have as long as the entire under dash wiper motor and arms connect and operate freely so wiper arms work as they should. You could make a tapered washer so that the bolt head sits properly. All the best, Jim 1940 wiper towers and vent window handles are no longer being reproduced so be sure and handle your parts with great care. Here's some good reading. 1940 ford convertible wiper mounts - Search (bing.com) Be sure to read all info. in this thread: Hot Rods - How to take apart a 40 Ford wiper tower | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com) The black thing you see by the interior mounting bracket is the vent for the interior heater hoses - one on each side. Let me know if you need anymore photos.
Good info there, I'll probably need it when i finally get to install mine, as I'd will have forgotten how they went by then ! On new towers, I bought a complete setup from Drakes last year as they'd made some more. Just checked, sold out. Maybe they'll make some more in the future https://bobdrake.com/collections/wiper-tower-system
Something looks off with the bolt in your picture. This a Drake repop I had laying around for comparison.
Thanks so much for the pictures, they are a big help. BTW the towers I have are Drakes. I do not know which model they are for but they were on the car when I got it. I wouldn't be surprised with any level of slipshod work by the guy who built it. And yes, I made a wedge shaped "washer" to go under the bolt. It helps but it is very close to the windshield duct. It hits as a matter of fact and I can't cut it down anymore.
Yes Exactly, something is wrong. My towers have Drake cast into them so they are repros. I have no idea why the bolt is aligned the way it is, it makes no sense for the bracket and how it should be applying force.
Can you show us a pic of the boss for the bolt? Is there a part number on your tower? Maybe you have convertible towers?
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