BODY, Do-It-U-Self V-style windshield, how to and pics

[38Chevy454]

I needed to make some type of windshield posts for my modified roadster, It was a 32 truck cowl, with the posts cut off. The cowl is narrowed, so I was left wondering what to do. I like the V-style windshields, such as DuVall or Hallock, but of course they would not fit my narrowed cowl (or my budget!!!). I had been looking for some of the brackets like used on the old wood boats such as Chris Craft or Gar Wood, but the only ones I found were very high priced and usually needing re-chrome or other work.

So I decided that I could make my own to copy the style of the wood boat windshield brackets. Here is a picture of the final mock-up with cardboard in place. Following posts will show the details of how I made the brackets, I still have not figured out the multiple picture thing.

[38Chevy454]

For the side posts, I had a friend mill a 5/16 slot in some tubing. The slot is 6.5 inches length. I also trimmed the one end off at an angle that matched the lean back and the angle of the cowl. Lots of trial fitting and cutting till I was happy with the fit. I will put thin rubber around the glass when I install the glass for good.

[38Chevy454]

For the center bar, I cut a piece of larger tubing slightly off center. I ground the edges to clean them up and also kind of take up the space where the glass will go. This is a picture of a small scrap piece cut form the end to show the approx cut line

[38Chevy454]

To continue the center bar fabrication. I then welded some nuts inside the tube, and drilled holes for the mating piece. These will sandwich the glass between them. I also cut the end to fit the laid back angle.

[38Chevy454]

Here is another view showing the side profile and a better understanding how it mounts. I only have one small screw attaching them for now, and will use two larger 1/4 inch bolts for each post when it is mounted for good. I am not sure baout the height of the center bar, it seems a little high to me, the galss is about 10 inches high at the post. I still look over the glass as it is now, so lower won't affect any of my vision, but could make more wind buffeting my head.

[BARNETT]

Nice work, Terry. This thread will probably come in handy when I get to the windshield stage of my project....THANKS!

[SamIyam]

Looks good Terry.
I just thought of something after seeing it tonight... you might want to just get some plexiglass or polycarbonate(?) to use... I did that for the RR for the first year I drove it and it worked great... cheap and easy to do yourself...

[SlowLearner]

38', That's great work. I've always loved those windshields. Hard to do across that narrow cowl. Nice motor too! (Yeah, and firewall!) Gonna save this one. (I do love how-to's)
Thought you'd enjoy seeing similar windshield work (factory) back in the day. Every windshield seems to have its own shape or character. Yours reminds me of the late 20's Amilcar. Little French sports racer. Narrow across the cowl too.

http://photo.starblvd.net/~SlowLearner/1-4-5.jpg


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif -Keith

[kustombuilder]

great stuff, i hope this ends up in the tech section.


HEY RYAN!!!! there were a couple other tech threads i was hoping to find in the tech section but they are'nt there (such as BobBleeds H-bomb grill how to) any chance you might be digging these out at some point and adding them? we LOOOOVE the home grown how toos, they RAWK!!!


KUSTOM!

[bobbleed]

That rules.

[4t64rd]

MGB's have solid aluminum side posts that will work too. you can grind the end to fit any contour.

[Hackerbilt]

Look at how the glass curves down to meet the center bar on the car SLOWLEARNER posted! Might work to lower your center bar a little without losing glass height...
Nice job on the windshield stanchions!

Bill

[av8]

Nice, Tery. Just have a concern about triangulation of the outboard posts. Having trapped a hand under my windshield at about 80 per (long story) I know there is a tremendous about of air pressure that will be trying to flatten your windshield.

This one has two bolts, and the faired base provides a bit of trainagulation. This windshield isn't likely to be pushed faster than 50 mph, however.

[38Chevy454]

Slowlearner, thanks for that old pic, gives some ideas for me to think about.

AV8, the posts are made from 1/8 wall tubing, they are very strong. I agree the wind force can be very high. I had thought about adding a brace to the back of the side posts, but I think I will leave it as-is for now. With the mounting plates I have welded to the posts, and I was going to put a reinforcement under the cowl metal, I think it will be fine. I plan to use 1/4 inch bolts, two in each post, so it will be mounted plenty stout. The glass of course will be laminated safety glass.

Anyone know where I can get the rubber to fit along the bottom edge such as in AV8's picture?

[Tim]

looks good,

i think if i were going to try and lower the top id lean the posts back just a touch more. leaving the good size glass but lowering a bit also

just a thought

[MarkX]

That looks sweet .......... i love it when a How-To actually looks like I-Can ....

[Crease]

Looks real nice! Always wanted to make one, but feared machining the curve over the cowl. That's a great way to deal with it. Cool idea!