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Technical Drip rail over windshield

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by blowby, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. blowby
    Joined: Dec 27, 2012
    Posts: 8,661

    blowby
    Member
    from Nicasio Ca

    I noticed a '56 Merc drip rail seems to go around the front, Fords too. How many years did that go on? Any purpose to it?

    dr.JPG
     
  2. Yep, my Ford has it as well.
     
    blowby likes this.
  3. That was back before the considerations of aerodynamics. It probably saved a few pennies in the manufacturing or assembly process or it wouldn't be there.
     
  4. Mike VV
    Joined: Sep 28, 2010
    Posts: 3,029

    Mike VV
    Member
    from SoCal

    Most all Studebakers too.

    Mike
     
    vtx1800 likes this.

  5. A pic for reference...

    C739D27F-E6C8-4F01-8AD4-69F8C8EE56EB.jpeg
     
  6. blowby
    Joined: Dec 27, 2012
    Posts: 8,661

    blowby
    Member
    from Nicasio Ca

    I wonder if there was a marketing gimmick:

    "Keeps water off the windshield while backing up and looking forward!" :)

    Noticed it while watching Highway Patrol.
     
    guthriesmith likes this.
  7. KevKo
    Joined: Jun 25, 2009
    Posts: 926

    KevKo
    Member
    from Motown

    I would guess it was just the manufacturing process. The drip rail is sandwiched between the roof panel and window/door surround. The three are spot welded together. And as said above, no concern for aero back then.
     
    guthriesmith likes this.
  8. atomickustom
    Joined: Aug 30, 2005
    Posts: 3,409

    atomickustom
    Member

    I always assumed it was when they went to curved windshields, to keep water from dripping down the A pillar into the car?

    Sent from my SM-G981V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    blowby and 49ratfink like this.
  9. Seems like most of the '50s era Fords had them. I got an idea that it was structural as much as it was a drip rail.
     
    guthriesmith likes this.
  10. 62SY4
    Joined: Oct 30, 2009
    Posts: 102

    62SY4
    Member
    from Irwin, Pa

    I'd guess all of above, and one less seam to lead and finish.
     
  11. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    49-52 Chevrolets are famous for this. runs right down the drip rail into the car once the rubber gets old. water sits right where a body mount is and rots it...... 50 - 52 Chevy hardtops have a drip rail... I bet they don't have this issue.
     

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