Hot Rods Windshield without a frame, can it be done

Ultimately I’d like to have the option to swing the windshield forward at the bottom or back at the top as desired. That’s why I was going to run the ‘32 stanchions on my ‘29. Similar to this model A. In the end I’ll probably end up making a frame out of stainless

 

Use plexiglass

 

I’m leaning towards that option. It would be a fraction of the price.

 

Check your local laws. In some places that could be a ticket and/or impound.

 

Just a thought experiment, what is the psi pressure from wind resistance exerted on the windshield at say 70 mph?
Imagine laying the windshield flat supported only at the ends as you describe, like a bridge. Now stack sand bags on it. At what point does it fail? Does it support that psi? How many psi at 90 mph into a 15 mph headwind? Can it support that? Will it support a margin of safety of 100%? When it fails will it stay supported by the ends or will it come loose? If it comes loose where will it go?

 

Yep exactly.

Trailer queens for a reason.

 

This is true. I didn't think about this.

 

OUCH...!!!

 

They made boat windshields without a frame and I have seen them on hot rods before.
If you can work with lexan you can do it easy enough.

 

Or folks can read what I posted in Post #10 where I actually have done this and it has been on the road for 15+ years and about 25K miles

 

Trent's version with the "T" seal at the lower edge is getting support from the body.
The op suggested an air gap along the bottom with vertical support only at the ends.

 

Mine did rest on the cowl but you could slide a business card under the seal if you wanted. With the modern Urethanes I think you COULD float it with no ill affects but it would look way to modern to me. In my eyes the rubber mellowed out the look a bit and helped the imperfections between glass and cowl hide.

 

I made a frameless windshield for my 30 A Roadster. I cut down the standard stanchions, then cut a groove in them to hold the glass. I had a windshield cut out of safety glass. Safety glass rather than tempered glass or plexiglass because it was safer and less expensive. It had a slight curve at the top and the bottom followed the shape of the cowl with a slight gap so it did not touch the cowl. Looked nice. Easy to do.

 

That’s basically what I am thinking about