My 31 Model A coupe is ready for it's windshield. Top is chopped 4"and new would throughout. Windshield boasts fresh safety glass and is chopped to match. Everything has a nice coat of paint. It is time to put that sucker in it's hole. But wait. The new header is not drilled that I can see for machine or wood screws. You know those pesky little gizmos we all use to hold things, like windshields, to things like oak headers. I have looked at page after page of Model A parts suppliers catalogs, eBay ads, YouTube videos, and net search pictures and articles. Not a clue. I suppose I should know. I took it all apart. But that was ten years ago and that info went out on a brain dump some time ago I guess. So, can anyone tell me what kind of screws to use? I don't see any pre-drilled holes, just a mess of holes strung out across the cover where the windshield hinge meets the header. Do I mark and drill my own starter holes or should I poke around under the tin looking ones that should be there? Obviously I have over thought this problem of mine but I am both anal and compulsive which explains a lot of this. Thanks in advance.
I clamped just the hinge piece against the header and drilled pilot holes for the pan head sheet metal screws I used. then slid the hinge back in the frame and mounted it. don't forget the rubber seal that goes between the hinge and the header.
Found a couple of earlier threads on the subject and one had an excellent drawing showing how it all goes together. Didn't find them when I first searched the HAMB. Pan head sheet metal screws look like the way to go. I'll do a photo tech for the HAMB when the job is done.
Snyd's sells the wood screws to anchor the w/s frame... if in good shape the hinge slides out one side or the other... slide it off, use it to pre-drill your holes... I use a small [1/16"] finish nail as a bit... screw it in, then remove it, re-assemble the frame and screw it back in... I would get 1 strong guy or 2 kids to support the weight of the frame while you screw it in... because it slides left to right it need not be [perfect] you can slide the frame along the hinge to get it just right... [get new rubber discs/washers for the swing arms] they help grip the arms... model A and '32-'34 truck w/s frames are very similar... but the trucks used machine screws not woodies... HIH...
I'll be facing the same job sometime in the future and in anticipation of that I found and saved this drawing. It answered a lot of questions I had, because I don't think the windshield frame and associated parts were installed correctly when I bought my Model A, so I figured I'd be starting over at some point. Good example of "buyer beware", but that's a whole 'nuther issue. Hope this helps. Lynn
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