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Technical Replacing female dovetails

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by 40Ford!!, May 14, 2015.

  1. I want to replace the female dovetails. How is this done!
     

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  2. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

    Some places sell just the tails, some places sell the whole assembly.

    If doing just the tails, push the tail inward toward the center of the car and you should see a tang that the tail hooks on at it's outside point. Push the tail up over this tang and the spring will push it outward to you.

    If you are replacing the whole assembly, you need to drill out the rivets you see there and use small bolts to install the new assembly.
     
    kidcampbell71 and olscrounger like this.
  3. Thanks alchemy. I just want to replace the tails so I will give your advice a try.
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

    Sometimes the tin of the jamb will get smooshed a bit into the opening. Looks like your's may have a bit of that. The little bit it's folded into the slot might make it difficult to remove the tails, but a bit of bending the lip back into shape should allow the tail removal.
     

  5. Frank Compoccio
    Joined: Jul 5, 2015
    Posts: 21

    Frank Compoccio
    Member

    I need to replace the whole unit in a 40 Ford Convertible. I cant see how to get into the B Pillar. Do I have to cut a piece of the back of the pillar?
     
  6. mickeyc
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 1,363

    mickeyc
    Member

    I rebuilt the assembly on my 40. After drilling
    out the rivets, I brazed 1/4- 20 square nuts to
    the housing. I used a 000 tip and a tiny flame
    to make a compact braze joint. Held the nuts in place
    with bolts while brazing to ensure proper alignment.
    This made reassembly much easier than trying to
    install nuts into the much confined inner dovetail.
    I used round head stainless socket bolts with a slight
    dab of never seize on the threads to to resist galling
    which can occur with stainless and dissimilar metals.
    Looks pretty clean when finished. Now the assembly
    can be easily removed or adjusted if the need arises.
    Worked for me.
     
  7. mickeyc
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 1,363

    mickeyc
    Member

    I am thinking I was able to wiggle the assembly out from the slot in the jamb. A convertible jamb may be more robust in construction, making access more difficult. It has been a while since I did this. I will look today when I get to my shop.
     

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