Windshield Assembly Questions

[newkitman]

I have a couple of questions on windshield assembly.

1. When assembling the windshield and frame what size screw holds the bottom frame piece to the rest of the frame? It looks as if it should be rather stout as it has to hold after the frame has been pulled in at the bottom using a cargo strap.

2. Would it be easier to install the snaps for the top and side curtains before assembling the windshield glass? Seems drilling for the snaps would be easier without the glass being in the way.

Thanks.

Oh! Purchase a couple pieces of 3/16-inch thick aluminum to make the windshield frame end caps. I’ll let you know how it comes out and posts photos when I’m done.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Paul Mossberg]

Allen,

 

I had to back into this…the Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess assembly manual says the pilot hole for the frame connection srews is 13/64″. According to this reference chart , that probably means the frame connector screws are #14 (1/4″), one on each side.

 

But, I really don’t think the screws were that big. They go through the outer frame, and screw into channels that are part of the lower windshield frame. If I was gonna guess from memory, I would have said #8 screws, maybe an inch and a quarter long.

 

They do not need to be that stout. At the end of the day, all they really do is hold the frame together until you install it. After that, the bolts that hold the frame to the side of the car, also hold the frame together.

 

If your female snaps are already installed on your roof and side curtains, I would wait with the male snaps on the windshield frame. Every hand built car is going to be a bit different. And if the snaps are already installed in the vinyl, you’ll want the flexibility to locate the male snaps on the frame where they need to be.

 

You will have to drill carefully, the Duchess had about a quarter inch of clearance to work with. Use masking tape on your drill bit to ensure you don’t go too deep! And you will likely have to cut the screws on the male snaps.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

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[Dave B.]

Allen
Here are a couple of shots of the bottom windscreen frame screw from the Duchess, in the frame and out.
-Dave

[billnparts]

I do not have that screw on my Ford Fiberfab.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Derek]

I have that screw on my VW FF kit and it if they are removed the assembly does not stay together. The bottom piece of the frame will come off without them.

[newkitman]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will finish up tomorrow. I need to buy a countersink for that screw and for the larger screws. Progress little by little. :o)

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

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