Swing-out Windshield/Glass Car *PICS*

[Gastrick]

One thing that bugged me about my glass 32 was the glued in windshield so I gathered all the parts I needed to install a swing-out windshield and went to work on it this weekend. If you've got a real steel car this is no big deal but this glass car had absolutely no provisions for a real windshild frame so some minor fab work had to be done. I still have to have a glass cut, the frame chromed, and do a little bit of finish work on the body around the windshield but it's done enough to show what I did. I'll show the finished pics first and then show how I got there if anyone wants to look further.

 

[Gastrick]

The first thing I did was CAREFULLY remove the glued in windshield, being careful not to damage it.

 

[Tripper]

Very kool!

Gastrick,
That's really kool... I wanna do that on my truck now!!! Also, I didn't realize this was the car u made the bomber seats for! Hummm... looks like u used some *pretty good* glue on that windshield!!! ; - >


BoB

 

[Gastrick]

Then I fitted and cut a repop windshield that was already chopped about 2 1/4". I ended up cutting about another inch off of it. I had an original that I was going to start with, but it was too pitted to chrome.



I had to re-drill for the corner pieces as a result of making the cut on the bottom.

 

[Gastrick]

Then notches had to be cut in the car to clear the hinges. The wood header panel had to be notched also.

 

[Gastrick]

Then the fun part. I made these header panel brackets in order to securely mount the hinges to the header panel. This is the part that would have been easier on a metal car.



And installed...............

 

[Gastrick]

Then I made these studs/mounts that secure the swing arms. This was a little tricky because the studs need to be installed at a slight angle because of the shape of the pillar that it attaches to.



Most of this hardware ended up being used to finish up.

 

[24dodge]

really nice job you`ve done there , the free a/c will be worth it tho.......

 

[Gastrick]

slide arm mounts...........



Kudos to my brother who braved the thousand degree heat and humidity to lend a hand. That's all folks.

 

[Bonehead]

Looks like it belongs there. Good job, one of the projects on my to do list for sure.

 

[Tripper]

Hardware?

Most of this hardware ended up being used to finish up.

Gastrick,
Thanks for postin' this! I was really interested in makin' a windshield like this for my truck & it's great to see how it's done. Where did u get this hardware?

BoB

 

[Gastrick]

Gastrick,
Thanks for postin' this! I was really interested in makin' a windshield like this for my truck & it's great to see how it's done. Where did u get this hardware?

BoB

I got some from ebay and some from Wescott's. Vintiques makes the parts, lot's of rod shops sell their stuff. At first I was trying to get used original parts but the prices were just stupid so it didn't bother me to put fake parts on my fake car.

 

[gassersgarage]

Great touch to your car. What body is it? I've seen the Australian bodies with a provision for a swing out windshield.

 

[HotRodMike]

I had a 'glass '33 Willys a few years ago and always wanted to do that with it. Sold it before I ever got it figured out. You did a super job with your pics and descriptions. Looks great. Mike

 

[Gastrick]

Great touch to your car. What body is it? I've seen the Australian bodies with a provision for a swing out windshield.

gassersgarage, the body is from Ratsglass. Those Aussie bodies are real nice. I've seen a couple of them.

 

[joehalford01]

that's pretty slick dude, i bet that would look cool on just about any ride if done properly.

 

[flyingpolock]

Very well done, as always... Great touch to the car.

 

[maddog]

Great job. I really respect custom fabrication. It takes so much time, tool and experience to get it right.

I have an opening windshield in my 46 truck. (done at the factory 60 yrs ago) I think it is the nicest feature on the truck. Makes driving on a hot day or evening much better.