Windshield Fit

[Jonnywa]

I installed the windshield and where it seems to look and fit best, the side supports do not cover the predrilled holes in the frame. I can probably get in with a flexible shaft and drill new holes. Has anyone else had this problem? Also with the windshield in this position the holes for the wiper shafts are up against the rubber gasket. Is this the correct position?

[AC Bill]

Adjusting the rake (angle) of the windshield slightly should allow you to get the posts lined up with the frame mounting holes. Usually you do this first, then mark the posts, with the frame hole locations. Then pull the windshield back off, remove the posts, and drill the holes in them. There is a common measurement used to get the rake correct. You measure from the back edge of the cockpit (the body), up to the top edge of the windshield. I can't remember exactly what the distance was, but am sure someone can offer that up? Adjusting the rake may also pull the windshield rubber back slightly from the wiper holes.
I tried to get my windshield centered on the car, but to do this, I did have to enlarge FFR's pre-drilled post holes on the body. You need to make them large enough that the body isn't putting any pressure on the posts when installed.

You may already know this, but just in case...Make sure to use washers when mounting the windshield, to ensure that there is no pressure put on the posts, when tightened to the frame. Any gap between the frame and the posts, need to be shimmed..or risk cracking the glass..

Another alternative is the windshield quick release mounts, that one of the forum vendors sells. Apparently it makes the install a breeze, and great for when you need to pull it for painting, etc..Can't remember who sells it ?? Anyone??

[edwardb]

AC Bill covered it. But to be very direct, don't drill new holes in the frame. Figure out what is keeping the posts from lining up over the pre-drilled holes, and drill the holes in the windshield arms to match. Don't assume the body cutouts are necessarily exactly right. They may need to be adjusted. Are you positive your body is properly positioned front to back?

I had to adjust my windshield rake just slightly and the gasket is right next to the wiper bezels. The rake isn't super critical unless you're going to use a top with side windows that have the exact angle.

Hopefully you're doing this fitting and adjusting before paint.

[Drop Zone]

Rick Stevens rick@lsbilletworks.com(303) 885-9174 makes the quick release pins for the windshield installation and they work great. Also the rake is 27" from the rear inside corner edge of the door to the center of the top side screw of the windshield post, not the top of the windshield screw. On the windshield install a FFR utube video of installing the rag top has the measurments. This is if planning on putting in the premium rag top. Don't know about the other old style rag top.

[Jonnywa]

Thanks for all the replies. This should help a lot.

[timp2]

If you are going to install a convertible top you should go to Whitby's web site before you install the windshield. They have instructions posted concerning installing one of their tops. They describe how to make a cardboard template to get the correct windshield angle. The angle that is critical is not the glass itself but the windshield side supports because that is what the side curtains seal against.

[Jonnywa]

I had to file about 1/4 in at the back of the body slots and all is well. Good to know about Whitby and also the 27in. Thanks for all the great replies.