windshield frame replacement....

[genthree]

Is the windshield frame hinge welded on?

Is it difficult to remove/replace?

Just getting started on a 1973.  We haven't picked it up yet, but it's been in the bushes for 10 years.  Been in our family since 1986. The only "thru" rust is on the windshield frame and tailgate.

My 16 yr old son is going to use it as a daily driver, so we may opt out of replacing the frame if it is too difficult right now.  We are going to focus on engine and drivetrain right now.  And of course "we need a new stereo"

Thanks for the thoughts....

 

[Bully Bob]

To the best of my recollection, NO.., they're sheetmetal screwed on & it closes together on a rubber gasket.

However.., the screws may be difficult to remove W/O wire-wheeling & lots of PB Blaster or the like.

I sometimes scrub with "lime-away" first, to rid of any crud, wipe dry, then wire-wheel.

But ya.., once it's all clean/new, it's easy to R&R..., it's that 1st time that's a bit rough.

Have fun..,

B

 

[genthree]

Thanks Bob.

I hope you are right, if that's the case then I think we will go ahead and pull that off and replace it.  We have plenty to keep us busy with all of the safety stuff first.  My son has been watching all of the EB videos he can find on the internet and he wants to get it out and get it dirty.  I probably won't spend much time on the body right now, I am sure he will create enough body work in fairly short order.

 

[Bully Bob]

Once you fold it down (may want to oil-up the hinge first) you'll see what you're in for.

It's poss. the rubber has protected the screws & their threads.

If the frame is still sturdy.., it's easy to tack weld in some patches then finish off with some bondo.

You can always repl. it later on down the road.

These EB's are "old school" & very easy to fix/replace/modify as you prob. already know.

 

[genthree]

By the way....  it was spot welded.....  Air chisel and abrasive cut off wheel removed it.  Lots of rust on lower frame...  Haven't even worked on it since I have had it out.  Still working electricity...

 

[Bully Bob]

Surface rust or rot thru...? If just surface it can be cleaned up & put back in service.

Here again, $$$ talks.., there's a new style W/S frame with the wiper arms "in" the lower channel.

Much better set-up but it ain't cheap.!  (req. slight top of dash mods)

BTW.., which (hinge) part was spot welded..?  The bottom of the W/S frame,

or the attach point on top of the dash.?

I lower my W/S fr. time to time but never looked that close at the hinge. :-B

 

[genthree]

There are some spots on the mounting channel that have been rusted significantly.  I will probably run it into the shop and new piece of SS welded in, so I never have to worry about it again.  

Both sides of the hinge were spot welded.  I doubt the windshield has ever been put down and it was in pretty bad shape.

I think in the future I will make it common practice to drop the WS on a regular basis to service that hinge (**** it)