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Windshield Up-date ??

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George Zeck

George Zeck

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Windshield Update ??

Hi All:

I am awaiting a new windshield / associated seals, etc. from my vendor. I don't think I'm willing to attempt this myself so I plan on hiring a company to install the glass.

My question is what can be done with the chrome + side pillars.

Side Pillars: I know these could be sanded down and are generally grey, low gloss paint. Any issues in removing these from the glass (chrome) frame. Mine is a 64 Sprite, so I believe it's the same as the bugeye. I've heard (& not sure which models) -- those connecting screws go a little to far into the frame so once re-installing them, it could crack the newly installed glass. Can anyone provide insight on my limited understanding of this?

Chrome window frame: Can anything be done to smooth out the scratches? I'm afraid any (wet) sanding with 400 or higher sandpaper will leave more marks than clean things up + remove shine of chrome.

Loose Encapsulated Nut: Lastly, on the driver's side - the front bolt / encapsulated nut is loose, but not broken. I was able to remove the bolt, slowly but I could feel the bolt giving a bit. Since this is unaccessible - I was going to TRY to clean those threads VERY CAREFULLY and pray a bit. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

I think that is it. I appreciate it. This is actually the only thing I have not done yet (had since '03). Thanks for all your help.

Tx-

Geo J. Zeck
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

George,
I was able to source new shiny side braces with the lower Pound to Dollar exchange rate for less than $40 ea from AH Spares or Moss Europe. They really look nice. I did find however that trying to install windshield with side braces in place really torqued the threads in the windshield frame. I will now need to either replace the frame or helicoil 5 of 6 screw holes to get a tight fit. I've never seen a discussion on installing side braces and windshield together vs loosely installing side frames and installing windshield frame into the side frames. In my case a ratchet strap would be needed to pull the top of the side frames together, then insert side screws, then tighten down side frame bolts.

So so any good and easy solutions for repairing thread holes in windshield frame. Not a whole lot of meat to work with? JB weld, refill and retap? Is something like that possible?
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Jim and George, those threads in the sides of the windshield are probably the biggest head ache of the whole job. Don't know how to repair them but I imagine heli coil to be as good as any. Not uncommon for good old corrosion to mess up those threads as well. I have a pile of those frames and they all need repair. The frame around the glass isn't chromed it is anodized. Don't know if you can find someone to do that or not.

Kurt.
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Problem is with a Helicoil just not a lot of thread to grab onto.
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Maybe one could glue in a speed nut or some such thing that wouldn't interfere with the glass.
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Could I fill with JB Weld, drill and tap? Totally hidden. Neighbor can TIG weld aluminum but for sure would need glass out and seal removed. How about some sort of powdered aluminum with a binder injected into the holes. Got to be something simple.
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Lockyite sell a 2 part thread repair kit. Says coat stripped threads, insert screw, no drilling or tapping. $18.50o. eBay
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

Hi, I just logged on to post a windshield question of my own and saw this. By now you've probably solved the problem but I'll share what I did. Started by drilling down thru everything with a small diameter bit. Did this to know where I am underneath. I then came up from under the dash with a 1.5 dia hole saw. Nobody but you will ever know it's there. Now you have an opening to reach in with a socket and extension to put a nut and nice large washer on the inside wall. Hope this helps you or others
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

I've talked to someone who told me that regular old helicoils work for the windshield frame. I still need to do it myself:smile:.
regards
mark
 
Re: Windshield Update ??

George Zeck said:
Hi All:

I am awaiting a new windshield / associated seals, etc. from my vendor. I don't think I'm willing to attempt this myself so I plan on hiring a company to install the glass.

My question is what can be done with the chrome + side pillars.

Side Pillars: I know these could be sanded down and are generally grey, low gloss paint. Any issues in removing these from the glass (chrome) frame. Mine is a 64 Sprite, so I believe it's the same as the bugeye. I've heard (& not sure which models) -- those connecting screws go a little to far into the frame so once re-installing them, it could crack the newly installed glass. Can anyone provide insight on my limited understanding of this?
George, the side pillars are cast aluminum and you can clean them up and spray with aluminum brightener or sand and buff to make them shiny. I kind of went with a lightly buffed satin sheen on mine.

Chrome window frame: Can anything be done to smooth out the scratches? I'm afraid any (wet) sanding with 400 or higher sandpaper will leave more marks than clean things up + remove shine of chrome.
The windshield frame is polished aluminum and you can remove the anodizing with spray on oven cleaner and then sand and buff to get the gloss you want. Once you remove the anodizing you need to coat it in a good marine wax like Alumigard or something similar.

Loose Encapsulated Nut: Lastly, on the driver's side - the front bolt / encapsulated nut is loose, but not broken. I was able to remove the bolt, slowly but I could feel the bolt giving a bit. Since this is unaccessible - I was going to TRY to clean those threads VERY CAREFULLY and pray a bit. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Run a thread cleaner thru that caged nut and lubricate it and you should be good to go...use anti seize when you reassemble.

As far as the windshield frame is concerned I think the screws that hold it to the pillars are 10-32 and you can easily helicoil it. I did all of the screw holes on my frame and I think it holds better than screwing directly into the aluminum windshield frame. I assembled my pillars and frame without the glass and made sure the screws were not too long prior to final assembly...I can't remember if I used SS or chrome screws on the frame, but I did use chrome screws from Moss on the pillar mounts.


I think that is it. I appreciate it. This is actually the only thing I have not done yet (had since '03). Thanks for all your help.

Tx-

Geo J. Zeck
Click to expand...

HTH, Rut
 
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