Ws frame corner removal advice
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Ws frame corner removal advice
I need to replace the header panel and corners of mu windshield frame. What is the best or easiest way to separate and remove the corners, leaving the uprights intact? I was thinking about a thin cutting wheel, going just underneath where the corner lays on the upright. Any suggestions from anuone would be grateful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Weld a brace diaganolly across the upper frams and the upright to keep the posioional relationship intact. Use the cutoff wheel to crefully remove the corner from the frame, not just cutting the upright below the corner. Clean it up and weld on the mew piece. Do both corners and then the center section the same way
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
No need to cut anything. The corners attach with accessible screws (you may have to remove the windshield). Get the new corners and you will see where they screw into the frame. Don't cut, the corners will come right out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Ahh, your correct BB, I was thinking he wanted the WS frame corners, not the chrome corners, My Bad. There are 2 or 3 screws that go in from the front just above the glass and as BB says you may ned to remove the glass to get to them. There are also 2 from the backside
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Ahh, your correct BB, I was thinking he wanted the WS frame corners, not the chrome corners, My Bad. There are 2 or 3 screws that go in from the front just above the glass and as BB says you may ned to remove the glass to get to them. There are also 2 from the backside
Now that I re-read it again, I think you may be right. OP may actually be asking about frame, not trim. Oh well, good advice either way
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
I am talking about the frame itself. I already have the ws out, molding off, etc. Ready to replace the header and corners.
Sixfooter...not much left of the header to weld to. But sounds like a good idea if I can get that done.
Sixfooter...not much left of the header to weld to. But sounds like a good idea if I can get that done.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Rockbridge Ohio
I just replaced the header and corners. The best way I found to remove the corners was to clean with a cupped wire wheel or grinder until you can see all the spot welds. Then choose a drill bit about the same size as the outside diameter of the spot weld. Drill the spot welds until you think have drilled through the thickness of the corner. Don't drill all the way through. After you have drilled the welds out use an air chisel (or hand chisel) to split the corner away from the upright. The chisel should be as thin as possible. This makes it easier to get between the corner and the upright. If you have drilled the proper depth the layers will split apart easily. If they don't, drill a little deeper, or if the depth looks OK increase the drill bit a size or two. When you get ready to weld your new parts back in, drill some 5/16" holes in the corners in locations comparable to the origional and plug weld the new corners in. If you are using a mig welder turn up the amperage and wire speed and give it a short weld in each hole. It should give you a weld that looks very much like a spot weld and will be much stronger than just welding on the ends. Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
I also used an air chisel to remove the corner. It came out pretty easy at least the part I fixed. I drilled some holes in the replacement piece in order to spot weld through them.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Rockbridge Ohio
Corners must be removed first. Then remove the header. Header must be installed before the corners. I assume your body is sitting on the frame? If not, it is almost impossible to keep things aligned and get any accurate measurements. The replacement header I used was not even close to the same measurement as the origional. I ended up cutting the header on the drivers side and removed .25" and welded it back together. I then tack welded the header in. Attach the chrome corners (temporarily) and if yours is a t-top, use a couple of sheet metal screws and fasten the t-bar. Lay the stainless steel trim on the t-bar.Then test fit your tops. I also laid the windshield in to make sure it fit. If you are satisfied with the fit and alignment finish welding the header and install the corners.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Rockbridge Ohio
The ends of the header should meet the top of the uprights. If you peel the old corners off, it's easy to see how the header is attached to the uprights. Also, if you look down at the top of the header you are looking at the attachment point. There are a couple of spot welds and the top edge of the end of the header is welded to the top edge of the upright.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
Didn't know the header was attached to the uprights. So the corners are basically extra support for the frame. Makes sense. I guess when I get the corners off, I will be able to see exactly what you mean. Thank you for the info. That's what I needed to know.
