replace windshield frame
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 402
Likes: 10
replace windshield frame
need help on how to replace windshild frame. need to replace it below tage area . Should I replce it with new parts or used frame. Where to make cuts any books on this type of repair. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 34,034
Likes: 222
From: Land of Thunder
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
Best bet is to find a frame off a donor car - new pieces cost a lot more and won't be much better. Before you start though, pull the kick panels and look at the posts that go from the frame up to the windshield. If those are gone, you're wasting your time just fixing the frame.
If the posts are OK then cut off only the amount you absolutely have to, but first you need to carefully measure several points so that you can accurately locate the replacement. When you make the measurements, scribe a mark on each end of your measurement because you will be wanting to duplicate the exact measurements on your new frame. On your new frame, you'll want to scribe marks in the same places. It's not necessary to cut the windshield frame legs at the same point - in other words, if the driver side needs to be replaced at the VIN tag and the passenger side is OK to the outside corner, then leave the passenger side let on. Cut out only what you have to.
For example, measure the distance from the base of the dash up to the corners, from the corners to a place somewhere back on the t-bar. Just measure everything twice and write the measurements down, draw a picture so you can pinpoint later where all those measurements were made because you'll be duplicating them later.
When cutting your new frame, be sure to take into account the material that will be lost when you cut it. I'd also advise cutting it long because it will be tricky duplicating the angles of the cut, so leave some extra material that you can grind off to get a good fit. Pick a surface, like the side the VIN tag is on and try to make your cuts perpendicular to that on the original and the replacement.
It's not that difficult, but your preparation will pay dividends. Take your time and you'll be fine.
If the posts are OK then cut off only the amount you absolutely have to, but first you need to carefully measure several points so that you can accurately locate the replacement. When you make the measurements, scribe a mark on each end of your measurement because you will be wanting to duplicate the exact measurements on your new frame. On your new frame, you'll want to scribe marks in the same places. It's not necessary to cut the windshield frame legs at the same point - in other words, if the driver side needs to be replaced at the VIN tag and the passenger side is OK to the outside corner, then leave the passenger side let on. Cut out only what you have to.
For example, measure the distance from the base of the dash up to the corners, from the corners to a place somewhere back on the t-bar. Just measure everything twice and write the measurements down, draw a picture so you can pinpoint later where all those measurements were made because you'll be duplicating them later.
When cutting your new frame, be sure to take into account the material that will be lost when you cut it. I'd also advise cutting it long because it will be tricky duplicating the angles of the cut, so leave some extra material that you can grind off to get a good fit. Pick a surface, like the side the VIN tag is on and try to make your cuts perpendicular to that on the original and the replacement.
It's not that difficult, but your preparation will pay dividends. Take your time and you'll be fine.
