Removed the upper windshield from the '26 Runabout after evening ride... suddenly cracked from the point of the mirror mount. Found frame cracked , apparently had been for some time, some rust in crack. Any success in welding guys ? ...or need to find another.
Thanks
Bob J.
Bob, can you send a picture? Not sure where the crack occurred. Jim Patrick
mirror removed
Bob, Is the frame a hollow thin walled elliptical tube? would a cross-section look like an elongated football, or an elongated half moon? That's a big hole. Does the hole go all the way through? Are there two holes? If so, could the other one crack like this one? I sent you a PM. Jim Patrick
Bob, I think it could be successfully welded back together but I'd like to see an inner sleeve put inside to strengthen it from the inside first.
Howard Dennis
Bob, did the car have a mirror mounted when you got it, or did you drill the frame to mount a mirror some time in the past? If you drilled it, can you remember how long ago?
The reason I ask is that I just got done drilling two holes in my windshield frame for a rear view mirror and I'd like to know how long mine will last before it cracks. Thanks!
Bob. Is it cracked all the way through so that the 2 halves can be separated, or is it cracked just halfway through? Jim Patrick
If its not cracked all the way and if it were mine I would carefully finish it by sawing it all the through.
Carefully separate it as much as you can then insert a metal sleeve of some sort and carefully braze or tig weld it back together.
You might find an old bicycle or motorcycle frame to find some thin metal tubing that would slip inside.
I've been contemplating ways of installing a mirror without drilling any holes in the windshield frame. Those pictures tell me I have the right idea.
The mirror was on the car when purchased about 15 years ago. Howard and John have a good idea of reinforcing with some sort of sleeve before welding.
Have to remove glass "intact" to measure for replacement.
It's been making some noises before the snap. Should have listened better ?
Sorry for the second picture being oriented upside-down
Thanks for all the responses.
Bob J.
Steve;
My guess, the drilled holes have been there since day one.... for the rear view mirror.
What's your input on mirror attachment ?
Thanks
Bob J.
better ? picture of mirror attachment
So far I'm bereft of any advice. I was looking at a mirror the other day and wondering how I'll install it without holes, but I haven't got around to figuring out the attachment yet. It will be some kind of clamp. I'll post pictures if I figure it out.
Slip a piece of steel tubing or formed sheetmetal inside and braze it with Harris safety Silv 45 and flux. You may have to break it completely thru to reinforece it with tubing or sheet metal.
Steve:
Got me a thinkin' .... found a clamp from Snyder's that just may do the trick.
I could use this, modified. to mount mirror, and have the old holes filled in while the frame is being welded
Rather then modifying a clamp you just buy a clamp on mirror that requires no holes.
A piece of old windshield filler would make a good fix. If you need one holler.
Jim:
Good Idea !
That isn't one of those "spurrious" (sp) non-Ford parts ??? LOL
Thanks Jack, will keep that in mind.
The 26-27 doesn't have a filler and a filler will interfere with the glass with out grinding. MG
Fillers were made to slip into channel and not interfere with the glass channel.
Jack:
Is that windshield filler you have steel or aluminum ?
Jack:
Is that windshield filler you have steel or aluminum ?
bump
Why not obtain another upper windshield frame? I don't know about '26s, but the uppers on '23-'25s are common. The mirror on your car is correct, and you should keep it that way.
Fillers are cast iron.
Yes, the original fillers are cast iron and often support hinge and mounting bracket bolts. They are roughly 1/2 round.
Be very careful welding near the part of the channel the glass fits into. ANY un-smoothed remnant of weld is likely to result in breaking the new glass. (I wonder how I know that?) (I could have sworn I ground it smooth enough).
If the glass channel has not yet broken and is not much distorted, I would cut a little of the round outer part of the frame out, slip in cut-to-width pieces of 1/8 inch thick strap steel. A stack of two or three pieces only about two inches long should be plenty. Longer maybe if you want to consider bridging the entire mirror bracket. They act as a permanent splint once brazed in place. A little more brazing, filling, and painting should be good to go. If you put longer pieces in, you may need to cut additional holes on the outside of the frame to braze for strength.
I have done this sort of repair or modification on a couple of windshield frames.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I'm very interested in rebuilding my own frames. I wish this tubing was less expensive somewhere other that this one on EBAY. Does anyone know where else I could find this tubing for less than $10 a foot?
RE: The mirror/wiper clamps... I installed a piece of inner tube between them and the frame t reduce mirror vibration and having them never be tight and sliding out of position. ws
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