I recently purchased a '23 Model T that has been described as an Express Wagon, obviously homebuilt. The windshield is a folding type, like one found on a roadster or touring car. The way the previous owner has it mounted is somewhat suspect. The firewall is cut out of 3/4" plywood with the bottom edge of the windshield tubing set directly on top of it supported vertically by a piece of square steel channel on either side. My question is, how should it be attached, or should I leave it as it is?
Appreciate any feedback or guidance.
Can you post pics Mike? Those would help a lot.
I tried, but got a message saying the file size was too large. I'll try again.
Here's another shot...
On our depot hack, we ran a support rod from the center hinge to the floor board. You can see a picture of it in this thread.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/371750.html?1372900576
Yeah, looks like you have the same setup, except for the support rod. What I have seems strong enough and should work O.K. It just looks crude.
Thanks for your response.
Great machine! I like the door latch.
Here's an original I hoped one day to copy on a T:
Try find another better looking profile to support the windshield?
I like the overall design of your express wagon, simple and light
Nice car, Mike! Hmm, that jump seat in the back is giving me ideas about making something similar for my pickup bed....
Mike
I like it but crude it is not. Just remember that in those day the farmer or owner of a car would have the body made to suite there needs by a cabinet maker,blacksmith or in there barn. I think that the support rod that Greg suggested would help the wind shield support. I think that it is a great
display of what would or could have been built in the day (and for years after). One great car enjoy it.
Bob
Thanks for all the feedback. This is my first T and I'm really enjoying it. Just trying to "bulletproof" things, you know.
Mike, I have built a speedster, now it looks more like a roadster 1916 T. I originally wanted to build a depot trunk hauler like yours only with a fixed top. Back in the 1990's I got Syverson Cabinet to make a cherry veneer plywood 1912 fire wall. I acquired a 1916-17 windshield frame. I bought, and these were expensive; thick sheet metal windshield brackets for depot hacks from the vendors for about $125.00 for a pair. When I put them on around the fire wall I had to extend the width of the fire wall by about 2"on each side and had them bolted down, they became less flimsy and also, mount my side lights on. I keep the windshield folded down, otherwise I would need more support like Mike suggested. Oh, on top of the plywood and the bottom of the windshield frame I have a brass channel to protect the end grains of the plywood. I bought a depot hack body from a friend, but I have not put it on. I'm having too much fun making a poor mans 1916 Torpedo looking roadster. If you want you may email me.
Mike
You will never be able to BULLETPROOF your self, there are two many different opinions with in the hobby. Don't try to satisfy others just yourself and have as much fun as you can with it. You may want to make your next T( and there will be another in the future) a show car and that's alright also. You and your family will alway hear remarks, that just human nature (or Ego some times)
Drive carefully and safely
Bob
Mike,
If it's substantial enough to hold up (and it looks like it to me)and you like it, leave it alone. I used a 15 windshield (because that's what I had) bolted to oak boards that are bolted to a metal firewall. I've had no problems with mine. (It's not connected to the roof)
Yeah, think I'll just keep it like it is and freshen it up with new paint. I also noticed your wing nuts at the windshield hinges. I don't have any but thought it would be good to have them so I can drop the windshield without tools. Where did you find the wing nuts?
Thank you for your suggestions.
Wing nuts are about three bucks from the parts dealers. I'd call Bob Bergstadt now while he's having his sale.
Will do, thanks again.