'14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

[Ben Umberger]

It is well known that the windshield can pop out at the top of the firewall and mine did. This caused significant rips in the top which got worse and worse until I really need a new top. Before I enter that endeavor I want to learn how to prevent it from happening again.

The Brackets are different between the engine side and the passenger side of the glass. the engine side is a touch taller and seems to wrap around the window frame significantly more. Has anyone ever used 4 "Front" brackets?

Any general thoughts on this situation?

Thanks

Ben L. Umberger

[speedytinc]

I have not heard 14 W/S 's want to pop out.
As far as using 4 front (longer) clamps, I would not try it.
If you try straightening the lower frame(make vertical), you can crack the glass with those longer front clamps.
Dont ask how I know.
I think you run that same risk using long front clamps @ the rear.
Why else would there be the 2 different clamp arms?

[Original Smith]

Never had a problem. Perhaps yours need to be recontoured? Perhaps try to find a different one.

[Rich P. Bingham]

I think Larry is on to something here. I’ve never had a problem either, but I did note that when I replaced the failing dashboard, fabricated from 3/4” veneer plywood, I noticed the clamps had been “tweaked” to grip the windshield frame firmly. I made a new dashboard the original 13/16” thickness and had to straighten the clamps.

[Allan]

The vertical screens on a 1912 model have brackets the same front and back, because the gap between them needs to be central on the top. On 13-14 models the gap needs to be at the rear somewhat to accommodate the slanting bottom screen. Hence the shorter rear bracket and longer front one to get the gap between them set to the rear. They are what they are, and you might need to tweak them as Larry said.

Allan from down under.

[lcleeton]

This thread brought back a bad memory of an incident. I bought a '14 Touring and was gradually fixing it up to be a reliable touring vehicle. My wife and I were riding in the front seat with the top up. (Note the windshield holds the front of the top down via its straps.) The wind was picking up and a gust got under the top and lifted the windshield out of the firewall clamps and nearly into our laps. The only saving grace was the side rod brackets kept the whole top and windshield from flying up over the rest of the top. I managed to not crash, put the windshield back in place, and temporarily use modern baling wire (thick and long wire ties) to hold it down temporarily. To fix it correctly I had to bend, shape and recontour the hold-down brackets to tightly grip the windshield frame. I now check them frequently.