MTFCA Forum

With all due respect, I am not looking for generic speculation but what I am looking for is what is considered authentic on the 'color' of Brass Glass Channel?

Was the Windshield Frame originally painted (dipped??) prior to installing the Glass Channel, -followed by the installation of the Windshield Glass, ...or was the Glass Channel installed into the Frame and then the Frame & Channel painted as an assembly?

I recently purchased a NOS or early take-off 1914 Windshield Frame from Mark Cameron that had very nice original paint on the exterior. As I disassembled the frame, it appears there was Black paint on portions of the exposed Brass Channel, and a good bit of the inside of the Frame (-underneath the Channel) did not appear to have the same amount of Black paint in that area. My speculation is the Frame was dipped in Alkyd Enamel (-not sprayed), -and if the Channel were installed prior to painting, this would/could explain why paint was sparce inside of the Frame. Does anyone have guidance on this??

TIA!!

I think the only way to have your question answered is to either research Accessions on your own at THF or pay a volunteer there $35. I’m fairly sure this hasn’t previously been discovered. Pat will surely offer his conjecture. Personally I’ve restored my ‘14 windshield frames to glossy black. Then I’ve exhaustively hand shined glass channels and had them clear coated powder coated. They’ve stayed bright brass for a decade now and never need shining. Realize this hasn’t answered your question.

Hey Brent,
We have a 1916 Touring that had not been molested. All original. I took apart the windshield and found the steel frame painted black and the brass insert was not painted.
My 2 cents!
Campbell Tellman II
Beaufort, NC

Without question the setting channel was never painted on new ford cars. I have owned enough original examples and studied unrestored cars to say this is established fact. It was also very common for owners to paint over the brightwork on their cars as they aged. The ford owners manual for 1913 recommends repainting the car once a year. Paints faded quickly in those years and the setting channel was brass more for function than decoration. It got painted over frequently.

BRENT in 10-uh-C wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 08, 2026 7:23 am

. . . My speculation is the Frame was dipped in Alkyd Enamel . . .

Going down a rabbit hole:
1901 alkyd resin is synthesized in the laboratory
1914 General Electric patents alkyd resin for use as an insulating material in electrical applications
1926 General Electric introduces Glyptal paint for commercial applications
1930s Alkyd paints find general acceptance as a cost-effective utility coating

BRENT in 10-uh-C wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 08, 2026 7:23 am

. . . My speculation is the Frame was dipped in Alkyd Enamel . . .

Going down a rabbit hole:
1901 alkyd resin is synthesized in the laboratory
1914 General Electric patents alkyd resin for use as an insulating material in electrical applications
1926 General Electric introduces Glyptal paint for commercial applications
1930s Alkyd paints find general acceptance as a cost-effective utility coating

I agree with Mark. The brass channel was not painted. It wold be interesting to know the order of assembly. Was the channel fitted into the frame and then the glass installed, or was the channel fitted to the glass and the two components fitted as a unit? The channel was thin material. Perhaps using the windscreen pane to hold its shape when fitting it was the way to go. That is how I did it on my 1915 tourer.

Allan from down under.

1915ford wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 08, 2026 4:16 pm

Without question the setting channel was never painted on new ford cars. I have owned enough original examples and studied unrestored cars to say this is established fact. It was also very common for owners to paint over the brightwork on their cars as they aged. The ford owners manual for 1913 recommends repainting the car once a year. Paints faded quickly in those years and the setting channel was brass more for function than decoration. It got painted over frequently.

Thanks Mark, I probably should have texted you with this question first and discussed it.

George House wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 08, 2026 8:14 am

I think the only way to have your question answered is to either research Accessions on your own at THF or pay a volunteer there $35. I’m fairly sure this hasn’t previously been discovered. Pat will surely offer his conjecture. Personally I’ve restored my ‘14 windshield frames to glossy black. Then I’ve exhaustively hand shined glass channels and had them clear coated powder coated. They’ve stayed bright brass for a decade now and never need shining. Realize this hasn’t answered your question.

Hey George. I am definitely familiar with the Benson Research Center as I have spent hundreds (-if not into the thousands now) of hours there. Years prior to COVID I generally would spend 4-5 days a week and do that 3-4 times a year just researching there. I used to be on a first name basis with Linda, Stephanie, and Jim, and spent time simultaneously while T guys like Regan, RV, and others were there researching T stuff. Unfortunately, the pandemic closed the doors to the BFRC, ...and after 5+ years now they are likely closed to the public for good.

IMHO, unless you can physically see the Assembly Drawing and the Parts Drawings, follow the revisions, and then compare it to the EI notes listed on the prints to know the process, then hiring a volunteer is not feasible nor a value. Additionally, most of the volunteers were from a local college (can't remember the name at the moment) and the students received credits for volunteering (working) there at the Library. Again, all that has been lost also. For the sole reason of the closure, I have dropped my annual membership with THF, and would encourage others to do the same. When Ms. Mooradian and Mr. Wilson can make things reopen again, maybe we can all start financially supporting THF again.