'14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Ben Umberger
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:43 pm
First Name: Ben
Last Name: Umberger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14 Touring, 20 Touring, 27 Touring
Location: Clearwater, FL

'14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by Ben Umberger » Sat Jul 06, 2024 3:56 pm

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
Posts: 4726
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: '14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by speedytinc » Sat Jul 06, 2024 4:08 pm

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. :oops: :x :x :x
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
Posts: 3699
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:43 am
First Name: Larry
Last Name: Smith
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 13 Touring, 13 Roadster, 17 Coupelet, 25 Roadster P/U
Location: Lomita, California
MTFCA Life Member: YES

Re: '14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by Original Smith » Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:49 pm

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


Rich P. Bingham
Posts: 1611
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:24 am
First Name: Rich
Last Name: Bingham
Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: '14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Sat Jul 06, 2024 7:11 pm

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.
Get a horse !


Allan
Posts: 6609
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:21 pm
First Name: Allan
Last Name: Bennett
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
Location: Gawler, Australia

Re: '14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by Allan » Sat Jul 06, 2024 7:46 pm

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
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2020 6:14 pm
First Name: Lawrence
Last Name: Cleeton
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1926 Runabout
Location: Butler, PA
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: '14 Dash to Windshield Brackets

Post by lcleeton » Tue Jul 09, 2024 10:56 pm

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.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic