Aftermarket windshield frames

[fpchief]

I got some new inner frames a while back and got around to putting them in the other day. I prepped and primered the hinge (had to re-use old ones) and screwed them in and hung the frames.

Just now tried to lock the frames in and they hang maybe 1/8" too low to pass by the window lock deal on the outer frame. Anyone else had issues with the inner frames not working out? Should I get new hinges? Does not like much to fitting but they definitely do not.

 

[silverstate55]

Yes, I’ve had the same issues with aftermarket frames; I’ve had to disassemble and reuse the original hinge portion with the new side/lower frames. Otherwise I had the same problems you ran into.

 

[fpchief]

Yes, I’ve had the same issues with aftermarket frames; I’ve had to disassemble and reuse the original hinge portion with the new side/lower frames. Otherwise I had the same problems you ran into.

I am using OEM hinges off old truck. This is really frustrating!!!

 

[General Kaiser]

Hi .
what size of wrench I can use to open frame hinge bolts?

I can't open them using 9 mm and 10 mm wrench. and also bolts got rusty!

Thanks

 

[gringeltaube]

3/8", maybe?

 

[18operator]

I got some new inner frames a while back and got around to putting them in the other day. I prepped and primered the hinge (had to re-use old ones) and screwed them in and hung the frames.

Just now tried to lock the frames in and they hang maybe 1/8" too low to pass by the window lock deal on the outer frame. Anyone else had issues with the inner frames not working out? Should I get new hinges? Does not like much to fitting but they definitely do not.

Looks like the lock on the windshield frame sits a bit too low. It might be possible to remove and relocate the lock in a higher locale? Or the tab for the lock (on dashboard) may have to be trimmed?

 

[davidb56]

Where were the frames purchased? I want to avoid buying something that doesn't fit, unless I had just modify the tab lock.

 

[fpchief]

Looks like the lock on the windshield frame sits a bit too low. It might be possible to remove and relocate the lock in a higher locale? Or the tab for the lock (on dashboard) may have to be trimmed?

Yep and very frustrating. Good idea on trimming the lock

 

[fpchief]

Where were the frames purchased? I want to avoid buying something that doesn't fit, unless I had just modify the tab lock.

David, I dont remember. It had to be Memphis, Boyce, or C&c. I think C&C. Pretty sure they all get them from same source anyway....China. the problem has to be in hinge....measurements are same. Tried multiple vehicle side hinges and a diff frame too. I just try not to notice it right now. Weather down here is a non issue unlike for you so it makes it a little more tolerable not being able to lock it.

 

[pitpawten]

I'm going to bump this thread to ask a related question - I have several take-off frames, but w/o glass.

Where have y'all gone to get glass cut for these?

 

[HDN]

I remember my dad getting a pair of aftermarket windshield panels for his M37. He's only replaced the driver's windshield and he had to modify the new frame a little bit to get it to lock into the windshield frame properly.

How hard would it be to actually fabricate new windshield window frames? I know nothing about automotive glass, but we must be winning a little bit for not having to work with curved windshields

 

[gringeltaube]

How hard would it be to actually fabricate new windshield window frames?

Not too difficult - if you have the right tools AND the will to get it done right. The Chinese tried, but it seems they didn't have either....

FWIW, I have studied this a bit. For anyone interested, here are the exact dimensions for both profiles, OEM vs. aftermarket, for the WS-frame lower sections.

 

[18operator]

Not too difficult - if you have the right tools AND the will to get it done right. The Chinese tried, but it seems they didn't have either....

FWIW, I have studied this a bit. For anyone interested, here are the exact dimensions for both profiles, OEM vs. aftermarket, for the WS-frame lower sections.

View attachment 822666

Wow, they didn't even come close to making the aftermarket correctly!

 

[MuleMac01]

Yeah ran into the same problem with the aftermarket trash. Had to disassemble and use military nos frames.