Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

I have a windshield frame from a 1936 Ford car that looks pretty good on the outside, but is rusted (missing metal) in a number of decent sized spots on the inside.
Is there any value to this? Or should I just plan on setting it aside to hopefully repurpose at some point?


I haven't taken any pictures so far.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

I’ve got a half dozen 32 windshield frames with rust holes, especially on the bottom rung. I’ve come to the point that I need to cut and splice to make a usable frame, or pony up over $500 for a new one.

Are 36’s in the same boat? If they aren’t, I bet it will happen soon. Don’t throw yours away.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

I just tossed one two weeks ago that sounded a bit nicer than yours. I'd advertised free fro the cost of shipping. Not one reply.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

1. Its junk. These frames rot from the inside of the tubing due to moisture. Its almost impossible to remove rust from the inside as the tubing crimps prevent any flushing of rust removal chemicals. Then trying to weld you have entire sections disappear when you melt a thin foil section.


2. Decent reproductions are currently available for cars or pickups. Get one when you can. Save the upper mounting brackets, you will need them and the car ones are not reproduced (I do make the pickup ones). Cabriolet/Station wagon windshield frames are not currently reproduced that I know of, and are unlikely to become available again.


3. If you cannot bear to throw out the part (I know, the thought hurts) consider a repurpose... A windshield frame makes a great shadow box frame for photos and memorabilia that goes with the car.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

I really have a hard time throwing stuff out. LOL
I figure I'll hang onto it to repurpose. I think that would be pretty cool if I could find a place to take a good 'looking down the road' picture and then frame it in the windshield frame.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

Kube Your signature quote is fantastic!

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

Well, thank you. Apparently, you understand it :)

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

There was a Robert Weintraub, I think that was his name, who reproduced these windshield frames. He made one for my 35 Cabriolet and my 36 Club Cabriolet. Excellent reproductions.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

Likely Walt Trautwein of upstate New York. His son Tom (great guy but hard to get ahold of) took over making them. The "go-to" now seems to be NC Industries of Sayre PA. They make the roadster and closed car frames. Both Trautwein and NC had the same source for the base tubing. Unfortunately for the 1935-36 cabriolet/station wagon crowd the supply of tubing for that model has been exhausted and the tubing manufacturer basically runs a 40' boxcar load at a time and no one is ready to step up.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

Also if it has the seam covers, those are worth something.

Re: Rough 1936 Windshield Frame, Any Value
 

Walt & Tom, great people, and true Craftsmen