The Ford Barn

BN · 10-19-2015, 05:13 PM

Just finished taking my 1930 Briggs Town Sedan windshield apart. There was some rust thru in the outer skin (as shown in the piece I cut out in the first pic). I thought I could make another piece and weld it back in, but the interior structure is quite rusty and I suspect that is the case along the entire frame. The only way I can visualize stopping the interior rust is to cut off the entire outer skin, sandblast and repair (as needed) the interior metal and weld the outer skin back on. Just wondering if anyone has other ideas on how to restore a windshield frame. Also wondering if it's really worth it as I see replica windshield frames are available. Has anyone tried this route? Do they look authentic and fit ok? Thanks in advance for any comments.

SeaSlugs · 10-19-2015, 05:39 PM

well yes repos are available, BUT how much is your time worth? An aluminum one is $250, steel like original is $500 and chrome plated is $950!

yours doesnt look too bad exterior wise, can you fit one of those tiny peep cameras and see what the rest of the frame looks like? is it possible to run the blast nozzle down the channel to get most of it?

Mitch//pa · 10-19-2015, 05:58 PM

your frame looks pretty rough and most likely would not be worth the effort.. give Bert's model A call for a decent used one as another alternative

SSsssteamer · 10-19-2015, 08:29 PM

The best time to fix the bad windshield frame correctly is now. You can patch around the rust with new metal but it will come back to haunt you later. I just repaired a windshield frame for my late 31 pick up and it wasn't as bad as yours. After I was done, with the labor that I had in it, I should have replaced it. Replace your windshield frame with a good used rust free frame, or buy a new reproduction. You can advertise here on the Ford Barn wanted section and you will get a good quick response. You should be able to get a good used sedan windshield frame for less than $100.

Kevin in NJ · 10-19-2015, 08:37 PM

The repro frames are very good.

The slant window one I have is dead on.

That being said. You should be able to find none rusty originals economically.
I personally would get a good original. If you are in hurry Bert's has a great reputation and will be quick, but will cost more then the time it would take for a better deal.

Bud · 10-20-2015, 11:31 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I had two excellent windshield frames for sale about a year ago on this forum for approximately $200 each and the only people who responded and purchase them were street rodders. Both frames were cut down for rods. I wish I had kept them.

10-19-2015, 05:39 PM	#2
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: Windshield Frame Restoration. well yes repos are available, BUT how much is your time worth? An aluminum one is $250, steel like original is $500 and chrome plated is $950! yours doesnt look too bad exterior wise, can you fit one of those tiny peep cameras and see what the rest of the frame looks like? is it possible to run the blast nozzle down the channel to get most of it? __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

10-19-2015, 05:58 PM	#3
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Windshield Frame Restoration. your frame looks pretty rough and most likely would not be worth the effort.. give Bert's model A call for a decent used one as another alternative

10-19-2015, 08:29 PM	#4
SSsssteamer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sedro-Woolley, WA Posts: 1,023	Re: Windshield Frame Restoration. The best time to fix the bad windshield frame correctly is now. You can patch around the rust with new metal but it will come back to haunt you later. I just repaired a windshield frame for my late 31 pick up and it wasn't as bad as yours. After I was done, with the labor that I had in it, I should have replaced it. Replace your windshield frame with a good used rust free frame, or buy a new reproduction. You can advertise here on the Ford Barn wanted section and you will get a good quick response. You should be able to get a good used sedan windshield frame for less than $100.

10-19-2015, 08:37 PM	#5
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Windshield Frame Restoration. The repro frames are very good. The slant window one I have is dead on. That being said. You should be able to find none rusty originals economically. I personally would get a good original. If you are in hurry Bert's has a great reputation and will be quick, but will cost more then the time it would take for a better deal.

10-20-2015, 11:31 AM	#6
Bud Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 819	Re: Windshield Frame Restoration. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I had two excellent windshield frames for sale about a year ago on this forum for approximately $200 each and the only people who responded and purchase them were street rodders. Both frames were cut down for rods. I wish I had kept them.