windshield frame

[larry harding]

31 pickup... i got 2 windshield frames with my project, both are rusty along the bottom. one is completely shot and the other might be patched enough to get by as i only want a rider not a show car. the used ones i have come across are about the same shape as mine. the vendors list an aluminum repop as well as steel or chrome for show cars. i would be happy with aluminum one( its the best price) but a guy told me today that the repops don't fit good. i would like to hear someones experiences and suggestions on the best way to go... patch or repop?

[34pickup]

I can say this; the aluminum one they sell for the Model A 1930-31 is the same one they sell for the 32-34 truck. The only difference is that for the 32-34 truck you have to cut the shelf off the bottom that goes over the dash. I bought one of the aluminum ones for my 34 truck and it is pretty much just like my original except for the rust on the latter. If you want it to look original, you can file down the welded corner on the bottom and paint it and most people won't notice. It fit well, but I don't have a Model A.

[bettlesr]

In the late 90's I bought an aluminum frame. When I went to install it, I found one side was almost 1" longer than the other. I cut the side down on a radial arm saw with a carbide saw and had it rewelded. When the paint didn't stick well, I polished it.

[Cockshutt Kid]

I have a 31 Tudor. It is an older restoration by a couple of owners back. The windshield frame is aluminium and I did not realize it until I was adjusting the weatherstripping and exposed an unpainted portion. It certainly is good enough for me. Jim.

[larry harding]

thanks for the input!!! i can spend hours trying to patch the old one(i'm probably worth about 10 cents an hour) or spend a few bucks and have a better looking job. sounds like an easy choice.

[SeaSlugs]

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if you do want to paint it they do make special primer that sticks to aluminum then topcoat with whatever.

[Brianfrench65]

The Ford F-150 has many aluminum panels, that are very nicely painted. It is all about the preparation and the primer.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Brianfrench65

The Ford F-150 has many aluminum panels, that are very nicely painted. It is all about the preparation and the primer.

painted for now...curious to see how bad those aluminum f150's corrode 10+ years from now...

[C26Pinelake]

Is the light on the back of the cab original equipment? Wayne

[1931 flamingo]

corrode??
Paul in CT

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

corrode??
Paul in CT

not sure why thats confusing....alot of aluminum stuff in the salt spray starts corroding and looking like junk. Ford has been using aluminum body panels for years and yes i will admit majority of them still look good theres more and more i see where rock-chips on the hood got to the aluminum and its eating away under the paint.

curious to see what saltwater mud does to the fully boxed in frame once the sludge sits in it for 10 years...

[ian Simpson]

You only need to look at alloy wheels on modern cars to see how badly aluminium can corrode when exposed to salty winter roads. Also, our daughter in law had a Lincoln Navigator for a few years. The paint never would stay on the aluminium rear door for more than a few months. She finally got fed up and traded it in for a Toyota Highlander a few years ago. The paint is still on that one.