Windshield Side Post

[daltmcintyre]

How much “tweaking” is need for the side post to be attached to the windshield frame? I have the SS inserts and I’m having a tough time even getting the screws started.

I got the PS on, but I can only get the middle to screws on. The bottom and top want even start.

Just wanted to make sure this is normal.

Thanks

Joey

[cv2065]

Haven't done it yet, but you might need to go a size larger in screws versus the ones that were included with the Whitby's SS inserts. Might have to modify those a little as well. Just keep track of where each screw goes when you pull it apart.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've never used the SS inserts. My usual method is to start the top screw a thread or two and then work down getting each one started. After all four are in go back to the top and run it in far enough to close the gap between the side post and frame (but not torqued tight) then just like before work down doing the the same with the other three. Final pass, top to bottom making them tight. It's always worked for me anyway...and I've done "a few".

Jeff

[daltmcintyre]

130355The DS has this issue at the top... it’s like the curved portion is about 1/8” to long. I can’t even pull the post tight against the frame without it contacting the channel along the top of the frame.

The holes in the post are 3/16”, any concerns with enlarging them to 7/32”?

[CraigS]

This is one of the worst parts of a FFR build. RE screws fitting; I believe the original FFR supplied screws are a different thread than those that come w/ the SS insert. Possibly you mixed them? Fortunately the posts are fairly soft so not too hard to bend. Protect the surface when you put them in your vice. Also you might as well do the rest of the bending and twisting once you have that top fixed. This is your goal.
https://live.staticflickr.com/7859/46798420254_f595120022_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2eiq8UJ)20190402_092159 (https://flic.kr/p/2eiq8UJ) by craig stuard (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152454123@N04/), on Flickr
This way there won't be any stress on the glass when you bolt it into the car. The brackets end up slightly wider apart than the frame pieces they bolt to so you will need to shim w/ washers between the frame pieces and the bracket. Usually you can only get 2 washers per bolt on the driver side and may need more than that on the passenger side. Good luck.

[miller7448]

I used a large woodworkers clamp secured to the top section when they were mounted to the car frame (without the windshield in place). Was able to twist them into the correct orientation fairly easily.