Windshield Bracket Alignment

[cv2065]

Hey Guys. A little slow lately, but finalizing the windshield alignment. I had a question around the bracket alignment. I marked the middle of each windshield bracket with a marker so that I could see the alignment when dropped into the holes making my marks for the bolts. I started with the passenger side, and aligned perfectly in the middle of the line. My windshield was right at a 27" measurement from the top of the door opening to the top screw in the windshield bracket. Went ahead and marked the drivers side, a bit blind of course as its hard to see up in there, but I did verify that it was also 27" between the top of the door opening and top screw. Here's how they look:

Passenger Side:
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/c310/cv2065/IMG_1895.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/cv2065/p/a69ffc3a-7994-4b64-8b48-60ed199631de)

Driver's Side:
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/c310/cv2065/IMG_1894.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/cv2065/p/8b32d02f-f97b-4843-97b5-baa968022a10)

As you can see, there is somewhat of a misalignment. Do I leave it and drill as is, or do I try to compensate and get somewhere between the middle where both sides are a bit off from center and altering my 27" measurement?

[MSumners]

I used the marks just for the height of the holes to drill. They were all a bit off center when marked. I did drill the centerline of the bracket and worked out fine. There is some adjustability built into the size of the holes on the mounting brackets.

[phileas_fogg]

I did the same as MSumners; I drilled on-center of the posts at the height indicated by my marks. The oversized holes on the brackets give all the mounting location flexibility you need.

A few tips for you:

1. Drill the windshield post holes 27/64” diameter and tap each to accept the 1/2”-13 bolt. After you’re happy with the fit, then put a nut on the back side of the bolt to secure the post. This makes test fitting MUCH MUCH easier.

2. If the rubber gasket at the bottom of the windshield frame has daylight under it anywhere, that indicates that your posts are too close together. It’ll lay evenly and provide a good seal when you’re close.

3. Pay attention to the gap between the body and the windshield post side. As you tighten the 1/2” bolts, this gap should stay the same. If the gap changes, stop, figure out what’s not right, and correct it. The same goes for when you put the nuts on the bolts.

Good luck!


John

[GoDadGo]

As you can see, there is somewhat of a misalignment. Do I leave it and drill as is, or do I try to compensate and get somewhere between the middle where both sides are a bit off from center and altering my 27" measurement?

Jeff Kleiner, 65 Cobra Dude (Henry R), Mike Everson, J. Miller (Jeff / Da Bat), or Edwardb (Paul B) would be the best guys, in my opinion, to answer this question.

I wouldn't drill it yet because you likely need to do a little opening on the body, but you need an expert's opinion which isn't me.

When you do get that answer, consider tapping them because it makes the windshield installation process a lot easier in the end.

[michael everson]

You need to open the driver slot towards the front of the car and reinstall and mark the windshield. They should be centered and the same on both sides. Like Godad said. Drill and tap them 1/2-13 You will thank us later
Mike

[CraigS]

If you don't have a tap, throw out the supplied nuts and get 8 plain, non locking nuts. While doing your on/off fitting the 6-10 times that is usually needed, just thread one nut per bolt by finger and use a wrench for maybe 1/2 turn more. On your last install add another nut on top of each single nut as a jam nut.

[BradCraig]

You need to open the driver slot towards the front of the car and reinstall and mark the windshield. They should be centered and the same on both sides. Like Godad said. Drill and tap them 1/2-13 You will thank us later
Mike

Second that. I had to open the DS slot a bit and yes, tapping those holes was some of the best advice i've gotten!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Exactly what Mike Everson said. They're brass and will drill & tap like butter :)

Jeff

[cv2065]

Thanks for the tips guys. I have the drill and tap in hand. I've already opened up both sides a bit, but I'll go another round. Jeff knows that I'm really good with fiberglass....:)

[Ducky2009]

In case you don't know: Don't forget to read up on adding shims.

[cv2065]

In case you don't know: Don't forget to read up on adding shims.

Thanks Ducky. Bought some of those a while back. I've been a bit slow on this step.

[Mike Garrett]

Wish I’d seen this thread before I installed my windshield. Test fitting then installing it was a pain. Those locking nuts were about to get me but I prevailed! Overall my windshield turned out great.

[j.miller]

Hell son ! I do those all day long with my eyes closed......They're ****-eyed as all get out....BUT MY EYES ARE CLOSED !!! (that's gotta count for something)…..better listen to those other guys...da Bat