Windshield arm mounting holes

[Slider]

I'm pretty sure I know how to resolve this issue, but before doing so wanted to check and see if anyone else has had this issue.

The bracket (arm) for the windshield on the drivers side does not line up with the mounting holes in the frame. The windshield seats just fine, and I've got the angle set to 53 degrees as is prescribed. The holes line up with the arm on the passenger side perfectly, and the top hole on the drivers side is fine. However, the bottom hole on the drivers side is only covered by about half of the arm. So I can't drill a hole in the arm to match the lower hole. Now obviously, when I remove the body I can drill a new hole to match the arm, but this is just another one of the instances where I'm surprised that the kit is off by this much. After a few of these situations, I'm much more inclined to trust my intuition, in that I'm right and the hole was just drilled incorrectly at the factory.

I'm just curious however if anyone else has ever seen this happen. I can't see how else to correct it, but will wait a couple of hours and see if I get a response that has information that might point out an error, or for confirmation that I do in fact need to drill a proper hole to mount the arm.

Thanks

[edwardb]

Are you considering the hole in the body is in exactly the right place? Those are generally only suggestions. From your description, sounds like the windshield needs to move back a bit, e.g. lengthen the slot in the body. Also, unless you're matching up with a top and side curtains, you could use a little less angle on the windshield. I've seen 51 - 52 - 53 degrees referenced. You're at the highest number I've seen. 51 or 52 wouldn't be noticeable. Either/both of these changes wouild move the lower part of the arm and maybe get where you need it.

The hole in the chassis wasn't drilled -- it was laser cut or punched or whatever when the parts were fabricated before welding. So doubt there is any variation there unless it's just welded in the wrong place. Possible I guess but unlikely.

[Norm B]

You didn't say how far along you were in your build but I had the same problem when I first put the body on. The right side tucked under the frame no problem but the left needed to be pulled down and pushed under to get it to fit properly. Once I did this the windshield bar lined up perfectly with the holes.

Norm

[Slider]

Thanks for the input. What I ended up doing was lengthening the slot in the body so I could actually move the windshield forward about 3/8". (as the arm was missing the hole to rear, not the front). Now everything lines up well, and the angle is about 52 degrees (which is what I've read is correct if one ever wants to use a soft top). So it works now... My only question is how far the windshield should be from the hood opening, or alternately, how far it should measure from the inside of the windshield to the body above the dash. I can't imagine my 3/8" adjustment really causing issues elsewhere, but again, just asking for confirmation on my thought process. Thanks

[edwardb]

Thanks for the input. What I ended up doing was lengthening the slot in the body so I could actually move the windshield forward about 3/8". (as the arm was missing the hole to rear, not the front). Now everything lines up well, and the angle is about 52 degrees (which is what I've read is correct if one ever wants to use a soft top). So it works now... My only question is how far the windshield should be from the hood opening, or alternately, how far it should measure from the inside of the windshield to the body above the dash. I can't imagine my 3/8" adjustment really causing issues elsewhere, but again, just asking for confirmation on my thought process. Thanks

The only potential obstacle for the windshield on the cowl is the wipers. On my Mk3, the gasket of the windshield nearly touches where the wipers exit the cowl. Drilled the holes for the wipers first, so was lucky (I guess). Other than that, I don't think the location of the windshield on the cowl is super critical.

[skullandbones]

While you're at it, you may want to tap and tread the holes in the side supports to simplify and ease the install and removal of the windscreen. I can't remember whether it was mike e or edwardb who suggested it. Little things like that, make life easier! WEK.

[Slider]

I noticed this with the wipers as well. The guides that FF supplied would put the wipe holes through the gasket on the bottom of the windshield. I guess I was plannining just to move the hole back (towards the front of the car) to accomodate. I don't think that should be any problem. Do you?


The only potential obstacle for the windshield on the cowl is the wipers. On my Mk3, the gasket of the windshield nearly touches where the wipers exit the cowl. Drilled the holes for the wipers first, so was lucky (I guess). Other than that, I don't think the location of the windshield on the cowl is super critical.

[Slider]

Okay... so after looking at what I'd done above, I changed my mind. I ended up moving the windshield back (so that I'd have plenty of room for the wipers) and then just reduced the angle. Somewhere along the way I'd read that the angle needed to be 53 degrees. I'm now running about 47 degrees, and it looks better and the holes line up dead center of the arms. Out of curiosity, what angle are others running on the windscreen? Is 47 within reason?


Thanks for the input. What I ended up doing was lengthening the slot in the body so I could actually move the windshield forward about 3/8". (as the arm was missing the hole to rear, not the front). Now everything lines up well, and the angle is about 52 degrees (which is what I've read is correct if one ever wants to use a soft top). So it works now... My only question is how far the windshield should be from the hood opening, or alternately, how far it should measure from the inside of the windshield to the body above the dash. I can't imagine my 3/8" adjustment really causing issues elsewhere, but again, just asking for confirmation on my thought process. Thanks

[skullandbones]

My trusty angle gauge says 47. Don't want any more because of body type (long torso) means looking over instead of thru wind screen. WEK.

[Norm B]

Here is where my wipers ended up with everything done according to the manual. The only thing I found a bit strange was you had to mark the wiper hole location jig (7/8" I think) from the one end and use that to position it on the cowl.
Norm16641

[Slider]

Did you measure the angle with the angle gauge placed on the windshield? Just wondering if I'm measuring the same as you are.
My trusty angle gauge says 47. Don't want any more because of body type (long torso) means looking over instead of thru wind screen. WEK.

[skullandbones]

Yes. That's what I did. It was on the front frame of the wind screen not on the glass.

[edwardb]

I noticed this with the wipers as well. The guides that FF supplied would put the wiper holes through the gasket on the bottom of the windshield. I guess I was planning just to move the hole back (towards the front of the car) to accommodate. I don't think that should be any problem. Do you?

No, I don't think that's a problem.

FWIW, my Mk3 measures 48.7 degrees on the front frame of the wind screen. Just measured it. Note this could vary a little from car to car depending ride height settings. I think the guys fitting tops and side windows actually measure the angle between the frame and the top of the door.

I think you did the right thing reducing the angle as you described.