My Son and I are in the final stages of completition of our 48 f1 street rod. It is going to have a lot of speed capability with 340 HP and a T5 transmission. Does anyone know how likely it is for the flat winshield on the f1 to blow into the cab at high speed? Am I worried about nothing, or do we need to hold it down to 130 or so? Any experience out there?

 

Well, since the windshield is installed from the outside, I don't think it can push in.

But keep it under 130 just to be safe...

 

Be carefull you might get a speeding ticket

 

Tell you what. I'll perform some wind speed stress tests for you to ensure the windshield is safe. I'll just need to borrow the truck for a couple hours.

 

What chassis is under it?

 

I don't think the speeding ticket is the concern here... Most places I know if you get caught going over 100 mph its grounds for suspension/revocation of your license...

 

I'm planing on going full speed in my F3....of course That will probably be 60 give or take a little.
I tend not to worrry about much, I'd punch that hot rod and see what she'll do!
(The cab might fly off at that speed tho!)

 

We had a crazy guy on this forum with a 51 F-1 who routinely posted actual photographs of his truck's speedo running 120-130 mph. AND he had an actual visor hanging out over the windshield.

 

Much ado about nothing probably. I have done well over 100 in my 50 and never had problems. Can say I never had that thought in my mind before but still have no worries about it how that you mentioned it.

 

One more thing (and I can't believe I didn't mention this one also). I once rode in a rocket ship with 700 dyno-proven horses that was disguised as a 1950 F-1. The guy absolutely scared the life out of me and tried to kill both of us. He routinely drag raced the truck. The ashtray literally popped out of the dash into my lap, but the windshield didn't. Don't sweat it.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. Sounds like it may not be a concern. We actually drove it to a chassis dino a couple miles away without the front clip or windshield, and hit 90mph+ on the way back (34 year old Son driving, me following in another vehicle). The chassis consist of the original 48f1 frame with a TCI independent front suspension kit with 2" drop spindles and power rack and pinion steering, a 9" Ford rearend with new rear suspension kit form TCI with air shocks and traction bars. Brakes are disc front, drum rear with a proportioning valve for the rear (all new parts). Master cylinder is 2 port Mustang Cobra unit.

 

100 mph, no problems.

 

Dang, I wish I had that kind of a problem. My 226 50 f1 vibrates a little at 55mph, and my side windows rattle. The windsheild only cathes slow bugs.

 

My nerves would go long before the windshield. I usually cruise around 70-75 on the Interstate.

 

I'd be more worried about the hood flying up at those speeds.