Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Windshield frame weld-in insert?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 12, 2018 | 06:17 PM
  #1  
Fiveflat's Avatar
Fiveflat
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Windshield frame weld-in insert?

Is there such a thing? I discovered some pretty rough holes in the windshield frame that were filled in with Bondo by the previous owner...
any other ideas on an easy way to repair this?
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2018 | 06:49 PM
  #2  
fish pond's Avatar
fish pond
Tuned
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 385
Likes: 29
From: Pinckney Mi.
my 51 M3 has that rot on lower rear window, Tractor Bill from texas had a spare cab, he cut out a perfect pc for me, perhaps you could find somebody to do that for you?
spare cab ,craigslist???
good luck!
greg
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2018 | 08:15 PM
  #3  
52 Merc's Avatar
52 Merc
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,148
Likes: 4,747
From: Burbank, WA
There are some intricate curves that involve the opening that if not correct, the windshield won't seal correctly. The best way to fix that is with donor parts to weld in place. I'll check my stock but I think I'm out. Hopefully someone has a bad cab with a good windshield opening they can set you up with.
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2018 | 11:04 PM
  #4  
Fiveflat's Avatar
Fiveflat
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by 52 Merc
There are some intricate curves that involve the opening that if not correct, the windshield won't seal correctly. The best way to fix that is with donor parts to weld in place. I'll check my stock but I think I'm out. Hopefully someone has a bad cab with a good windshield opening they can set you up with.
That would be great! Let me know what you have, otherwise I'll look through CL. I did find a solid 1951 cab, it's all in one piece and has vin plates though. I'd hate to cut that up...
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 08:48 AM
  #5  
CharlieLed's Avatar
CharlieLed
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Club FTE Gold Member
I have taken a few workshops with Ron Covell and from that experience I have learned that it is possible to do what once seemed impossible with metal. If you are interested in developing the skills necessary to fabricate metal repair sections like you need for this windshield, take a look at Ron's video on hammerforming. I was amazed at what could be accomplished with no more than a wood buck and a hammer and dollies. If that doesn't work for you then there is always the hot rod/custom body shop route. Not sure what part of the world you are in but shops are located all over and there is sure to be one nearby. Good luck...
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 08:55 AM
  #6  
Fiveflat's Avatar
Fiveflat
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Thanks for all the replies. Fortunately I can weld, so I'm going to try my hand at making these radius curves with an Eastwood shrinker/stretcher jaw. The tool isn't that expensive considering what it might cost at a proper shop...
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 11:43 AM
  #7  
petemcl's Avatar
petemcl
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Fiveflat
Is there such a thing? I discovered some pretty rough holes in the windshield frame that were filled in with Bondo by the previous owner...
any other ideas on an easy way to repair this?
Wow, that is a nasty surprise. Where are you located? You might want to add you location to your profile. I have a cab that has a solid frame.
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 12:08 PM
  #8  
Fiveflat's Avatar
Fiveflat
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by petemcl
Wow, that is a nasty surprise. Where are you located? You might want to add you location to your profile. I have a cab that has a solid frame.
I'm in northern California, Sacramento area.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 12:25 PM
  #9  
Fiveflat's Avatar
Fiveflat
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
Harbor freight had a shrinker/stretcher in stock so I snatched it up.
practice bend worked out pretty well. Wish I had a shear so didn't have to cut it with an angle grinder...
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2018 | 04:48 PM
  #10  
CharlieLed's Avatar
CharlieLed
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Club FTE Gold Member
There are quite a few high end rod builders in your area around Rockville. I bet you could find a sheetmetal shop that would shear off some strips for you cheap. I live near Direct Sheetmetal here in El Cajon and get a lot of metal there cut to dimension.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2018 | 03:25 PM
  #11  
pweng1's Avatar
pweng1
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
We had to do both sidesandtop on ours .we did front and back as 2 pieces ano plug welded together. You can use 2 -18 gauge for this or 1 16 gauges
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2018 | 04:12 PM
  #12  
Greg Rogers's Avatar
Greg Rogers
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,870
Likes: 294
From: Central Michigan
That piece you made looks good! I'll bet you can fix it yourself. I'll be watching as I have a 70 Olds Vista Cruiser that needs extensive repair around the vista windows.
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2018 | 04:13 PM
  #13  
pweng1's Avatar
pweng1
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland


Top strip rotted out.


Bottom corner holes in both sides.


Rough but taking shape.


Water collects here


Top finished


This is the outcome
 
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2018 | 04:15 PM
  #14  
pweng1's Avatar
pweng1
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland


Top strip rotted out.


Bottom corner holes in both sides.


Rough but taking shape.


Water collects here


Top finished


This is the outcome
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2018 | 10:26 AM
  #15  
pweng1's Avatar
pweng1
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
I apologize for the double post and lenth of my post . I hope it helps someone.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:05 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE