32 roadster rear window frame
 

Anyone have personal experience installing an original 1932 Ford roadster rear window frame? How did you avoid creating an inside out ding on the outside frame piece? I have the early version frame with the thick glass. My uph guy was afraid of installing it for fear of causing damage. He feels that the glass is too thick and there was not enough top material to squeeze everything together without dinging the frame. Appreciate the help.

Going on 20 years with the back frame on a shelf in the family room.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

If you mean denting the outer frame outward from the screws protruding too far into their sockets, the key is the length of the screws. I know this well from personal experience having done several roadster and phaeton rear window installations.

Whether it's the thick glass frame or the thin glass frame, original or reproduction, you should assemble the two halves without any glass in them and not have any of the screws "hit bottom". That way with the eventual addition of the glass and top fabric you'll know in advance that your outer frame is safe from being dented. Do not rely on anyone who furnishes the "correct" screws that they are indeed correct as inevitably they will be too long.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

I second David on that. Some years ago I decided to replace the rear window frame screws on my 32 cabriolet as they were showing signs of corrosion and a reluctance to unscrew. Being possessed of dogged determination I made a set out of stainless steel bar and then polished the heads. A job worth doing. Knowing the length of the screws in advance was, needless to say, a great advantage.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

I spent the money to have my original brass rear window screws plated for that
reason. Now I just need to find a place to plate the pot metal frame without
the necessity to remortgage my house to pay for it. I couldn't believe how much
money the plating businesses want to work on pot metal.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

I should have added that the original screw size was #5-40 x 3/8" for thick glass frames and #5-40 x 5/16" for thin glass frames.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

Thanks Dave, That last bit of info, screw length 3/8" or 5/16" is that total length or threaded area only?

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

I don't see it mentioned anywhere, but If I'm not mistaken they are ovalhead, not flathead screws. Ovalhead screws are measured from the edge of the part that meets the countersunk frame, not by overall or thread length. So be aware of that when you order them. They are cheap enough, so I would get both and start with the 5/16" and see if they grab and aren't too long.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

They are slotted oval head..
5-40 is not a common size you will find at your local hardware store.

The ones we sell are the 3/8" Long variety, and are stainless (the heads can be polished to a nice shine). 5/16" long ones are hard to source and the one set I sold where someone requested that length, I just turned the 3/8" down to 5/16" in my lathe.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

Tom,


Those are conventional screw measurements, i.e. from the bottom edge of the head to the end of the threads. I think you already knew that they were oval head screws.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

David,
Do you know if the reproduction frames use the same screws in terms of length and size?

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

If you can't find them on their web site or in their catalog, McMaster-Carr will find them for you. Just give them a call and ask.

Re: 32 roadster rear window frame
 

Michael,

I am only aware of the former LeBaron Bonney reproduction frames and those were the thin glass version and used 5/16" screws, as I recall.