[Dick Carne]

Both the Briggs and Murray straight windshield bodies have similar set-ups for the wood header, and yes, it is a fairly comprehensive job to change out a header. As Mike stated above, the side rails are tied into the front header, both on top with wood screws and with a pair of angle braces on either side of the front inside header. The front face plate under the visor is also nailed across the top, which begs the question of both how to get the old nails out and then how to nail the new ones in with the visor on. There is also a metal tack strip that goes across the top of the header that ties the top material down - which must be removed and reattached, with special emphasis on not damaging the exiting top fabric during the removal process, and then sealing the top again once replaced. And then there is the inside upholstery panel that attaches to the header once installed.

By far and above the best interim resolution strategy would be to drill out any weak screw holes and glue in an oak dowel, then drill for a new screw hole once the glue securing the dowel has set up - still not a real easy task considering that the windshield will require removal, dowel installation, drilling for new screws, alignment, and re-installation of the windshield - but when faced with the alternative of a complete header replacement, this is by far the better choice if the present wood header still has any remaining structural integrity.

Good luck which ever route you decide to take.

Dick