31 Coupe windshield swing arm installation issue

[rrhorton]

I just installed my windshield in the coupe and when I attached the swing arms, the windshield would not close all the way. The angle of the swing arm between the windshield attach bracket and the window post stud was too much so the swing arm jammed up angled too much to the middle of the car. In the catalogs, the bracket I have looks like the 28-29 bracket rather than the 31 bracket. It appeals the 31 bracket is more offset to the center of the windshield so that the post stud and the bracket attach screw is more in line. According to other web sites, I have the correct lower piece of the windshield that is tapers toward the corners and my swing arm brackets are properly riveted in place. It looks like the body pillar post stud sticks out quite far and the swing arm rubber inserted washers stop at the base of the threaded portion of the stud with a lot of extra room before the pillar trim. Anybody know how to correct my installation or tell me what I am doing wrong?

[Marco Tahtaras]

It appears to be a '28-29 frame to me.

[rrhorton]

I guess I have a 31 frame with a 28-29 swing arm bracket.
Now how about the body pillar stud? Is it correct for a 31?

[Marco Tahtaras]

I never really thought about it before, but I'd bet that once Ford transitioned to the clipped shelf on the windshield frame for the 1930 bodies, they made all frames that way. However, Ford produced the '29 style commercial bodies (including the Station Wagon) into early June 1930. These would still require the smaller swing arm supports. I'm betting your frame is from a 1930 commercial model.

It would be nice if somebody here with an early '30 wagon or Closed Cab could chime in.

[Dale G.]

rrhorton,

Your windshield frame is correct for the car. How you mounted your swing arm hardware is not correct to make it work. Your swing arm should be attached to the windshield with a wave washer, arm then flat head screw with a thin lock washer. The stud then receives a cup washer with rubber in it, then the arm, then a thin flat washer, then the knob. With the knobs loose, close the windshield pushing on the outside, now see if you can position the arms in an upright manner. If they will move to this position, then go to the front of the car to see if the arms are perpendicular. If they lean a little to one side or the other, your windshield is not centered. You can correct this tapping with a block of wood and a mallet nearest the top edge on the side with the windshield open all the way. Don't tap too hard or you will break the paint. Tap a little then close and see where you are, may need a little more or maybe too far, then tap on the other side until the arms stand up straight. Dale Gosa

[Dale G.]

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rrhorton,

I was in a hurry to write instructions, it should read, The stud receives a thin flat washer, then the arm on the stud against the flat washer, then the cup washer with the rubber insert, then the knob in that order. When you sight down the arm you should see that the arm is in a straight line fore and aft. My BAD! Everything else I said is correct except for the one sentence " The stud then receives........"
We all would like to know what you come up with. Dale Gosa.

[Bob C]

I looked at a couple of 30-31 windshield frames I have and I think Marco's
right about yours being 28-29. The picture may help along with Dale's description.

Bob

[Rowdy]

I will see what I can do about looking at an early 30 cab. My cousin has one, will see if I can catch up with him next week. Rod