Wind Wing for 31 Roadster

[bogiediver]

I know this may go against the grain for some... but having heard the stories of trying to keep the glass in the brackets and knowing the many things that can happen when the glass falls out...

I've found a place to have the wings made from acrylic motorcycle windshield material. Figure it's lighter, less destructive if it should fall out and lends itself to other ways to secure it (e.g. easily drilled thru for a set screw). Edges will be polished for a good look.

I just need the measurements/template to get them the right size and shape.

Anyone willing to trace the pattern and post it with measurements (including thickness)?

Thanks in advance.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Many of us have experienced what you are suggesting before and what I think most folks will tell you is they do look good in the beginning but even using Lexan tends to see them "haze" up over time where they do not look good (sparkling clear like glass).

I can also tell you that if safety glass is used, even if they do fall out there is not really much chance for danger. Often times I have seen/heard where they just fall out and land on the running board are the car is being driven down the road. If they hit the pavement, they do shatter but the safety glass plastic core does hold the shards together. What I think could be dangerous is if plate glass was used in this application.

There are several things a person can do using repro mounts that will help keep them properly secured too. One is tape off the glass with masking tape and then mount the glass marking it with a felt tip pen. Then using an Exacto knife, cut around where the mounting tabs clamp the glass and then remove that tape. Using a coarse media in the beadblaster, etch the glass on both sides. On the mounting tabs, using a rotary grinder (Dremel Tool) carefully relieve some of the area inside the tabs so the clamping surface area in just the outer edges of the clamp. Then use glass setting tape along with rear-view mirror adhesive to glue the setting rubber to the metal clamps. With the etched glass and the rubber now firmly attached, they are quite strong and will stay in place.


.

[bogiediver]

I agree with your comments for the most part...

A concern would be if the glass falls out and hits the door - dent or paint scrape...

I have ridden my bike for nearly 100k miles with very little to have damaged the appearance (except when I've been foolish and cleaned hardened bugs with gas station paper towels).

Guess I'd like to give it a try - can always go back.

So measurements/template would still be appreciated.

Guess I need to experience for myself...

Not always the brightest bulb in the box I guess

Thanks

[Dave in MN]

I used to fight keeping the glass tight in my windwing brackets until I placed some clear silicone on each side of the rubber pads that contact the glass. They have not moved in three years. Works for me.

[bogiediver]

I realize this may not be a popular decision... but I'd really like the measurements to try it for myself.

Can someone please share?

Thanks.

[Steve Wastler]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Silicone will surprise you with it's strength, mine is a 29, different glass, or I'd trace and measure for you.....

[bogiediver]

Thanks Steve - hoping someone with a '31 will consider doing the same...

Brought her home today - 28 degrees - didn't notice...

[bogiediver]

Found out that the height is 14-1/2"...

Anybody give me the width, please?

Also - the radius corners - about like:
- a quarter
-or-
- half dollar
-or-
- silver dollar

Thanks.

[SSsssteamer]

The reproduction wind wing brackets are typical repro parts. The screw holes aren't tapped deep enough and the screws are not long enough. I had two different types of repro wind wing brackets and I used the sturdier of the two types. They would not hold the glass in place until I fieId stripped them and analyized them. I then drilled and tapped them from metric to SAE. With American fasteners, they are now excellent. I haven't had a problem since.

[Geo. H]

If I can remember--I'm old--I'll measure mine tomorrow. Incidentally, I had a problem with my glass falling out until someone told me to use friction tape. (You can't get it in electrical stores anymore, but sporting goods--especially hockey--will have it.) What you do is stick tape to both sides of the rubber pad and trim with scissors. Done carefully, you won't even notice it. My glass hasn't slipped for about ten years, and I drive fast and frequently.

[Mike V. Florida]

As wind wings were an aftermarket item I would not think there would be "standard" sizes to worry about.

And one more thing, we only hear about the ones that fall out on this forum. I'm sure there are thousands of cars that have no problem at all. I know of no one in our club that ever had that problem.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

As wind wings were an aftermarket item I would not think there would be "standard" sizes to worry about.

And one more thing, we only hear about the ones that fall out on this forum. I'm sure there are thousands of cars that have no problem at all. I know of no one in our club that ever had that problem.

WINDWINGS were NOT an aftermarket item !!.. They were ACCESSORIES on Roadsters & PHAETONS from MAY 1928 until the end of the year.. Thereafter they were STANDARD equipment..

[bogiediver]

Bump for Geo. H response...

Thanks.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by bogiediver

Bump for Geo. H response...

Thanks.

Why??

.

[bogiediver]

Because he was going to do what no one else seems inclined to do - measure the wind wing glass... see his post a few above...

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Fred

WINDWINGS were NOT an aftermarket item !!.. They were ACCESSORIES on Roadsters & PHAETONS from MAY 1928 until the end of the year.. Thereafter they were STANDARD equipment..

No need to yell!!!

In the service Bulletins I see the ones for 1928. Were all the years the same size?

[bogiediver]

Mike V. Florida-

Unfortunately, 30-31 were different. More rectangular (i.e. not 'slanted') and I believe, based on another source, only 14-1/2" tall. And there may even be a slight difference Standard vs Deluxe.

Thanks for the try, truly appreciated more than you know...

If anyone has this same sort of thing for the 30-31 (Std. & Dlx, if different) - it's exactly what I'm looking for.

[HoarseWhisperer]

Jul 31' Parts Book lists three different windshield wings:

A-18252-AR - 1928-29
A-18252-B - 1930-31
A-18252-C - 1931-31 (180A, 40B DLX)

No dimensions given.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by bogiediver

Mike V. Florida-

Unfortunately, 30-31 were different. More rectangular (i.e. not 'slanted') and I believe, based on another source, only 14-1/2" tall. And there may even be a slight difference Standard vs Deluxe.

Thanks for the try, truly appreciated more than you know...

If anyone has this same sort of thing for the 30-31 (Std. & Dlx, if different) - it's exactly what I'm looking for.

THANK YOU!

When I incorrectly posted that the wind wings were aftermarket items I recieved a PM from a "friend" that likes to point out when I get things wrong. So I did some more looking and found that drawing. Let me see if I saved something else but I doubt it. I'm learning something every day and I hope that, although the drawing was wrong in this case if might be saved by someone for later use.

[HoarseWhisperer]

A photo from 31' 40-B Dlx:

14" x 7.5" x .250"

You might not have much clearance if you go 14.5".