4106 / 4104 Windshield centerpost delete

[Darkspeed]

There was a guy Gordie (Gordie Allen?) who did a center post delete on his 4104 and I wanted to know if he has had any problems with this?

Is he a member? Anyone know? This is a really cool idea and he did a great job on it!

I also wanted to know if he used something like 3M 08115 Panel Bonding Adhesive?

http://this-old-bus.blogspot.com/2012/09/progress-now-that-i-can-move-without.html

I finally got the windshield(s) installed on the third attempt. I wanted to eliminate the big vertical bar that divides the right and left halves. I did this with the windshield when we built our '39 Ford street rod. I used panel adhesive to glue in aluminum strips on each side of the windshield opening to narrow the opening by an inch overall, then installed the windshield gasket, glass, and locking strip. That left an eighth inch gap in the center between the two halves. I filled that with clear silicone. The install is rock solid and smoooooth.

[siberyd]

I know Gordie, I will send him an email.


Siberyd

[Darkspeed]

I know Gordie, I will send him an email.


Siberyd

Thank you Siberyd!

[Gordie Allen]

Hey Darkspeed,
I got the email from siberyd regarding the windshield.
I narrowed the opening using .067" aluminum. I cut them wide enough to cover as much surface area from the new window edge to pillar as possible and made them as long as possible. Roughened both surfaces with a grinder to ensure good adhesion. I did use plenty of 3M 08115 Panel Bonding Adhesive and clamped them. Use more clamps than in my picture. Let it cure for 24 hrs. It's a slow epoxy. Or you can use a heat gun to speed things up, but I'd still give it a day before installing the glass.  I used the OEM gasket - just cutting out the piece for the center post. No need to cut and shorten perimeter piece. I injected a small amount of clear silicon in the full length of the outside groove of the gasket, just for insurance. Installed the windshield (two suction cup handles help immensely).Use plenty of soap so the glass will move after the locking rope is installed.  Once both pieces are in, and the gasket rope is inserted, you can jockey the glass to get them spaced properly. I taped a couple pieces of 1/8" plastic between the center edges to ensure a proper gap - no glass to glass contact. Make sure the edges match top to bottom. Once everything is aligned, remove the spacers. Use clear silicon to fill the gap. put in enough so it protrudes from both sides of the glass. Let it cure a couple of days and then trim off the excess with a razor blade for a nice smooth finish. You'll need a single edged razor so you can bend it slightly to trim the inside seam. They've been in for three years. driven 12,000 miles with no leaks and no movement. I've driven in 50 mph headwind gusts (Wyoming), so I don't think there's any chance of the glass caving in. The more force on the glass, the tighter the fit because of the obtuse angle at the center edge.

Any other questions, you can post here. I usually check the board about once a week.
Gordie

[Darkspeed]

Hey Darkspeed,
I got the email from siberyd regarding the windshield.
I narrowed the opening using .067" aluminum. I cut them wide enough to cover as much surface area from the new window edge to pillar as possible and made them as long as possible. Roughened both surfaces with a grinder to ensure good adhesion. I did use plenty of 3M 08115 Panel Bonding Adhesive and clamped them. Use more clamps than in my picture. Let it cure for 24 hrs. It's a slow epoxy. Or you can use a heat gun to speed things up, but I'd still give it a day before installing the glass.  I used the OEM gasket - just cutting out the piece for the center post. No need to cut and shorten perimeter piece. I injected a small amount of clear silicon in the full length of the outside groove of the gasket, just for insurance. Installed the windshield (two suction cup handles help immensely).Use plenty of soap so the glass will move after the locking rope is installed.  Once both pieces are in, and the gasket rope is inserted, you can jockey the glass to get them spaced properly. I taped a couple pieces of 1/8" plastic between the center edges to ensure a proper gap - no glass to glass contact. Make sure the edges match top to bottom. Once everything is aligned, remove the spacers. Use clear silicon to fill the gap. put in enough so it protrudes from both sides of the glass. Let it cure a couple of days and then trim off the excess with a razor blade for a nice smooth finish. You'll need a single edged razor so you can bend it slightly to trim the inside seam. They've been in for three years. driven 12,000 miles with no leaks and no movement. I've driven in 50 mph headwind gusts (Wyoming), so I don't think there's any chance of the glass caving in. The more force on the glass, the tighter the fit because of the obtuse angle at the center edge.

Any other questions, you can post here. I usually check the board about once a week.
Gordie

Gordie! Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to explain how you did it. I really like the look of it so it is definitely on my todo list! You did a great job on you bus!

[Gordie Allen]

Thanks!
I'm a little behind on my blog. Cabinets finished. smaller projects are only things left,

[usbusin]

Gordie,

You may have said, but I don't see it;  what windshield did you use?  Was it custom made or a stock item?

Thanks,

GaryD
Keep on busin and truckin

[Darkspeed]

As per Luke that 4106 windshield rubber has been not available for over a year and he has not been able to source a replacement yet.

Deleting the center divider opens the door to using a standardized rubber trim like this to install the glass > http://www.ebay.com/itm/291413069312

[Gordie Allen]

another option with a variety of dimensions.
http://afproducts.automotivefairchild.com/viewitems/standard-weatherstrip-trim-seal-products/self-sealing-weatherstrips?

[Gordie Allen]

What's Luke's take on the future availability of new windshield glass. I might want to buy a couple extra if discontinuation is in the future.