Windshield Frame Predicament

[SierraM37]

In process of strippin' and dippin' the windshield assy. which I took apart last spring. On test re-assy, the windshield assy (the glass hinged assy) attaches to the windshield frame with a number of screws - Problem is while there are holes in the upper part of the windshield frame they are neither threaded or small enough for the pre scribed screws.

While investigating in more detail, the manual exploded view shows only the hinge and the screws to attach the windshield assy to the windshield frame. While looking inside the frame through the screw holes, which are too large, I notice there is a piece of metal that's roughly the length of the windsheild assy floating around in there, likely previously attached with rivets that have long since served there purpose.

So I suspect this floating piece of bar steel (there is one on each side and I don't think they are the same piece of steel) is what the windshield assy screws are SUPPOSED to attach to. Can someone tell me if I'm on the right track, what the solution to my NEW problem is or tell me I'm not on the right track?

Thanks in advance. Finally getting some rain/snow here in californimexico.

[Kurt Hirte]

You are on the right track. The floating stock should have threaded holes to attach your w/s screws to. I would suspect it will be very hard to locate that floating piece in the right spot and get the screws started You may want to cut a small section of the upright so the piece can slide out as I bet you a dollar some of the old screws have also snapped off in the floating piece and will need to be removed. After you remove the broken bits you should be able to line up the holes, hold it in place with a screw driver , get a couple of screws started and be on your way. Then weld the hole in the upright. Kurt

[Nickathome]

Maybe do the same but tack weld the metal piece in place so the holes line up, then you can free up the other hand. If you're going to have to weld up a hole anyway, why not use the tack weld as the start of that process?

[SierraM37]

Tack weld is a good suggestion as well. It looks like the bar stock was held in place with 2 rivets each that have long since rusted away. Same kind of rivets that hold the frame bar stock retaining the bottom rubber.

[Kurt Hirte]

May want to leave it loose to give you a little side to side adjustment/ tweaking room til you cinch it down. I hate it when something is tacked and I need a smidge one way or the other Kurt