Glass Bedding Tape, 31 Cabriolet Door Window Frames

E

Ed in Maine

Well-known member
I just have received the (2) re-chrome plated window frames for my cabriolet. The cost of chrome plating takes your breath away (for mine, $450 for the pair) but they are absolutely beautiful. I have always thought that this was the most beautiful Model A body style but it is the most difficult to restore. My question is what thickness glass bedding should be used for the side window glass? In spite of telling vendors what I am putting together, they still are getting in wrong! The bedding material I received looks to be about 1/16 in. and it must be twice the thickness required. I'm guessing that 1/32 in. should do the job but who is furnishing it? Surely some others have run into this problem and how did you solve it? Thanks for your help, Ed
 
I just found what I am looking for at Restoration Specialties, 1/32 in. x 1 1/2 in. x 12 feet glass bedding tape at $1.80/ft. plus shipping. Ed
 
Ed
The original cabby side window glass was closer to todays 3/16. If you use most common 1/4…it will be problematic
 
Modern glass thickness is problematic on the early cars. Ford made their own glass and the thicknesses are often not available as original. It sounds like the OP is approaching the problem in the only way possible to get a good fit. I hope your choice will allow a snug but not too snug a fit.
 
I recommend you have a local glass company that installs both house, store, and auto glass do the installation. They can cut the glass and use the correct bedding material. Remember if they break the glass it's their problem not yours.
If you want to do the work yourself then have them supply the glass cut to size and the bedding material. I found using spray on glass cleaner applied to the bedding material before installing the glass makes assembling a lot easier.
 
Most glass shops I've run into (so now do it myself) want to just silicon the glass in or use what we call “dum dum”.
3/16 glass is only available in plate and not laminated.
The thinner glass weighs less than the 1/4” thus less strain on the riser assembly. And it fits the channel with cork bedding very well. One problem with the cork bedding is the width….would be better if a bit wider.
 
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