Lost a wind wing

Minn-Tex Lee

Minn-Tex Lee

Senior Member
My 1931 Roadster wind wing glass is captured with two sets of clamps.
They are rubber backed for additional friction, but they do not seem to have sufficient holding power. Is there a more positive way to secure these wing windows?
Thanks,
Lee
 
Minn-Tex Lee said:
My 1931 Roadster wind wing glass is captured with two sets of clamps.
They are rubber backed for additional friction, but they do not seem to have sufficient holding power. Is there a more positive way to secure these wing windows?
Thanks,
Lee
Click to expand...


Yep, modify the brackets to mimic original brackets, and use the correct clamps. The Vintique brackets do not hold.
 
Hallo Lee, I had the same problem. It is important that the retaining clips are fed thick enough at the rear end, so when tightening the screws firmly press the other end on the glass. In addition, I have made some contact glue on the rubber pads.
 
I took the glass out and replaced it with clear acrylic sheet. It's much lighter and the clamps grip it better than glass. I've done about 50,000 miles since then and although the acrylic is getting a bit scratched, they are still there. That reminds me - I must replace the scratched wings.
 
went through the same thing last month, towing the roadster from VT to NY. In all fairness, the rutted roads in NY were hell on the trailer truck and car. surprised I didnt lose more-pot holes were craters!


found a single wind wing on ebay and also the lost lower clasp
 
I use 3M's grey double side adhesive foam tape ( the one with red release film each side). The one for outside use holding I think 5 kg per square inch -11 pounds that is.
Depending on glass thickness I use it with or without one or bofh of the rubber gaskets. It works OK with Viintiques flat-backed repops or with originals. If using on originals which are "hollow" I flatten them by filling with body filler to maximise the tape bond area especially if the correct rubber gaskets that fit inside the hollow bracket are not available.
I have fixed many members roadsters like this in car parks after their wind wings fell off and lay undamaged on the running boards - sort of small miracle that often happens.
SAJ in NZ
 
Synchro909 said:
I took the glass out and replaced it with clear acrylic sheet. It's much lighter and the clamps grip it better than glass. I've done about 50,000 miles since then and although the acrylic is getting a bit scratched, they are still there. That reminds me - I must replace the scratched wings.
Click to expand...

If you use polycarbonate instead of acrylic, it won't scratch as easily.
 
The reproduction brackets by Vintique are junk. The brackets are not the right shape, the plating is cheap, and the screws are horrible quality metal so the slots become jagged and they are a pain to tighten. Originals are your best bet for sure, though they are not the easiest to find. I got fed up with the brackets so I have the wind wings sitting on the table right now waiting for reattachment when I get the chance.

Any adhesive will improve the quality and your peace of mind in the meantime.
 
Take vintique clamp , one 1/2 of top clamp, drill 1/8 hole in it but not right through , mark it on the glass , drill 1/8 hole through the glass, put short piece of brazing rod in the hole , refit as normal , no way will you ever loose a glass again, the rod takes the weight , done dozens for our rough roads , never had one fail, A simple solution,
 
I replaced the cheap Chinese metric screws and bolts with USA SAE fasteners. Made a world of difference and haven't had anymore problems. From above: If you have tempered glass wind wings, do not drill holes in them. They will self destruct if you do. Laminated glass is easy to drill holes through.
 
Who is the preferred vendor for the wind wing clamps, if you. Don’t want to use the Vintique parts ? I drove to a meet this past weekend and almost lost a wind wing......

Many thanks !
Jim
 
Conaway2 said:
Who is the preferred vendor for the wind wing clamps, if you. Don’t want to use the Vintique parts ? I drove to a meet this past weekend and almost lost a wind wing......

Many thanks !
Jim
Click to expand...

I think the only repro ones the vendors sell are Vintique. I am not sure about A & L.
 
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