Opening '37 Sedan Windshield

Robert/Texas

Robert/Texas

Well-known member
My 1937 Fordor windshield is stuck closed. I believe that the mechanism for opening it is OK. Any suggestions for opening it without damaging anything will be appreciated. Note that I have been warned that it will probably leak once opened but it's really hot here in Texas.
 
The windshield on my 39 coupe was the same way, locked shut. I took out the dash and, basically, drowned the mechanism with penatrent every day. With patience and some resolve. I did get it open enough to unscrew the w/s from the mechanism. Mine had one end broken on the potmetal teeth. I ended up ccompletely taking the mechanism apart and bead blasting it. I got a repro gear off ebay and re-installed it all. Worked great but leaked. Never could get that to stop so I sealed it shut. Hated to do it but I wasn't going to wreck my interior.Besides, I now have heat and air.:D I really liked the open w/s though. With that and the cowl vent, it was very comfy (as long as you were moving). Good luck.
 
I haven't taken my slantback out in the rain yet but I hope it doesn't leak. Looks like the rubber seals have all been replaced and the thing opens and closes, but time will tell.......
 
Crawl under the dash and spray some PB Blaster on the regulator and let it sit for awhile. You could try turning the knob and gently pushing on the windshield frame. Not too hard though! Just to see how stuck it really is.
 
Robert, If you can get a plastic putty knife and start to stick it between the body and the rubber on the out side of the car to start with and work it around the seal a little at a time, be carful with the paint ,hence the "plastic putty knife".
Try to work it around the inside also . I cut the putty knife down and sharpened it also to get in deeper on the corners. Turn the regulator so it has pressure to open the windshield while your are working on it, but not to hard that you damage the gears.
You will get it open.......take your time ....it took a long time to get stuck shut so it may take a little while to get it open!!!
Ron
 
Thanks to all of you, I can't believe how easy this was. Didn't have a plastic tool handy so I used a Model T gas gauge stick and gently pried as I used a little force on the handle. The windshield came open in minutes. The rubber seal is soft and flexible and looks like it won't leak. I'll only drive it in the rain if I get caught in it. The mechanism shows no rust but I'm going to give it a little lubrication. This is a 59,000 mile original car which appears to have been stored indoors for most of it's life.
 
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