Position of windshield Center "rod"

I've checked the archives and this question was asked, but never really answered. I have an old CMC body, no discernable dimple to drill for center "rod". When the windshield is in position...how many inches back from the rubber is the hole in the center of the dash. Pictures make it look anywhere from two to four inches, but that's too great a span to take a guess at. I can find the center, just don't know distance from windshield rubber.



Thanks


Gclarke "The vacaville Guy"

Gary:

I have a CMC, and have the original manual. Mine is a '59 Convertible D model. The kit itself was made in 1985. I can check the manual, and also take a digital photo of the page for you. Let me know.

Joe

Joe, I would greatly appreciate that.


Thanks

I have the manual for my CMC Speedster, and on page V-16 it tells you to 'Drill a 1/4" hole for the windshield support rod, through the top center of the dash 3" behind the front edge of the lower trim piece'. The diagram also shows that same hole 2" behind the REAR edge of that same trim piece, centered (left/right) in the dash.

I went out and measured mine (after fighting with my Jack Russell Terriers to get back out of the car) and the hole is 2" behind the lower windshield trim, and about 8 1/4" back from the hood opening (if you need a reference before mounting the windshield).

Don't forget to drill that hole on a slight rearward angle to match the angle of the rod after installation - it's NOT straight up and down. Also, an angled rubbber spacer beneath the dash wouldn't hurt to snug it up nice (the manual doesn't mention this).

Also, Rocky, from the NJ kit car club told me a long time ago to install the windshield relatively loose, like it's almost floating in the mounts and DON'T tighten the support rod very much - just let things float. Otherwise, as the body flexes during driving the mounts and support rod will pull on it and cause stresses that WILL crack your windshield. Been running mine for two years crack-free so far (knock wood!)

How about you others out there? How tightly have you mounted your windshield and how has it worked out??

Hope this helps.......Gordon

Installing the windshield is certainly one of the nailbiters of building these cars, especially after hearing all the stories about people breaking them. Gary - have you installed your windshield yet?
If not, go slow and try not to force it. Use a soapy water solution everywhere you are sliding glass into or along rubber. Tighten all fasteners equally and a little at a time. My measurement is about 2" behind the windshield but what I believe I did when building the car (it was 15 years ago!) was drill the hole so the rod was parallel to the windshield, regardless of what the measurement was. This seemed to work fine. BTW, if you don't have a copy of the CMC build manual there is a copy in one of the files on this site.

Gary:

They are SO right. Make SURE you drill the hole at an angle, follow it parallel to the windshield. Install it in the upper trim and let it hang. Yes, loosely tighten. DO NOT overtighten. That is easier said than done as we all want a "rattle" proof car. If it is too tight it make not crack right away, but can crack in full sun on a very hot day. Do not worry about the windshield falling outwhen you are cruising. Besides, if it does, with the angle and all, it will definately clear your head by 3 inches . . . I think . . .