Tony's 40 ford

Since we don't have any 40 or 46 convertible windshield frames or side glass to use we decided to use parts from a 51 Victoria. That may seem like an odd choice at first but, there are a few reasons why it makes sense. The 51 Victoria side windows operate in the same way as the 46 convertible. They will have to be re-shaped but the mechanism is the right configuration for our project. Also the 51 Victoria windshield frame is actually the same as the 51 convertible, it just has the hard top bolted on top. Again it will have to be chopped and narrowed for our installation. These pieces do present a few challenges though.

The first challenge is that the cross section of the 40 and 51 "A" pillars are quite different.

The next thing we noticed is that the pinch weld depth for the windshield rubber is different between the two years.

The angle of the 40 "A" pillar and the angle of our modified vent window is different.

And finally, the shape of the 51 "A" pillar and the 40 is a bit different.

We decided to use as much or the 51 "A" pillar as possible and cut down into the 40 cowl to make the transition there.

The plan is to separate the 51 pieces, that is the front sheet metal, the inner structure, and the rear sheet metal. We will then chop and narrow the front sheet metal pieces and install them on the car to get profile and angles set. Then we will built a new inner structure out of tubing. Next up will be to replace the pinch weld for the windshield rubber and finally we will chop and narrow the rear sheet metal pieces. Later on we will modify the Garnish moulding thet covers the windshield rubber on the inside of the car.