The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot International Zone WINDSHIELD FRAME- 1937 Maple leaf -Auz Assembled

Hi,
Working my way thru a 37 Maple Leaf (Holden assembled) and finding lots of differences from US built Chevs.
Currently trying to work on Screen frame, which is knackered.
It is the Split Screen -push out variety, similar (or same??) as the later US models.
Also similar (or same) as Chev sedan.
This is what I am trying to work out, I have emailed Jim Carter seeking dimensions of the similar frame (# W1200) that they sell, but no answers as yet.
Does anyone have an idea on this one??
The frame appears to be split on the sides (Verticals)with 4 small screws , but I have been unable to dismantle at this stage, as I am being super careful, thinking that I might have to try and build a copy( Yikes).
Any advice appreciated.

You are correct about it being split in the middle of vertical part on each side. The screws are short but usually stuck very tight. If in no hurry I'd definitely soak them for a few days with Aero-Kroil.
Trying to twist them out with a regular screw driver will usuall mess up the screw head.
If the windshield is not good you may want to give the screws a good whack with an impact screwdrivew which may loosen them up.

You may have to drill them out. They are only about 1/4-3/8" long.
Note: there is a little short "bar" about 3 or 4" long that slips into the middle of the frame that these screws go to. If you have to drill them out you can probably still save the piece or rethread them. Those little joining bars can be bought seperately. I THINK chevs of the 40's had them seperate or maybe FillingStation if needed.

...and when takeing it apart it may be hard to get the frame to pull apart. Use a rubber hammer and gently tap the frame in each corner to get it to break loose. Its aggravaiting and can be frustrating but with some patience you can do it.

....and you must seperate each side a little at one time. You can't just pull one side apart without the other side coming apart at about the same time or it will get in a bind or poasibly warping the frame.

Good luck. Hope you understand all this. Let us know how you make out.

Alvin,
Thanks for your input, appreciated.
As you probably guessed, I am in Australia, Brisbane, Queensland in fact.

I have removed the 4 little screws you mentioned, but can't yet separate the frame.

I had pretty well figured that there would be a joining piece at that point of the frame.

What has me intrigued is does the front piece of the frame separate from the back section , OR, is it just 2 pieces Upper & Lower?

I do have it soaking currently, will leave for a couple of days.
Rust is pretty bad, and I am resigned to buying a new frame (if available) or trying to fabricate something.

I need to try and get some dimensions of similar frames in the US sedans & later Chev Pick ups & trucks, so anyone that can help with that would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill.

Bill, the frame is TWO pieces as you suspect. I purchased a new frame in 1998 and recently had to take it off due to the chrome blistering real bad...what I discovered was it had rusted out. I blamed the chrome plater on this one but wouldn't you know he just went out of business. Note: my truck had been in the rain only twice since it was installed.

So, I ended up "trashing" the frame trying to get it apart and ended up buying a NEW frame. I got my new one from JimCarter and it was $375 with shipping. I did order a Chrome frame though. I think steel was about $275. It came with the two pieces to put the frame together and it also came with the two little stainless clips to clip over the joints.

Good luck on getting it apart. Be patience.

the Maple Leaf trucks [in "kit" form] were made for Holden by GM Canada as all right drive models were .... Maple Leafs were based on the GMC chassis, but the bodies are pretty much American Chev so your windshield should be the same as any '37 truck, don't know about cars .... but get confirmation from Carter

Bill

I think the question about trucks vs car windshields have come up before and I believe, or remember, they are different.

6cylindersovertexas (Joe) will know for sure!!