I have to replace the lower windshield trough due to rot. The new replacement piece doesn't come with the little nail head type buttons to attach the windshield molding retaining clips. I think I've figured out how to add new ones. (Please feel free to share your experience if you've ever done this please). Here's the question: I don't have enough pics to figure out where all the clips go or how many there are. Would extra clips hurt or be detrimental in some way? I think there were at least 5 and maybe more there to begin with. Anyone have a number for me or advice, maybe even a pic or two?
I know there is a clip about a 1 1/4 from each end and then about five inches inboard from that. It's the middle part where it gets foggy.
Thx
George

 

Hi Trip, here are a couple of pics showing where the clips are on my 66 Project. I believe I still have some of the little screws that can be used to replace the mounting points for the clips, as well as some extra clips. Let me know if you might need them.

 

When I did mine, I used my stud welder and the trim rivet tip. it came out great I believe I put seven across the panel.
If you haven't welded it in yet see if a local body shop would put the trim rivets on it for you.

 

^^^THIS! It's kind of silly to weld in new metal there and start drilling holes in it for screws, which is what a lot of people do. That's just asking for another leak.

 

Almost done with the piece today. I decided to use stud welder pins that I fabricated to work. I altered them into the shape I needed and will weld them in from the back once I get some welding gas. I ground down the heads to give me a nail head shape like the original. I measured the heads to get 7 that were in the same ballpark. The stems were around .118 inches so I drilled .113 inch holes, tapered the end of the pin, drove them in and set the depth with a tool I made. I'll spot weld them in place, cut off the remaining stem, spot weld and finish grind it soon.
Thanks again for the great advice and help.
George

 

You know you can just buy the correct trim rivets and stud welder tip, right?

 

Yes I understand that from reading the replies here. I have everything I need here to do what I need to do with stuff around the garage.

 

It all depends on what your time is worth.

 

I'll be doing as much as I can on my own and take help when needed. I'm 60 years old and on SSDI. All I have is time.

 

Plus you get to spend more time in that wonderful man cave you built a few years ago.
Nice work BTW!

 

Finished the windshield piece up today. Set the height with the tool I made and then clamped them in place. Cut off the long stem and made the tabs flush with the back side then spot welded them in.
Thanks again for all the help.