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Discussion Topic:
welding convetrtible top hold down hardware
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sm40ford |
04-25-2015 @ 3:25 PM
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Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Apr 2015
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I am trying to find out what metal the hold down hardware is made of. these attach to the wood bow over the windshield on each corner and I think they may have been cast zinc. Can they be welded, and how. I plan to have them re-chromed after the repair. thanks for any help!
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TomO |
04-26-2015 @ 8:08 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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I believe they are cast in pot metal. Some one might be able to repair the ones that you have, but I doubt that the repair will last long. They are reproduced, but I don't know how well they fit. Here is a link to the reproductions. https://www.bobdrake.com/SearchForm.aspx?Search=convertible+top+latch
Tom
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woodiewagon46 |
04-26-2015 @ 8:37 AM
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Senior
Posts: 698
Joined: Nov 2012
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"Pot Metal" is almost impossible to repair. I know some people claim that it can be done, but in my experience I have never seen it done. I would try to find an original piece or if they are available in reproduction see how the quality and fit is, and go with that. Try the ad section of the V-8 Times.
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kubes40 |
04-26-2015 @ 11:33 AM
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Senior
Posts: 3394
Joined: Oct 2009
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I have restored a few '40 convertibles and from that experience can offer this advice: Either find a good set to have plated or buy reproductions. There is quite a bit of stress introduced to these clamps when the top is in the "up" position. Too much to take a chance of the plating investment only to have them "snap" later on.
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trjford8 |
04-27-2015 @ 12:58 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Try Wescott's in Boring ,Oregon. They make the new top pieces. I think that is where Drake gets his supply. www.wescottsauto.com
This message was edited by trjford8 on 4-27-15 @ 1:00 PM
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sm40ford |
04-27-2015 @ 3:24 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
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thanks for the replies. Sorry for the dely in my responce. I am still getting used to how the site works. I was afraid this might be the case about the castings. I had hoped to stick with chrome, as i only see stainless steel in the repos, but i guess they could be chromed and would probably be stronger, but lots of money. I'll see if its possible to just buy the two pieces I need. thanks steve
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TomO |
04-28-2015 @ 6:03 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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Wescott describes theirs as chrome and you can buy just what you need, not the complete set as with Drake.
Tom
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sm40ford |
04-28-2015 @ 5:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
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Yes, i checked it out and looks like the best route, esp I think the bronze has got to be stronger than pot metal. thanks for the help. steve
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shogun1940 |
06-07-2015 @ 1:30 PM
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Posts: 464
Joined: Feb 2010
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i think the ones i have are made of brass,,they are too heavy to be pot metal
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