Tall to low windshield conversion

[tig]

I've searched but have not found anything definitive...

What would be involved in converting a '68 to have a low windshield? Assume tons of bodywork is already in store for said chassis.

[redroadster]

How tall are you ?
I always hated driving a low ...because the wind stream hits me in the forehead and it gets more annoying as it goes ... I'm 72.5 ".

[tig]

I'm 4'2".

Seriously, I'm not asking if it's something that should be done or not but what would it take?

[spl310]

It has been done. A car local to me had the windshield cut off to be a race car, and then when it was put back to Street use they bolted on a low windshield frame. I have not studied it to find out what is needed

[JT68]

I can tell you buying an early car or just an early body swap is way, way, way less effort.

[theunz]

I would think that you would need at least the low windshield wings and probably the side glass as well. Might be easier to just change the doors depending upon wether the door innards are the same. You would need to address the convertible top latches as well.

[JT68]

Why not just buy a low windshield car or body?

To clarify, the issue with is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is interchangeable. Zero.

Can it be done? Certainly. Most people want to swap to a flat dash as well. That is a nightmare.

After you chop off the windshield frame and modify all the cowl sheet metal to support and mount the early windshield and/or dash, you will find nothing compatible. The heater, console and trim won't fit, all vent/heater cables and controls are different and don't interchange.

Literally 100's of details to address.

Either way you will realize the top frame is totally different and will need an early top and frame too.

You will realize the door vent triangle windows don't fit, and the side glass is too tall. If you want to swap doors, the 66 latches are totally different and the doors meet the fenders differently, so you would need 67.6 doors I think. Everything about them is unique to that year.

If you swap to flat dash, everything about the dash electrics are different. every circuit will need modifications. If you get an early dash harness, you will have to make a ton of changes as well since the electrical systems are different in every single detail.

Not saying you can't do it..but you are talking months/years? of work.

You can swap a body in a weekend. Still some details to address, but WAAAY easier and quicker. Why hack the late body up? that just wrecks it's value for ever.

A couple more tips..if your body is rusted out, buy a 66 or 67 body from CA or the southwest. It will bolt on to the frame directly.
If your late model body has no rust or damage, please don't hack the windshield off, that would be a shame.

[Linda]

This should be posted to the Tech Wiki, if not there already, so that owners know what they are in for.
Abandoned projects due to lack of info, don’t help the Roadster count. If someone wants to proceed anyway, fine. Many things can derail a project and it is sad, let’s not let lack of availability of info be one reason.
.02,
Linda

[Curtis]

Step 1, buy 67.5 1600 body. Step 2, put on frame. Step 3, avoid all the hassle that JT points out.

With a 67.5 body you can use any flat dash 65-67.5 and just chrome away without the satin finish like the 67.5.

Edit: When I decided to replace my swiss cheese body on my 67 I thought about getting a 67.5 body so I could have the dual master cylinder.

[eye]

I thought about cutting the tall windshield down and also the glass. I'm sure I could have done it but then again, nothing fits if you want side glass and a top at some point. I found a lot better ways to spend a month.

[spriso]

Cut down windshield 69 that was in our area for a long time-- have not seen it in years however:



Michael

[Curtis]

So they just took two inches off the top and changed side windows or cut them down. A roadster haircut. I like it.

[JT68]

Step 1, buy 67.5 1600 body. Step 2, put on frame. Step 3, avoid all the hassle that JT points out.

With a 67.5 body you can use any flat dash 65-67.5

This is an infinitely better plan than ruining a restorable 68-70 body....

[tig]

Why not just buy a low windshield car or body?

To clarify, the issue with is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is interchangeable. Zero.

Can it be done? Certainly. Most people want to swap to a flat dash as well. That is a nightmare.

After you chop off the windshield frame and modify all the cowl sheet metal to support and mount the early windshield and/or dash, you will find nothing compatible. The heater, console and trim won't fit, all vent/heater cables and controls are different and don't interchange.

Literally 100's of details to address.

Either way you will realize the top frame is totally different and will need an early top and frame too.

You will realize the door vent triangle windows don't fit, and the side glass is too tall. If you want to swap doors, the 66 latches are totally different and the doors meet the fenders differently, so you would need 67.6 doors I think. Everything about them is unique to that year.

If you swap to flat dash, everything about the dash electrics are different. every circuit will need modifications. If you get an early dash harness, you will have to make a ton of changes as well since the electrical systems are different in every single detail.

Not saying you can't do it..but you are talking months/years? of work.

You can swap a body in a weekend. Still some details to address, but WAAAY easier and quicker. Why hack the late body up? that just wrecks it's value for ever.

A couple more tips..if your body is rusted out, buy a 66 or 67 body from CA or the southwest. It will bolt on to the frame directly.
If your late model body has no rust or damage, please don't hack the windshield off, that would be a shame.

Excellent information; very useful. Thank you for taking the time.

I happen to have three roadsters. Two '68s and one '69. Only one of them is actually something you'd call a full car. I will be making one out of them. I am a long ways away from actually starting the build project and like most everyone I think the low windshield looks better, which is why I asked. You've sufficiently scared me away from the idea.

[JT68]

It's easy, just get a good 66-67.5 body and you are all set..hacking up the late body is madness.