Welding winshield frame directly to cowl

[rbodine]

So I'm at the point in my build where we are ready to replace windshield frame. Watching bronco videos this AM I came across a restomod with windshield hinge removed and body smoothed from cowl to windshield glass. I loved it. There is no rust under the frame.
My bronco will be an A/C, dynamat, carpet.. never have the top off, etc. I have a jeep we build for that.
My question is are there any downsides to this?
Has anyone else done this, and could you post pics?
It seems like an awesome idea (less place for air to pass thru, no water intrusion, etc)

Looking forward to your responses..

 

[AZ73]

You won't be able to install a dash pad since it screws down from behind the frame, and you'll have to take up the space for the hinge and gasket or the hard top won't reach the top of the windshield. You'll also have 2 big holes in your dash where the bolts that hold the windshield up go. All that is minor stuff.

 

[rbodine]

we thought about filling the space taken by the hinge and the gasket, didn't consider the dash pad

 

[JB Fab]

Here is one my wife did, it came out great. Replaced the hinge with .250X1 flat-bar, three passes w/ TIG......

 

[rbodine]

Here is one my wife did, it came out great. Replaced the hinge with .250X1 flat-bar, three passes w/ TIG......

Yes, thats what i wanted to see. That looks really good. Did you run into any problems on the inside? How about mounting the dash?

 

[NicksTrix]

better be sure angle is correct for doors and hardtop...

 

[rbodine]

better be sure angle is correct for doors and hardtop...

I was thinking about that? Do you think I should sort of take a poll and have people measure the angle or just line it up with the doors and the top on and go from there

 

[EricLar80]

I was thinking about that? Do you think I should sort of take a poll and have people measure the angle or just line it up with the doors and the top on and go from there

This is a tough angle to measure and transfer correctly - need to have a good datum and measure in reference to that.

 

[Rustytruck]

bolt the top on before you weld it as the hinge is a compromise for the top bolt holes.

 

[JB Fab]

Yes, thats what i wanted to see. That looks really good. Did you run into any problems on the inside? How about mounting the dash?

No problem mounting the dash (no dash pad), the inside supports were welded too.

 

[AZ73]

No problem mounting the dash (no dash pad), the inside supports were welded too.

Jesus that's a beautiful center console.

 

[rbodine]

wow that center console is ridiculous! in a good way of course

 

[Madgyver]

i Like that lowered driver side floor....

 

[JB Fab]

bolt the top on before you weld it as the hinge is a compromise for the top bolt holes.

Make sure you can get your roll bar in too..... Ooops!