Wind Wings on 427 Cobras

[Dons427]

Wow! Nice photos, and Nice car!!!
This certainly clears things up a bit.
It seems that if an original cobra has the tapered frame and the same length upper and lower mounting blocks; then whether it is "right" or "wrong" is a matter of opinion, but it is what it is.
My opinion is; that they should have made the lower blocks longer to obtain a parallel gap between the wing glass and the windshield frame to eliminate the pinch point at the bottom. (So they work correctly, and look right)
If they could do it over, they would probably do what I have done to simply make the upper and lower hinge points parallel to the inside edge of the frame.
Enough said?

Don

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by Dons427

(So they work correctly, and look right)

Don

Haven't had any issues with the original design over the last 29 years.

[A-Snake]

Here you can notice the blocks and windwing angle on CSX3288.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

[size="2"]Here you can notice the blocks and windwing angle on CSX3288.

That's a perfect shot. it's just a question of whether one likes the true, original look, or a slightly tweaked look. Uhhhh, you know, like dual roll bars....

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Dons427

If they could do it over, they would probably do what I have done to simply make the upper and lower hinge points parallel to the inside edge of the frame.

Don

Like yours, my blocks are mounted parallel to the inside edge of the windshield frame. That seems correct, even if not 'period correct'.

[Dons427]

To A-Snake:
Your most recent photo does show that the blocks are the same length.
But it also demonstrates the wing is NOT parallel to the inside edge of the windshield frame, and it would contact the frame at the bottom when pulled fully inward. Now that they make the wind wings out of glass; they could break. Your photo looks just like mine did before my change; it had a 1/4-inch gap at the top, and a 1/4-inch over-lap on the frame at the bottom. I made the lower mounting blocks .510-inches longer to fix this.

Since this is an original cobra it may mean that this was not designed the best that it could have been from the start. JUST SAYING!
Some were right, I think based on my zoomed in photo a Gulf race car with longer lower blocks, and a parallel gap.

I'll admit that I am a Manufacturing Engineer so maybe I am being too critical.
I would rather have the change, so the wings do not break because they were pinched at the bottom.

Don

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by Dons427

To A-Snake:
Your most recent photo does show that the blocks are the same length.
But it also demonstrates the wing is NOT parallel to the inside edge of the windshield frame, and it would contact the frame at the bottom when pulled fully inward. Now that they make the wind wings out of glass; they could break. Your photo looks just like mine did before my change; it had a 1/4-inch gap at the top, and a 1/4-inch over-lap on the frame at the bottom. I made the lower mounting blocks .510-inches longer to fix this.

Since this is an original cobra it may mean that this was not designed the best that it could have been from the start. JUST SAYING!
Some were right, I think based on my zoomed in photo a Gulf race car with longer lower blocks, and a parallel gap.

I'll admit that I am a Manufacturing Engineer so maybe I am being too critical.
I would rather have the change, so the wings do not break because they were pinched at the bottom.

Don

Yes, you can build your car anyway you wish. My posts were to clarify how original Cobras were built including the use of some type of polycarbonate for windwings, perhaps to help prevent breakage.

[Dons427]

To; A-Snake;
Thanks for the posts, with photos, and your help with the history lessons.
I am not being sarcastic here, really. Thanks again.

Don

[LMH]

Don, what is the car you're referring to as an original Gulf race car?
Larry

[MOTORHEAD]

here's the simple fix: move lower block to correct position, drill & tap new hole, put shorter screw back in original hole.

[MOTORHEAD]

here's a pic; (maybe)

[DanEC]

I'm not sure why anyone would pull the wind wings so far in that it risks binding and breaking them. If they are pulled that far in they will also hit on the top, leading edge of the doors too as the door is opened.

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I'm not sure why anyone would pull the wind wings so far in that it risks binding and breaking them. If they are pulled that far in they will also hit on the top, leading edge of the doors too as the door is opened.

Very true, plus don't forgot about when you have the side curtains on.

[Dons427]

I took pics of my car after the modifications and I have the pic of the Gulf race car.
I will post them very soon.
In the meantime; I think it was a better looking method to make a longer block, than to drill and tap additional holes in the frame.
But the photo with the holes done, and the two same length blocks demonstrates why something could be done.
I tried to post the pics, but I am being asked for a url of my image.
the images are saved on my PC.

Don

[FatBoy]

Hi Don,

You need to either upload the pictures into your member gallery and then link them from there, or use an alternative picture hosting service like Photobucket or Flickr, or any one of countless others that are available and link from there.

When you write a new message, there is a toolbar where you can select fonts, colour etc. One of the buttons is a little picture of a mountain with a yellow background. This will bring up a dialogue box where you can paste the URL of your picture and will then insert a copy into your message.

I hope that helps.

Paul

[A-Snake]

Or scroll down to 'Additional Options' and select 'Manage Attachments', 'Choose file' under Upload File From Your Computer.
See attached examples

[Dons427]

This is my modified lower blocks, even gap, and the gulf race car

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by Dons427

This is my modified lower blocks, even gap, and the gulf race car

You mentioned you were using the car painted in Gulf livery as a reference. You realize it's not an original Cobra, right?

[Dons427]

thanks to all who helped me!

Don

[Dons427]

Originally Posted by A-Snake

You mentioned you were using the car painted in Gulf livery as a reference. You realize it's not an original Cobra, right?

No I did not realize that!