Windshield frame removal

I did the search but did'nt come up with an answer so here we go.First a little history.My 70 Commando suffered a broken windshield during transit.The glass guy came by and removed the old windshield and will not be back untill next week with the replacement.Meanwhile I have been cleaning up the windshield frame and notice three bolts that appear to be what secures the frame to the cowl.The dash pad would also have to be unscrewed from the frame too,seems easy enough.So my question is are the three bolts indeed what secures the windshield frame? And if I remove them are the hidden nuts held captive under the cowl?I would like to remove the frame for further cleanup work if it is possible.The paper cones in the picture point to the three bolts in question.Thanks in advance,Oz

 

Never taken mine off- have you tried to loosen them?

 

Yep,I loosened all three and put some penatrating oil on the shank of the bolts even though they turned easily.I was tempted to go further but after looking up under the dash with a mirror I can not see the nuts so I am hesitent to back the bolts out all the way fearing I may loose the nuts if they are not captured.So I ran the bolts back down snug. Figured I ask and maybe someone has done it before. It may be really hard to replace the nuts as I cant even see them,seems like they would have to captured, but then again...?

 

Have no fear, the nuts won't go anywhere they are quite captured. There are also two bolts up inside the kick panels, one on each side, that need to come out. There is an arm on either side that slides down into the cowl that the bolts attach to.
To remove the dash, there's the obvious screws along the top, there are also threaded studs that go through the dash with nuts on them that secure the pad to the dash. There are two above the radio opening and two on each end of the dash pad where it comes down along he front of the dash. Those can be a PITA to get at, you'll need a 1/4" drive deep socket, off the top of my head I think the nuts are 3/8th. I might have a picture of the windshield frame somewhere, if I find it I'll post it.
Don't have a picture of the windshield but I did find this.
Clicky pic


That bolt head to the left of the red circle is one of the bolts that goes into the arm.

 

Thanks Pack Rat, that is exactly the info that I was looking for. I thought that there must be "arms" or some additional way to provide support as the three bolts by themselves could'nt possibly compete with the mechanical advantage( leverage) that the frame would have against the cowl.I did see those side dash panel fasteners with a mirror and was doing a mental inventory of what tools I have that could get at them,they look tough to get at but at least I can see them.What can you tell me about the defroster ducts?Do they disconnect at the screws on top or should I leave them on there and seperate the duct hose someplace else?Thanks again! Oz

 

Those are just covers that direct the air flow so you can remove them at any time. The actual ducts are attached from the under side of the cowl.

 

Well with Pack Rat's info I was able to remove the dash pad and windshield frame.This will be much easyer for me and the glass guy to work on.I cuold not have done it without my wifes help,those dash pad screws on the passenger side are really tough to get at like Pack Rat had said. My wife was able to get her hand up in there but I could'nt.Here are a couple of pics.

 

Aren't those little nuts on the outside of the dash pad just a barrel of laughs to get at?