Windshields?

[grady]

I have a windshield that will be coming off for a restoration project. It is at least a four piece unit. two sides and a front that has a slight vee in it, so I think that it's two pieces as well. The sides have small vent windows built in, that of course open foward.

The gaskets that glass is set in are failing. The rubber hinge that the vents work on are broken ( read vents are not secure ). The device that both, locks the vent shut and prvents them from opening to far are failing. These devices are basically a plastic rod with a metal end, which goes thru the vent glass and is held in place with a friction fit plastic cap that has a metal insert. ( read rusted ). The alum frames are slightly pitted on the inside but look pretty good on the outside.


The original outsource mtr. Is still in buisness, and said he could recondition it for around $1,500.00.

I asked him if he could reconfigure the shape, mostly hieght, of the original or make me a new one. His answer was it wouldn't be as strong. ?????

Any thoughts

Thanks

Grady

[longliner45]

auto glass cost about that much to replace on older cars,,he is correct ,the bigger the window the more pron to failier..look at most sailboats and older motor boats ,the windows are small,,,,,longliner

[grady]

My problem with this windshield is that it is at the perfect height to block my vision while under way and it 's current angle it makes my enclosure leak onto my electronics. I wondered if I could decrease it's angle and add to its height. BUT the builder says that the angle and the stock used for that angle are engineered for max strength. I don't see the need to have a bullet proof windshield, but I think I could design one that had ample support.


Thanks

Grady

[Verytricky]

Replace the glass with that polycarbonate stuff race boats use. Its stronger than glass. You can upgrade the thickness as well.

I can find equivalent thickness ratings: If you specify the height and the thickness of the glass, I can specify the thickness for the new required height.

Then it should be a simple matter to upgrade the glass to the polycarbonate.

[grady]

Thanks I'll get the measurements for you. But I think the concern is in the frame? I could be mistaken, although when we spoke it was mainly about the alum pre-fabed stock that had the glass angle predetermined


Thanks


Grady

[grady]

Does anyone have any experience reconditioning windsheilds?
what up with the bedding material, is it always rubber or can it be a chaulking of some kind?

Thanks

Grady