Ss windshield brace

[El Gaffer]

Hello
I remember seeing a post where a guy removed his windshield brace. I cant seem to find that anywhere. Has anyone else done this? I would like to but not if its gonna cause me grief. Thanks

 

[jbcurt00]

Windshield brace on what?

Walk thru w an operable center section?

Dont recall anyone posting they removed a brace.... Roughly how long ago?

 

[MNhunter1]

My side braces were removed on my ‘78 16SS. It didn’t seem to cause any issues and the windshield still seemed pretty solid.

 

[Moserkr]

I remember reading about that in your thread @MNhunter1 I’d like to do that to my boat as well, not a fan of the big bar sticking out. Looks a lot cleaner without it. When I took apart my windshield, i could see where a T bolt could be slid in to stabilize it. MNhunter1, do you remember how many bolts you have on the front glass and little side glass pieces? I had 3 bolts on each of my front pieces and none on the small side pieces.

 

[El Gaffer]

Thanks MNhunter1, that's exactly what I was wanting to hear. Looks great, I will plan to do this. Thanks again

 

[El Gaffer]

Windshield brace on what?

I have a 1977 SS18

Walk thru w an operable center section?
Yes sir
Dont recall anyone posting they removed a brace.... Roughly how long ago?

MNhunter1 posted what I was referring to.

 

[MNhunter1]

I remember reading about that in your thread @MNhunter1 I’d like to do that to my boat as well, not a fan of the big bar sticking out. Looks a lot cleaner without it. When I took apart my windshield, i could see where a T bolt could be slid in to stabilize it. MNhunter1, do you remember how many bolts you have on the front glass and little side glass pieces? I had 3 bolts on each of my front pieces and none on the small side pieces.

I was trying to look back at old pictures to see if I had something showing the bolts or holes in the consoles and couldn't find anything. I seem to recall having a bolt or two on the side panels as well. It really didn't seem to give up much structural integrity without the braces present.

 

[Moserkr]

All good mnhunter. Thanks. I was planning on adding a few bolts along the side for good measure. Hoping i can figure out a way to plug that hole thats leftover from cutting the support too. Support doesnt seem to do much but get in my way lol.

 

[jbcurt00]

I suspect rough water running is likely to prove the braces worth while.....

 

[dingbat]

I suspect rough water running is likely to prove the braces worth while.....

Yep.....have a good friend who till this day has stitch marks on his forehead from the time we where trying to beat a storm back to port in his 18' tri-hull.

Took one over the bow that bent the supports, folding the windshield back into his face.

A young and dumb move for sure, but the supports proved no match for the situation.

 

[MNhunter1]

Mine were cut off from the get go, so wasn't really done by choice. I considered fabricating something up, as well as removing the windshield completely, but found I didn't mind the look without them and it felt stable enough after mounting where I didn't have concerns about the structural integrity. But...I wasn't factoring in taking water over the bow. I'm not one to go pounding waves, and the 45hp I was running kept me in check regardless. I don't project I personally would have had any issues in the environment and manner in which I used the boat, but everyone's conditions are different.

 

[Moserkr]

Fully understand the issues that could be caused by it being removed. Its all personal choice and situations. I dont see modern boats with windshield bracing like that. Ill bolt her up tight and if i regret it one day ill rebuild it lol. As far as my situation goes, I wont be getting into big water like that where I take one over the bow. If bracing didnt stop a wave over the bow then id say thats a poor choice to be in that situation. Compared to the great lakes these boats were built for, my little 16’ open bow will be on ponds by comparison. Id say its a calculated risk im willing to take.

 

[El Gaffer]

Here is what I did. I did beef up bolts from factory. I used ss pan head allen and ground 2 sides to side in. Perforated side windows for the hell of it but should add some structural support I would think.

 

[Moserkr]

@El Gaffer Looks great! Did you cut the brace, bend, and rivet it to cover the gap?? Cause thats exactly what i was thinking of doing! Please share where you got the bolts and which ones exactly too.

 

[El Gaffer]

Yep, exactly what I did. I get all my hardware at Ace Hardware because its just down the road and they let you buy per piece.
I will get a pic tomorrow of the bolt. I haven't sealed it yet.

 

[Moserkr]

@El Gaffer Awesome! Thanks! Did you heat it when you bent it? Just curious how you did it. Looks clean.

 

[El Gaffer]

@Moserkr I measured 1.5" past where it wanted to end. I cut that then shaved the sides off, all done with a jigsaw with Bosch aluminum blade.
Put in a vise to bend with leather as a buffer. Then tapped into shape with rubber hammer before I drilled and riveted it.
The aluminum jigsaw blades have been a game changer, those and fine tooth skill saw blades from Diablo, think they are 80 tooth.

 

[Moserkr]

Thank you!! Just made my job a lot easier. Im a few big steps away from that point but its on the list now!

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I’m cutting mine off also. I’m planning on bending some heavy stainless flat bar, polished to a brushed finish at the same width of the extruded window frame in an over bent “L” to match the angle. This should add some more strength and look pretty clean.

 

[El Gaffer]

@ShoestringMariner that sounds cool. I'd like to see what you come up with. I'm just waiting for it to warm up some. I cant get motivated at these current temps, the boat is in a unheated building at the moment