Windshield

dafox99

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2005
Messages
203
Guys,<br /><br />I have a 1958 runabout (Texas Maid). At one point,there was a windshield as there are mounting holes in the deck.<br /><br />I ran into a guy who had a '59 Glastron (why he wanted something so new, I don't know). He made his windshield from plexi. He got the glass at home depot, made a template from where his hole pattern was, and formed the plexi by using heat guns. Yikes. I'm pretty handy, but I'm guessing after I got back from the burn center at the hospital, I could throw my mis-shapen plexi in the trash.<br /><br />I read Mark42's windshield artical. I have emailed Taylor made, and hope for a response this week. Mark .. was the lexan you bought, already pre-formed (bent at the proper radius)? How'd the manufacturer know how to shape it?<br /><br />Also, I have NO trim or mounting hardware. Will need to buy/build all of that as well.<br /><br />BTW, the picure to the left by my name is a slightly newer version of the boat, so you get an idea of what I'm trying to do.<br /><br />All help appreciated.
 

AMD Rules

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 23, 2004
Messages
1,707
Re: Windshield

Mark's lexan was flat, he cut it to shape and simply bent by hand (without heat) into the final shape during installation. He has the old window/frame to use as a template.<br /><br />You may have better luck finding an old "free" boat that has a window frame on it that fits. I'm sure there must be a few boat recyclers in Texas. <br /><br />New replacement windshields are expensive. I know iboats was looking at selling them, but I am not sure if that ever evolved into reality.<br /><br />Check your local papers, forums, and boat recyclers. Surely there must be a vintage windshield out there just waiting for you. If you're lucky you can get it for a good price.
 

dafox99

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2005
Messages
203
Re: Windshield

Thanks, AMD. I think that's the way to go.
 

bosavy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
130
Re: Windshield

i had a 1963 mfg and made the windshield out of plexi and used a heat gun worked out good with no problems but u have to keep heat on it and don't do it fast or it might crack
 
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