Plexiglass Windshield

[Robert Nesbit]

I have a curved plexiglass windshield on a 14.5 ft outboard runabout. The windshield is held to the deck by cast aluminum thing-ma-bob's that have a grometted end for the windshield and a screw for the deck. Windshield corners have a wimpy corner fastening. The widshield itself sits in a vinyl prefabricated moulding to keep it from marring the deck.
My questions are:
1) Where would I look to find windshield holding device of any type
2) Where would I buy a curved plexiglass windshield (new/used) or have one made.

[JLM]

just an idea you might want to go to home depot or hardware store and buy a sheet of lucite. much stronger then plexi and ask if they have some aluminum or s\s track for the size you need .
good luck JLM :D :D

[paladin]

Those wimpy hold downs are what keep the plexiglass from shattering. You do not rigidly mount the plexiglass windshiels, but use oversize holes and flexible grommits to keep it in place.....use caution..

[videoguy]

Robert try www.finneys.com (http://www.finneys.com) thay have molds for old winshields or can or can make one to fit your boat.

[Robert Nesbit]

I understand about the grommets and the expansion coefficient problems with with plexiglass and mounting it (albeit a laymans understanding). My biggest problems are the devices that hold the windshield. They failed not at the windshield but in the middle or at the deck contact point. I need a new system or stronger parts. I will check with Finney's. If anybody else has any ideas I welcome them. Thanks. -Rob

[Billy Bones]

Robert,

There's plastic, and there's plastic.

Around here boat windows are made of Lexan, which lasts pretty well except that it scratches (though not as much as 'polycarbonate.') I recently did a large cabinet job which called for safety glass fronts on display cabinets. I was able to substitute 1/8th inch Mar-Guard (aka Lexan MR-10) which is lighter and very scratch resistant, though somewhat more expensive.

The dealer I bought the stuff from had only a few sheets left after my order. He said he'd have to restock, as racing season was coming up. I thought this was odd, and he explained that mar-guard is what NASCAR specifies windshields are to be made of, and in season they go through a lot of it. That was good enough for me!

Good luck!

Billy

[nevrdun]

how much might lexan/margard curve if it were used to recreate a wrap-around wind shield?
This is just the average 1960s runabout windscreen, but I'm having a time trying to buy something. I'm about ready to fabricate something in a wood frame, my working material of choice, for this aluminum boat. The thing is, without the windshield in place I can't get a camper cover made for the boat, our option as opposed to a boathouse on the island. All the treasured weekend woodies reside in the mainland boathouse, but me and the lady really need this watertaxi made weather tight.

[Matt Middleton]

This may be a nutcase idea not worth the time to take to try it should it not work, but I think I recall someone making a curved windshield in Street Rodder magazine once. I think my collection is stashed away in either my attic or my parents' attic, so I can't get at it right now to check.
The car was a replica of one of Ed Roth's cars. It had more of a cockpit cover than a windshield, kindof like a jet has. It had two-nevermind, I just found a picture. It's called Futurian, and it's at the bottom of the page.
Ed Roth's Futurian (http://www.ratfink.org/vehicles/futurian/index.html)
Anyhow, in the redo, they made one of these bubble canopies using plywood forms, heat, and air to blow a big bubble. I suspect you could build your own form (maybe even splash a f'glass mold off the old windshield) and use heat and maybe a vacuum bag to do it. There's prob'ly other ways, too.
But then again, it might just be easier to have someone make one for you, and dirty up their own garage.
Good luck with things.
Matt

[Billy Bones]

Marguard in 1/8" will bend to a very tight radius, if needed. It won't make a compound curve too easily without modification (read heat, see manufacturer's instructions!) But an 1/8" sheet 4'x8' will roll into a tube if you are persistant. Smaller sizes are more flexible. You can tie a knot in a 1" strip a few feet long. It's very hard to break, except when sawn, when you have the greatest liklihood for fractures. Sharp blade, go slow and straight, no worries.

Good luck

[GROOVY]

I found when looking for a replacement windshield for my boat that Fairwinds Marina purchased all the old TaylorMade windshields and parts stock.
This is a copy of the reply to my request from feb 01:

Hello,

We do have those Taylor windshields in stock, but we do need a
little bit more info to be sure we have the one you need. Please take a
tip to tip measurement off of the windshield as well as a height
measurement and let me know what you find. Tip to Tip is from the very
back tips of the windshield straight address the back. Please let me
know what you find. Any of the Taylor windshields we have are $199.95
plush shipping. Shipping usually runs around $90.00.

Thanks,

Fairwinds Parts Department
fairwinds@toad.net

[Robert Nesbit]

I found a metal fastener in the boat that said Taylor. I had no idea that it might have been from the windshield. Will contact fairwinds pronto. Thank You!!!