Fixing my own windshield

[ccarver80]

So in so earlier posts I was told my windshield would be to expensive to replace, (the crestliner dealer said they threw the molds away and it would have to be a huge custom job costing $2,000+++)

Ive decided to replace it with some plexiglass, I know it wont look the best but it will be functional, plus it should only cost like $40....

I need some recommendations on thickness of plexiglass I should use???

Also were can I get the aluminum material used for the frame?? I would like to practically take the curve out and make it a straight windshield (only due to the fact when fishing in the drivers seat the glass gets in the way when holding a fishing rod)


Note** the picture is when it happened... I've since cleaned all glass up and peeled out weather stripping which I still have

Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

I would still suggest lexan over plexi. Have a look at this thread
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...5896-replacing-a-curved-windshield-with-lexan

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Find a boat boneyard, 'n dig up a flat glass windshield that's close to what ya got, 'n cob it on,.....

 

[Rick Stephens]

No plexiglass.

 

[shrew]

I'd doublecheck that $40 guesstimate as well. I was quoted significantly higher (10x) for a piece of custom plexi approximately the same size. They wouldn't bend the plexi, so the quote was a flat sheet cut to my shape.

 

[steelespike]

There used to be an Upholstery shop here in central NY that could bend A windshield.
we had it done twice for a Starcraft Nova.

 

[thumpar]

I would try the best you can to see if there is one out there. Lots of people part out or scrap their boats. Since manufacturers usually make the same model for years it could be out there.

 

[ccarver80]

I live in North Dakota.... there's really no "boat scrap yard" around here and I'm talking $40 for a 32"x72 from my lumber store for a sheet. I can cut and bend it myself

 

[roffey]

I wonder, in your first post you sounded like you might change the windshield configuration. Wondering what that would cost. Take the measurements and start looking around to see what would fit?

 

[NYBo]

Your current glass is probably 3/16" thick.

 

[Faztbullet]

Pull the whole windshield and install 2 bassboat style wind shields...see below as they have seveal style you might a idea from..

http://www.teamcandomarine.com/catalog_items.asp?pagenum=4&uTotalRecords=67&uLimi tPartName=TR2277&uLimitPartNumber=1140679&cat=7129-107654&pagenation=next&pr=0

 

[airshot]

Number one ...do not use plexiglass or the acrylic sheet from your lumber yard, it will break if you try to bend it and it will scratch easily! What you really want is polycarbonate sheet or "lexan" is the trademark. this will NOT break and you can bend and shape it. Now if I were in your shoes I would start a search on boat boneyards and see what is out there. They ship this kind of stuff everyday thru UPS and FedEx. With enough searching I think you have a chance of finding a match. The internet is full of boneyards and some pics to send them is all you need. Yes it will cost more than 40 by a long shot but well worth keeping your boat in original condition.

 

[Rick Stephens]

airshot hits that one out of the park.

 

[redneck joe]

Lexan, scratch resistant. For thickness measure the inside of the gasket if it is u shaped. But agree with the others to seach for one .