Replacing Windshield Panel

[l008com]

Long ago, long before my dad bought this hull to replace our tri-hull that felt like it was going to snap in half every time it hit a wave... long before that, the original owner of this hull did a really ****ty job replacing the driver's side window. Theres no real seal around it at all, it looks like they just crammed a ton of that dumdum stuff all around the glass. It's not in firm at all, and it rattles like CRAZY at many different engine speeds. Plus, theres a big crack in the glass anyway, so I really need to get that glass replaced.

Can I just bring the whole boat to a windsheild replacement place? Will they be able to get the glass and the seals? If not, where can I get the seals? Actually, if you have the right glass and seals, it seems like a pretty easy job, that I could do myself. So I guess the question is, where do you get the seal, and where do you get the glass?


Can you tell the 'nice' one and the ****ty one?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

You need to remove the screws under the dash and take that entire panel out. The screws for the wing will also have to be removed. The screws hold each individual panel on and once you remove you should be able to slide the front panel off of the side panel.



Eastwood and JC Whitney sell the glass seals or you may be able to get them local.

I will warn you that it is a PITA job.

 

[fshngho]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

After you get the seals, take the old glass or the glass & frame to a glass shop. They can cut a new glass by the pattern of the old. It may be slightly different depending on the size & thickness of the new seal. You can have them install or you can try it. If they break it they gotta cut another one. If you break it, well, they will sell you another one.
Check their prices, who knows? Where I work we would charge you $27.50 to install.

 

[l008com]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

Do the seals need to be glued in, or do you just jam them in there? Do they make them for different thicknesses of glass, and base material, or are they standard sizes?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

The seal is just filling the space in the aluminum and combined with the glass it is water tight....... no glue required.

 

[fshngho]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

Depends on what type of seal you get. They do make them for different thicknesses of glass, 1/8-3/16-1/4 . They come in a "U" shape which wraps the edge of the glass and a wedge type that you push in between the glass and frame on both sides. NO sealer as Bob said.

 

[docrodg]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

Just to add a little, the seal is much like a car windshield for those of us with vintage rides and the same technique can be used. Here is how I got mine done in the 911, since it is a u shaped seal it will be same on your boat.

Get the seal bedded into the channel all around and make sure it is firmly seated and there are no gaps. THe joint where it butts together should be on top and tight, you can overlap the flaps by cutting the seal a little long and then just cutting the thick back part to butt tight leaving the flaps overlapping.

Get you hands on some good heavy string - something that will take a good amount of pull without breaking and is not too thin - about the thickness of heavy twine but stronger. Using a small dab of diluted white glue or other weak sticky substance lay the string in the channel of the seal along one corner on the inside. use the glue only where absolutely needed and be very sparing with it. The string should be much longer than the seal is and should be laid in so that the ends come out on the bottom of the seal.

Place the glass in the seal bottom first and try to get as much of the bottom part of the seal on the glass as you can without moving or pulling on the string.

Now grab a screwdriver for each end of the string and tie the string to it so you have a handle. Keeping a bit of pressure on the glass by means of another person will make it easier. Pull the string out away from the glass at an angle close to about 60 degrees and the string will roll the seal onto the glass.

Any small areas can usually be worked out using a stiff plastic putty knife run along the edge.

 

[l008com]

Re: Replacing Windshield Panel

I never got to this project last year, and I'd like to get it done this year. I contacted a few local glass places, and they all said they couldn't help me, that they only do cars and trucks. The windshield comes apart pretty easy, but I don't know where to get the glass, or the seals. And I'm still a little confused, there seems to be many different dimensions you need to get seal that will fit in properly? Any thoughts?