Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

[crackerjack]

After:

My '99 VIP 184 Viva was a victim of the tornados that struck the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex area last week. The twister spun the boat and trailer from my driveway into the front yard, then dropped a large oak branch that smashed the drivers side windshield. There's a few other nicks and gouges but nothing that I couldn't either live with or fix. Problem is, I cannot locate a replacement windshield. The www.caddoboats.com (VIP) website is up, but the phone number is disconnected and nobody responds to email. Anybody know who the windshield supplier was, or how to get ahold of them? Or where I can get a new or used drivers side windshield?

I'd even consider replacing everything with one of those low profile plexiglass windshields. Anyone know a source for those?

I couldn't use the boat much last season 'cause all the Texas lakes were dangerously low. Now the lakes are full and my boat gets hit by a d@mn twister!!!

All responses appreciated.

Before:

 

[floatfan]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

Ouch. Hope you and your family are all ok.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

If VIP is a ghost, you could call other manufacturers and ask them a) if they happen to know who supplied VIP, or b) ask them who their supplier is. There can only be so many windshield suppliers out there I'd think. Is VIP a clone of another manufacturer? Do you know who is/was a dealer? These guys were listed as a TX dealer.

 

[crackerjack]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

Thank God, nobody was home when the tornado hit.

I think VIP is out of business and the closest former dealer hasn't responded to email, so I'm not sure about them.

Looks like my best bet is a boat junkyard. I've heard of one around Austin. Anyone know of anything around Dallas/Ft Worth?

 

[Ciscovet]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

That's a beautiful boat....

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

I am just north of you n Frisco. You might want to take a drive around some of the lakes and look into the back yards around there. That is how I find most of my stuff. I have seen a few grave yards around cedar creek lake, but nothing formal. This will take some tree shaking to find that piece. If you cannot source one the insurance will most likely total the boat.

By the way I am glad you guys are ok. That was some scary carp! I will keep my eyes peeled.

I have seen some people custom make windshields out of lexan.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

don't know what the budget is but check ebay... you might have to change the entire windshield. i think there is something that would work for ya.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STANDARD-5-..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eb493d4e6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STRATOS-170..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item2c5c1258c7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Glastro..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item1e6d22b0b4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GALAXIE-165..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eb5097830

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GALAXIE-165..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eb5097830

 

[crackerjack]

Re: Texas twister smashes VIP windshield...

Thanks for the suggestion!
Some of those EBay auctions are pricey, but I'm going to compare the dimensions to see if they'd work.
I'd really like to find a boat "boneyard". I'm surprised they're not more common...