Want to add custom windsheild

[Dexloy]

I will add some pic's but my boat is a 82' robalo W/A cutty cab. Not a classic or anything just a offshore fishing boat that I want to change to make it more enjoyable on the water. I can't aford the sportfisher I want right now so being that I am good with by hands, a plastice injection mold maker for 20 years I think I can do it with your help.<br /><br />The boat has a alum windshield on it now however I do not think it is OME but it looks alright as far as lines. I want to add a fiberglass riser and then reshape the window right now the top of the frame is in my line of site and I dont like the frame. I thought I could add a frame to this riser.<br /><br />My first question is am I crazy for thining about trying this? I don't want to bond it to teh deck but mount it so if it dosent look good I can remove it and return to the old look.<br /><br />So I guess I should start by removing the old and measuering what the new foot print and hight should be, then cut a patern out of cardboard.<br /><br />I could also do some tech drawings I guess but not sure if that is nessasary with a one time build. <br /><br />Is there any web resourse that i should be looking at about fiberglass fabricating, I do not want this to look like a "home made" addon so if I can not make it look like a gelcoat finish I wont bother.<br /><br />Pics<br /> http://www.msnusers.com/BoatProject

 

[Mark42]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Dexloy,<br /><br />If you are handy, then I would suggest removing the existing windshield and make a complete new one to replace it. Make the new one similar to the old, just higher. It appears to be made from aluminum L stock, very easy to work with. Plexiglass or polycarbonate would work well in 1/4" thickness. And it's really easy to cut with a saber saw and fine blade (24 teeth per/inch is what I used). <br /><br />Your idea to use cardboard to make a template is a good one. You can get large sheets of corrigated cardboard from the local shopping center, just ask the stores if you can have some boxes/cardboard. They are happy to give it away.<br /><br />You could even make a mock up of a new shape without even removing the old one to see how high it needs to be to work for you.<br /><br />I found that the home centers have most of the aluminum stock you would need, flat bar stock and L bracket. If you want to use U stock for the top, stores that carry parts for window screens usually have a U channel that is narrow enough to fit 1/4" plexi.<br /><br />If you wanted to add a top, use 3/8" ply and cover with a two layers of fiberglass, sand smooth and paint. 3/8" is thin enough to be bent over a form. Two curved "runners" on each side cut from 1x4 would be plenty strong enough to glue/screw the plywood to so it had a nice curve front to back and attach to your new framework. <br /><br />If you don't want to work with fiberglass, there are other marine materials that are water proof that you could use in place of wood such as Starboard. <br /><br /><br />Good luck<br />Mark.

 

[Dexloy]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Thanks for the come back Mark! good ideas, and I love your boat it looks sharp!<br /><br />Ill keep posting as I go, today I am mesuring and thinking it over.<br /><br />Allen

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

I built a windshiedl similar to what mark described, aluminum L stock and 1/4 plexiglass, built it on my kitchen table in my apartment complete with step thru.<br /><br />www.photobucket.com Av8rTX Myboat

 

[Mark42]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Av8rtx,<br /><br />I remember when you first posted the pics of the windshield. Quite impressive. <br /><br />Thats a nice steering wheel on your boat. Got another? I have been asking for 60's style wheels, especially if it has the MFG logo on it, but any 60's wheel that is not too big in diameter would probably look more at home on my boat than the black one that is there now. I think the black wheel is only 12 or 13" diameter.<br /><br />If I can't get a 60's style wheel, I will put a white lace on wrap on it and paint the rest white.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Thats all I got Mark! <br /><br />I do have some of the old Sun N Fun seat brakets, some bent, some not, the original seats with cushions in bad shape and the two wooden seat pedestals.....

 

[Dexloy]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Ok got all the dimintions, now to start the mock-up, Ill post pics as I go.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

I want to fix the sides of my boat as the windows is missing <br />V<br />V<br />V<br />V Look at my signature. Where do you get the Aluminum L brackets.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Originally posted by Realgun:<br /> V Look at my signature. Where do you get the Aluminum L brackets.

I got them at Home Depot, 4 foot lenghts X 1 inch..seems like they were $4-$5 a piece...

 

[Dexloy]

Re: Want to add custom windsheild

Well started cutting the frames today, stripped teh paint and made mock ups, try to post pics tomorrow.