Windshield Replacment?

[nuttz4bolts]

I am just about finished restoring my 1964 Performer Sportsman runabout and need to replace my plastic windshield.
I have done some research and have talked to a few companies that do custom work and wanted to throw these questions out to my fellow boat enthusiasts to aid in the process of choosing the best and most cost effective route.
Have any of you ever had a plastic windshield? If you have...what company did you use and what was your experience with them? What was the cost? and lastly, would you recommend them?
Please send me a company name, website address or phone # if you recommend them.
Thanks in advance..
Tim

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Good luck..... big bucks.

You might try to use Novus plastic polish and re-finish what you have or try to find a replacement on ebay.

Windshields are the most expensive piece to replace besides the motor and hull.

Due to the forum rules people are not permitted to post the information you want in the open forum.

Have you checked with Taylormade windshields?

replacing a windshield on a 1964 boat is tough.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

I personally searched for a free/low cost donor hull, just for the windshield...some people don't realize that windshield sitting on that trashed boat is worth money! I got my hull free, so just the cost of gas to haul it and dump the remains, and I have a very good windshield for my boat.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Check Google or your yellow pages for plexiglass fabrication shop in your area. This is a common request made to these shops.

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Good luck..... big bucks.

You might try to use Novus plastic polish and re-finish what you have or try to find a replacement on ebay.

Windshields are the most expensive piece to replace besides the motor and hull.

Due to the forum rules people are not permitted to post the information you want in the open forum.

Have you checked with Taylormade windshields?

replacing a windshield on a 1964 boat is tough.

Yes it is big $$$$. I have been quoted $500 so far. I understand about the questions. Would be free advertising.
I will check with Taylormade.
Thanks

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

I have looked for two months for old hulls with shields on them and no luck so far.
I will continue to look. Glad you got what you wanted. It is hard to find something this old.

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Check Google or your yellow pages for plexiglass fabrication shop in your area. This is a common request made to these shops.

Actively looking in my area. No luck yet. I will try asking some auto body shops to see if they know anyone in the area that does plastic fab. Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Do you have the old one? Was it in a frame?

I adapted a tri-hull windshield to my starcraft since I was missing over 75% of the pieces and frame.

There are ways to make your own but it does take time and a bit of skill too.

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Do you have the old one? Was it in a frame?

I adapted a tri-hull windshield to my starcraft since I was missing over 75% of the pieces and frame.

There are ways to make your own but it does take time and a bit of skill too.

The original is still on the boat with a good sized crack in it, yellowing and spiderweb stress on the corners but in good enough shape to take it off to be used a a mold or template. It is not is a frame, so to speak. It has a very simple moulding across the top and down to the hull where it then fits into a rubber seal moulding that attaches it to the hull.
If I can find another that I can adapt, I will. Nice thing is...this windshield does not have a "bubble" to it. It is flat with just a radius bend on each side.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

Take a look http://www.glen-l.com/weblettr/webletters-5/wl43-windshield1.html

 

[woosterken]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

check this out..........
tutorial on how to make your own, very good!!
by Mark 42 , who hangs out here

http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,68,00.html

hope this helps
woosterken

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

check this out..........
tutorial on how to make your own, very good!!
by Mark 42 , who hangs out here

http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,68,00.html


hope this helps
woosterken

Great link. Thank you. Just may give it a whirl. The responses I have recieved so quickly are awesome.
Thanks iboat friends.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

The real key is to try and use Lexan (not old style plexiglass) which is much stronger and scratch resistant.

 

[nuttz4bolts]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

The real key is to try and use Lexan (not old style plexiglass) which is much stronger and scratch resistant.

Got ya. The $130 was for lexan and that is what this local guy will use as well.
I think I am going to go to him in the early spring when I get my tax return.
Ya know....my local marine shop serviceman laughed when I told him I picked up a great runabout with motor and trailer for $400 and told me that BOAT stands for: Break Out Another Thousand. I hated that saying and still do....but so true.
The thing is...I am into this project about $2,000 and have done most of the work outside of motor getting work done ($600) and all new upolstery ($400) and I don't regret a single penny.
I didn't buy the boat for a project, but got into it, enjoy working on it and it is very theraputic.
On a daily basis I can't wait to get off of work so I can get home and work.
Thanks for all of the help.
Tim

 

[oops!]

Re: Windshield Replacment?

I didn't buy the boat for a project, but got into it, enjoy working on it and it is very theraputic.
On a daily basis I can't wait to get off of work so I can get home and work.
Tim

Hi Tim

I totally agree......working on boats is just a good overall feeling......even when you are laying on your back under a 30 footer grinding fiberglass.

BUT BEWARE...!!!

This is how it starts......The onset of MBS (Multliple Boat Syndrome).
It is an affliction common to this forum and chances of getting it are exponential if you actually enjoy working on them.
there is no known cure.....