Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

My 2001 35 lightning has developed hairline cracks in the windshield. (passengers side) .Anyone have experience with this problem

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

I'm sure PLENTY of people will chime in. :D :evilb:

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

No way, fountains don't have any problems! Just kidding, Common problem with all boats sadly. Might want to overlay the crack with some clear adhesive on both sides. Moisture getting in it and expanding with the sun will make it worse.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

Is it Plexiglas? Uv rays will cause Plexiglas to develop thousands of little hairline cracks. Looks like it's fogged from a distance.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

That is typical of the Fountain windshields, crazing, especially the side panels.

Use of Windex or cleaners with amonia is 1 cause for it. Use only mild soap. Some think the heat build up while under the cover is another. Only way to rid them, is replace them. Then your good for a couple more yrs before it may start again. I replaced my side panels 2 yrs ago, so far still OK.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

Does Fountain put any type of anti-reflective coating on the panels??

It's a coating that is used to cut down on the glare - also commonly used on automotive parts. It consitst of "elements" evaporated onto the panel in a high vacuum. (I work in the industry - I know a little about it).
Nothing against Fountain, but it's a pretty expensive process, and if not done properly it would explain the "crazing". It's kinf of tricky to get these things "right".

US1 - did you replace with factory parts, or just replace the Plexi yourself??

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

Went the factory route this time as was unsure how the black tint was done along the bottom. Turns out the black on mine was just paint on the inside surface. Kept my old panels to use a patterns in case I need to replace them again, at which point I'll buy a full sheet and make them myself. I 'think' Fountain wanted a tad over $200/side. I forget exactly. They are acrylic.
No coating from Fountain. They still have the paper on them from the plastic factory. Just cut to size and edges buffed smooth.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

Instead of Plexi how about using Lexan (sp?) instead? Same stuff they use for stock car winshields?

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

try this guy...

Windshields: 800-554-7527 Brad Shields Formtec Plastics

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

This thread has got me thinking...

Ever thought of a mirror coat to match your boat - kinda like sunglasses??
Any interest?

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

would like to see that, the reflection could be hard on other boaters?

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

You guy's got me thinking
Mirror coat for windsheilds and hatches.
I might even be able to do multiple colors ( I think I can do it, just need to test it)

I don't think it would be a problem with other boaters. It couldn't be any worse than standard glass.
Would look pretty cool though.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

What about my suggestion about Lexan? Would this not be a better product to use other than typical Plexi? The Lexan is the same stuff for bullet proof glass at your local convenience marts so it is exposed to sun light and I have never seen one crack or heat checked! You can pick up sheets of it at your local Lowe's. I replaced a couple of broken windows in the garage door, same thickness of the old windows.

Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
 

ok here ya go guys, someone posted it was the cleaners...they were correct to a degree, the chemicals make the plasticizers leach out of the material, there is a product called plexxus that works great on lexan, and plexiglass and for you guys with bimini's it keeps the plastic windows nice and soft...

What I mean by plasticizers is... for example, when you replace the shower curtain in your bathroom, the new one has a very strong smell, this is new plastic loaded with plasticizers, over time, atmosphere and hot water makes it more brittle, hence they have leached out. by using plexxus it puts them back in and keeps it nice and clean, if you have a stubborn spot, only use what your washing the boat with or some Bon ami and water, it is the only cleanser that totally dissolves and wont scratch.... any questions feel free to pm me...Rob