Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
DIY windshield, details and learning curve >

DIY windshield, details and learning curve

Notices
General Boating Discussion

DIY windshield, details and learning curve

Thread Tools
 
Old 11-18-2019 | 11:00 AM
  #1  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default DIY windshield, details and learning curve

.I've been designing this windshield for my Bertram now over two months and finally got it to work and fit with the compound angles and I'm dealing with.
Ifif you plan on using a heat gun it's not the best choice you're better off using a toaster wire top and bottom of plexiglass 3/4" away from plexiglass.
Perfect for straight bend lines with out distortion.
Photos are of first test run. Carboard template, wood template glassed to hold shape. Then cut plexiglass first to fit template, then heat to bend.
Lots of clamps and patience to get to end result.

B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-18-2019 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

This first windshield I used heat gun with wide mouth. Heat string will be next one made. I may fit this one, if acceptable, I may just keep it.
photos to follow how I mount it.
B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-18-2019 | 11:06 AM
  #3  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-23-2019 | 08:06 AM
  #4  
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 14
From: Angola NY
Default

I used lexan. My thought was that its flexible and wont crack like Plexiglass. It has held up great for 10 plus years now. It has been stepped on accidentally while climbing over to get up on the bow, It bends and returns back with no problems. My .02 for what its worth.
tbanzer is offline  
Reply
Old 11-23-2019 | 08:50 AM
  #5  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

lexon manufacturing company no longer in business,but the product that I purchased is the same product as lexon and it should last as long as lexon does very flexible and forgiving. I just call it plexiglass.
back in my race car days I used Lexon, was good for application. 👍
B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-25-2019 | 09:18 AM
  #6  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

Just a few more bolts and I'm done. Turned out strong.
B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-25-2019 | 01:47 PM
  #7  
scarabman's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 227
From: TR, NJ
Default

Looks good!
scarabman is offline  
Reply
Old 11-25-2019 | 02:21 PM
  #8  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 405
From: Collierville, TN and Pickwick Lake
Default

These work great but you'd probably need to have more than one project to justify the cost of $450

https://www.mcmaster.com/23845A12
payuppsucker is offline  
Reply
Old 11-26-2019 | 08:58 AM
  #9  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

Originally Posted by payuppsucker
These work great but you'd probably need to have more than one project to justify the cost of $450

https://www.mcmaster.com/23845A12
Now thats the tool. Agreed.
$20.00 heat gun for first time users though.. ✌️
B38 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-26-2019 | 05:44 PM
  #10  
B38
Thread Starter
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 45
From: Deland, Fl
Default

DONE!. Good enough. just need to life caulk leading edge. Finished
B38 is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.