Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
12-09-2005 | 11:27 AM
#2
Charter Mod
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 3
From: E Dock
Re: Hair line cracks in 35 lightning windshield
Originally Posted by furnitureman
My 2001 35 lightning has developed hairline cracks in the windshield. (passengers side) .Anyone have experience with this problem
I'm sure PLENTY of people will chime in.
12-09-2005 | 11:27 AM
#3
www.hyperfishing.com
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 0
From: North and South
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.
12-09-2005 | 05:24 PM
#5
Ginger or Mary Ann?
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 9
From: L
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.
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.
Last edited by US1 Fountain; 12-02-2011 at 11:15 AM.
12-09-2005 | 05:36 PM
#6
Registered
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,646
Likes: 9
From: Apache Jct. AZ
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??
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??
12-09-2005 | 05:45 PM
#7
Ginger or Mary Ann?
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 9
From: L
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.
No coating from Fountain. They still have the paper on them from the plastic factory. Just cut to size and edges buffed smooth.
