23ft Sceptre Windshield Replacement

[billfisher]

I am looking to replace or refinish the entire windshield frame on a 1978 23ft Sceptre, as well as replace the glass with a darker tint. Has anyone found any fabricator's that will supply a new anodized frame, or have any sugesstions on how to bring mine back to pristine condition?

[Dave Hirshberg]

Lou,
I did mine and boy was it a job. First I had new window glass made from lexan. Big Mistake!! within a year the stuff was foggy and unclear thanks to there being no UV inhibitors in the stuff. Find someone that will cut you safety glass. I had a quote from a glass shop of 10.50 a square foot. My frame was pitted and corroded so I had it sandblasted then took it to a shop that powdercoats lawn chairs. I used a silver powder coat ( another mistake) It looked great when I had it done but the silver started to dull in a year and wouldn't polish up or hold wax. I think I would powder coat again but I'd use a more durable color.The powdercoating was about $150 and the Lexan was $200 or so Plus the $75 to sand blast. To get it perfect you'll have to sand blast and fill pitts then prime and paint with awl-grip. Theres 11 peices to the frame not counting the window hardware. I'll bet you'd spend $1500 + to duplicate that windsheild frame today. Any way you do it , it isn't easy or cheap.
Good Luck
Dave

[Dave Hirshberg]

Lou,
I did mine and boy was it a job. First I had new window glass made from lexan. Big Mistake!! within a year the stuff was foggy and unclear thanks to there being no UV inhibitors in the stuff. Find someone that will cut you safety glass. I had a quote from a glass shop of 10.50 a square foot. My frame was pitted and corroded so I had it sandblasted then took it to a shop that powdercoats lawn chairs. I used a silver powder coat ( another mistake) It looked great when I had it done but the silver started to dull in a year and wouldn't polish up or hold wax. I think I would powder coat again but I'd use a more durable color.The powdercoating was about $150 and the Lexan was $200 or so Plus the $75 to sand blast. To get it perfect you'll have to sand blast and fill pitts then prime and p

[billfisher]

Thanks Dave, I figured it wasn't an easy task. I'm glad you mentioned the powdercoat, I was talking to a local guy that does that, but now I'm not so sure if thats the way to go. I would even consider a new style frame and modify the top deck to accept it if I could find something that came close to matching these old frames. I do like the Euro style with the side opening vents and fixed glass front windows. Oh well, I'll keep looking?

Thanks again

[abl1111]

Lou,

I am in a similar situation. It is about $1800 to replace w/ new glass ( a quote from the original manufacturer, American Marine in Florida.

I thought about the powder coat thing, but it's a hell of a lot of work to disassemble, I think. And, then to fill all the pits w/ a filler and then sand blast and powder coat... I'd rather bite the bullet and replace or just clean it up.

I am going to polish it up w/ a product called FLITZ, to the best she can look ( I expect her to dull again quick ). As for the pitting, I have some, it's cosmetic not structural. I have so much $$$ going out on my restoration project that this is one area that I am going to wait on.

As for glass replacement, I am going to go the safety /tempered glass route as opposed to lexan or plexi. No price on this yet, but I'm sure it'll be a few hundred bucks. As for the darker glass, I know it's an opinion thing, but at night, all your gauges and lights might reflect off the dark window, making a little tougher to see.

- Alan

[Dave Hirshberg]

Lou and Abl,
American Marine will sell you the rubber gasket material too. I bought 100 ft at .38 a foot and had a bunch left over. You don't have to remove the glass to replace it and it makes a big difference in appearance. If you have the origional glass in the frame its tough to get out without cracking it.
dave