Plexi-windshield

FELLOW-SHIP · #1 03-13-2007, 10:03 AM

One thing for sure I don’t have the technique down. I did a web search about 3 weeks ago and learned all about it so I could do a small job with 90 degree angles on a 12” piece of lexan (much stronger and will not break) they said I could put it in the oven, well I could not bend it fast enough at first so I had to put it back in again and then it bubbled up I ended up throwing it away. Now I am considering Plan B. If you do it your self I would buy extra same thickness pieces and practice on them before I tried on your window shield. For me I would pay for someone who does it for a living from now on between buying the material + heat gun + the high degree of MY possibility of screwing up. It probably would be cheaper to get a pro to do it for me. But if you try yourself Lexan is the best material.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

elvspec · #2 03-13-2007, 11:38 PM

Thanks for all the advice. Probably the best being get pro to do it, but of course that would be too easy. The windshield is only going to be around 12" tall so I may be able to pull it off. I'm planning on trying a piece of plexi first since I can get it cheap and if that works out give Lexan a shot.
Ken those are some good points, especially the sanding portion.
Thanks again.

FELLOW-SHIP · #3 03-14-2007, 10:25 AM

Ha Beau

I looked on E Bay and you can find stock there pretty cheep. My bet it is scrap from commercial businesses. I also saw heat guns there as well.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

NoBones · #4 03-14-2007, 12:08 PM

As far as scrap goes, check with your local sign manufactures.
They usually have piles of the stuff and are happy to get rid of it.
See ya, Ken

JW-Tex · #5 03-14-2007, 05:17 PM

I clamped my plexiglass to a piece of plywood (to insulate the middle part) and used my gas BBQ grill to heat the corner to make the bend. Used rubber grommets and wetsanded the edges. It is not perfect...but for $35 you would never know I did it myself.

spareparts · #6 03-14-2007, 10:00 PM

i made the windshield for my 17 Mitchell with no problem, I got the plexi from the local glass shop, cut about a third over size. I left the paper backing on the plexi and made some reference lines to measure from. I used two 2X4's in a vise as a break. Using the reference line as a mark( i left a couple inches extra on the end), I clamped the plexi between them and heated the plexi with a heat gun I bought from Lowes for about $20. When the plexi became pliable, i bent it 90 degrees to form one side. Using the refernce line, I could tell how much I lost width when I bent the radius. Using that information I layed out the mark for the other side and bent it. After it was formed, I drew the cut marks on the paper for final trimming with my jig saw. I cleaned up the edge as mentioned above. I made the windshield a little oversize to allow for rubber spacers, I made the spacers by cutiing thin slices of 1/4 marine fuel hose. Pratice on a few scrap pieces before you try the big stuff.

FELLOW-SHIP · #7 03-15-2007, 10:01 AM

Boy you guys are inspiring me to try again.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

FELLOW-SHIP · #8 03-20-2007, 10:31 AM

You guys got me So re inspired to try again. I went to Lows and bought me a brand spanken new $39.95 heat gun. With adjustable temperatures set up them there Braces just like you guys said and pulled out a new piece of Lexan and Wambo success no bubbles or anything. I maid my two 90 degree bends and now got my little project done. You guys got me so inspired and pumped I’m think I might even venture out and do a new window shield after all now that I am a “PRO” and got my NEW Gun I’m looking around to see what else I can bend. Shoot after I do a window shield I might try a glass bottom boat.

Thanks Guys.

FellowShip
__________________________________________________ ________
Just for the Grins