Another do it yourselfer!

I just installed a acrylic windshield on my aluminum boat console, and it turned out quite well. I didn't want to spend $85 bucks on a new one and I figured I would try another project to see if it could be done. I have access to windshields they use on golf carts and figured why not? It turned out to be a simple shape that I would need and after a few cuts and measurements, I had my diagram with angles predetermined for my cuts. I cut the windshield with a die grinder and cut off wheel and used tape to keep my lines straight. Since the windshield is flat, I needed to bend the sides to wrap around 90 degrees. This was accomplished with a heat gun that was constantly moving. Don't stop on one spot or it will burn and leave a blur spot. Clamp the windshield between two pieces of metal and heat. Check the angles with a square and presto. All I had to do to mount was to drill holes and mount with 90 degree shelf brackets to the top to the console. I also learned to tape both sides of the windshield with tape where I was drilling so it doesn't crack. Hope this helps someone else save some money and it turned out to be a fun project. Happy Fishing. Rollcaster........................

Sounds like you did a good job for a fraction of the cost. If you get a chance post a pic of the finished product.;)

The beginning and finished product. As you can see on the windshield, if you linger with the heat when bending the corners, it will scorch the plastic and leave a blur. Rollcaster.....................................

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Originally Posted by Rollcaster

The beginning and finished product. As you can see on the windshield, if you linger with the heat when bending the corners, it will scorch the plastic and leave a blur. Rollcaster.....................................

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Is that just plexi glass ? Looks great by the way.

Very nice!

FishBasket,
It's not the same as plexiglass or think it's not the same. I've used plexiglass for other projects in the past and it was more rigid than the acrylic windshield. I had to be careful cutting it and especially drilling holes in it. I would get hot from the bit and sometimes split. I would also crack around the holes if the mounts brackets and measurements weren't perfect. The acrylic was definitely easier to deal with. And I've been around these windshields for year and they're very durable. Plus, the windshield was at a great price to me.

Looks Good!!

great job

that looks really good! I've got a question though. How does just putting a piece of tape on something like that or a formica veneer keep it from cracking? I've always heard that but for the life of me can't see what the tape does to prevent the cracking. Is it just that it dampens the surface so the bit doesn't dance and jump on it?

Mike

That looks factory made. Great job.:p