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Author Topic: Windshield for 1974 170  (Read 321 times)

February 21, 2019, 08:51:59 AM
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Abattsw

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Windshield for 1974 170
« on: February 21, 2019, 08:51:59 AM »
Wondering if anyone has experience with fabricating windshields.  When I restored my 170 several years ago I had to replace the windshield.  I ended up fabricating my own out of 1/4 in thick smoked acrylic. It look great at first, but after a year, it shows stress cracks in the corner radius' where I heated and bent the windshield.  Anybody have better luck with another material?  I was thinking of trying Polycarbonate this time...not sure if this will be better though.
Wes

February 22, 2019, 10:09:58 AM
Reply #1

wingtime

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Re: Windshield for 1974 170
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2019, 10:09:58 AM »
Acrylic is the way to go.  You have to heat the bend point with a nichrome wire in a heat box. The trick is getting the radius right and polishing the edges very smooth and poilished to prevent stress risers that lead to cracks.  Also any holes have to be drilled with a special drill bit for acrylic.  Same thing regualr drill bits bite in too hard leaving tiny cracks that will grow.  There is a way to dull a regular bit for use on acrylic. Again the edges of the holes have to be smooth to prevent cracking.
1998 Explorer w/ Etec 250


1987 170 w/ Evinrude 90

February 22, 2019, 11:47:42 AM
Reply #2

Abattsw

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Re: Windshield for 1974 170
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2019, 11:47:42 AM »
Thanks for the info.  Looks like I just need to refine my heating method.
Wes

 

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