SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Projects => Topic started by: povertyjet on March 16, 2009, 05:40:36 AM

Title: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on March 16, 2009, 05:40:36 AM

...so like I needed anymore projects, I decide to replace the windshield that my Kona had at one time. Although not for everyone, I think they add that classic look to old daycruisers.

looks kinda like somethings missing...
[attach=1]

[attach=2]

there are alot of compound curves, so making a template has taken some time...kinda gives the right idea...
[attach=3]

[attach=4]

I will eventually use 3/16" blue lexan or extruded plexiglass.  I have no experience in this, so if anyone has done this with any kind of success, please chime in...

povertyjet

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: Stevecat on March 16, 2009, 07:09:50 AM

You might contact one of these guys. I haven't used either of them but they claim to have a lot of OEM templates as well as lots of experience fabricating custom windshields.

http://www.wayneearl.com/default.asp

http://www.updplastics.com/

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: jet boat performance on March 16, 2009, 08:14:16 AM

Quote from: povertyjet on March 16, 2009, 05:40:36 AM

...so like I needed anymore projects, I decide to replace the windshield that my Kona had at one time. Although not for everyone, I think they add that classic look to old daycruisers.

looks kinda like somethings missing...
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

there are alot of compound curves, so making a template has taken some time...kinda gives the right idea...
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I will eventually use 3/16" blue lexan or extruded plexiglass.  I have no experience in this, so if anyone has done this with any kind of success, please chime in...

povertyjet

With due respect to Wayne Earl Co (whom I've dealt with before) Finneys  (Roger)  http://www.finneys.com/    is very much friend of this "sport" we love and very much into the Jet and boat racing scene These windshields are not cheap , expect top spend 400 plus PJet , I will also look around for you Tom

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: Brad @ SCJB on March 16, 2009, 09:30:11 AM

Rodger Finney has MANY templates for windshields and splash guards for many of the popular jet boats of the 70's and 80...not to mention all the modern stuff.

give him a call...he does top notch work

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on March 16, 2009, 10:13:59 PM

I can't ever see spending $400 bucks for this, so for now I am just going to fine tune my template, then I have some dark plexi that I might give a whirl.  A heat gun should work to make the bends, ya think?

I will include pictures of anything that I catch on fire...

p-jet

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: GT Jets on March 17, 2009, 12:17:00 AM

Quote from: povertyjet on March 16, 2009, 10:13:59 PM

I can't ever see spending $400 bucks for this, so for now I am just going to fine tune my template, then I have some dark plexi that I might give a whirl.  A heat gun should work to make the bends, ya think?

I will include pictures of anything that I catch on fire...

p-jet

You can build a bending bed for cheap p jet...

check it out!

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=169&

GT

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on March 17, 2009, 04:57:04 AM

great site GT, thanks!

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on March 24, 2009, 08:39:54 PM

I cut the plexiglass w/ 1/16" cutting wheel.  Used a DA sander to remove the melted slag and get a working edge.  Then I used a heatgun in a vice, passing the plexi in front to melt it and make the bend.  I used the DA to tune the curves and get the fit right.  Once it is mounted I will reheat it to make the bend a little better.  Once I have it, I will use it to make the template for the other side.

[attach=1]

[attach=2]

[attach=3]

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: Brad @ SCJB on March 24, 2009, 08:42:42 PM

damn! thats a damn good home job!

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: FORKEDUP on March 25, 2009, 07:19:05 AM

wow, that looks factory, nice work, keep the pics coming

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: OC2Vegas on March 25, 2009, 09:26:41 AM

I see a decent side business for you! Nice effin job!

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on March 25, 2009, 08:18:09 PM

thanks gents, appreciate that!  Lots left to do...as if there is ever an end...

Title: Re: windshield blues ***update***
Post by: povertyjet on March 28, 2009, 07:57:57 PM

Yesterday I went to WayneEarl Mfg. in Placentia , CA.  Dan is the owner and he and his crew run a top notch shop.  There are patterns for windshields and anything plexiglass from the 60's for a huge amount of big name boats.
The windshields I saw being made and installed looked like jewelery...real pros...If you need anything plexiglass, Dan will go out of his way to help you...Anyway I made a little more progress on my "venturi" windshield project.

I drilled the windshield, and using hardware I got from WayneEarl got it temporarily attached.  I still need to copy the pattern for the other side.  I used 1/4" rubber heater hose for the bottom trim...kinda ghetto but I had it in the garage...

[attach=1]     [attach=2]

[attach=3]     [attach=4]

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on May 17, 2009, 06:37:38 AM

So the windshield is done.  I cut and bent a black center piece that connects the two halves of the windshield, and tightened it all down.  It's not perfect, but hopefully it won't break for a couple seasons...I still want blue plexiglass.

 

[attach=1]   [attach=2]   [attach=3]

Also, check out the new cleats...41/2" Accon pop-ups.  I cut the bezels on the WJ.  Alot cleaner and safer than the old style cleats.

[attach=4]   [attach=5]

p-jet

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: 76 Bonneville on May 17, 2009, 07:15:04 AM

Looks like a pro did it. Personally I like the looks of the old venturi windshield.  Nice job Frank

Title: Re: windshield blues
Post by: povertyjet on May 17, 2009, 07:10:20 PM

Thanks Ron.