New 'Stream windshield installation

[oldskier]

I have a brand new HS windshield for my '75 Viper, and it doesn't seem to fit too good...

If I line up the bottom edge of the windshield so that it covers the original holes in the deck, the frame is 1 1/2 in. in front of the holes on the gunnels.

Can the plexiglass stretch that far without breaking?

I wish I had filled the original holes in the deck. Now, do I have to fill and spot paint over my new paintjob, or is there something I'm missing?

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x10/bernieallan/DSCN0058.jpg

Bernie

[ksfastman]

I don't have an answer for your problem, only a question. Does the plexiglas lay flat on the deck or is there a lower "frame/channel it set's in? I need a windshield for my Viking. Thanks in advance

[oldskier]

It's got the frame channel on the lower lip...it don't fit too good either...the outside corners are turned up too far....

[Streamin101]

You should of filled the original holes in, i dont believe any stream windshield has the same holes. When you slide it ahead to cover the original holes is there enough frame left on the gunwall mounts to fasten her down? Or are you worried about the 1'' gap behined it.?

[oldskier]

Got enough to fasten down the rails, I can get a 1/2 to 1" pull back without too much stress on the plexi, but can't meet the original holes comfortably.

I'm thinking maybe a real hot day the plexi may be soft enough to pull the rails back all the way?

Sure don't want to bust it....

[wing nut]

what did you do to the transom? and are you putting rubrail back on the sides?

sorry off topic...

scott

[hsbob]

have you made any attemp to heat the plexaglss before trying to fit it. you can use a hot water bath like maybe a hot tub bot 102degrees maybe too low. if someone hase a metal tub big enough you can heat it with a 3 burner propane burner [range top type] or any thine else. that way it will give a little and not fracture [crack] as easliy. good luck.

you could paint a black strip on the bottom 3/4 to hide the old holes.

[oldskier]

Wingnut, I raised the transom when I replaced it in case I wanted to mount the engine without a jack plate. The original top bolt holes were 1 1/2" above the transom, a PO had put a wood block and a stainless plate on it. Yes, I got new rubber rubrail from Wefco.

hsbob, Haven't tried heating, but I might. If I have to paint anything, I will fill 'em and paint with the yellow.

[hsbob]

yellow would be the best way if you can match it. best of luck

by the way it look real good so far.

[JWTjr.]

Bernie, the holes won't match. Sorry to say, you should have filled them and re-drilled new holes to mount the new windshield. Spaeth's windshields are not necessarily the same as the original Minnesota ones. A place called Capri Plastics used to make the MN units, and some place in Montreal (I think) makes John's. John's also don't use the bottom rail (which was nothing more than a long piece of rubrail bent to a curve).

JT

[oldskier]

John, I remember you wondering why they didn't install the bottom rail on your boat when you brought the windshield to Tn.

All I can say is &^$&^#$^@#%&*&^(^%*&$%%!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

back to filling and sanding and painting and buffing......

So Happy It's Thursday....