Best method to trim windshields... ?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northwest
Best method to trim windshields... ?
Looking for a good way to trim my quick detach windshield to fit around my new headlight. My first thoughts are using a dremel with a thin cutting wheel and making progressively deeper passes, then cleaning everything up with fine files and fine grit sandpaper.
Anybody else done this?
Anybody else done this?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: The High Desert, SoCal
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: C.C.,TX
After I scribed the arc I needed with a grease pencil,I used a diegrinder with a 21/2 inch wheel to cut the radius followed by #60 grit, then #120, then #400 wet. I lowered my Q/D down 1/12 inches over the head light on my W.G.
grump
grump
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Check the link.. I also used a little vegetable oil, does not hurt the shield a bit and cools the blade..
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Depends how much material you want to remove. A hand jig saw is one way, which will cut a very narrow slot and can be manoeuvred around complex shapes. Take care and saw slowly, as there is a risk the plastic will stick to the saw blade.
Hand files can be used for removing small amounts of material, or finish off the edge of a sawn section, followed finally by fine abrasive papers. I have a dremel, but don't see it as very useful in this application!
I used all the above (except the dremel) to cut the profile on my windshield:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...rn-lights.html
Hand files can be used for removing small amounts of material, or finish off the edge of a sawn section, followed finally by fine abrasive papers. I have a dremel, but don't see it as very useful in this application!
I used all the above (except the dremel) to cut the profile on my windshield:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/membe...rn-lights.html
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: long island.ny
I used a jig saw with a fine wood blade. masked the wind shield and the jig saw off first then slowly cut. came out great. use progressive sand paper grits then used a torch on the cut end to give that clear factory finish.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
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From: Duluth, MN
A dremel works great. That's what I used to take 2" off my standard hieght compact quick release windshield. I taped it off, traced my radius and used a cutting wheel (don't remember what size as I used my nephew's tools). Used a small sanding drum on the dremel after that and finally some hand sanding. No scratches, and its a perfect hieght. Should be easy to cut yours to fit around your head light. Have fun.
tim
tim
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Wow! I'm impressed. Can you explain that a bit more? I have visions of my windshield shrivelling up in front of my eyes, under the heat....
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Northwest
Thank guys! Between your experiences and advice: jig-saw it is!
I do have a nice dremel setup, but frankly I was worried about the cutting wheel speed - even on slow, just melting instead of cutting. I'll use the dremel to help clean things up after.
BTW one article I read, the person used MEK instead of a torch to "re-clear" the edge of the windshield. Pretty ingenious
Well, I've got my weekend project!
I do have a nice dremel setup, but frankly I was worried about the cutting wheel speed - even on slow, just melting instead of cutting. I'll use the dremel to help clean things up after.
BTW one article I read, the person used MEK instead of a torch to "re-clear" the edge of the windshield. Pretty ingenious
Well, I've got my weekend project!