cutting a windshield
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From:
cutting a windshield
Bought a full size windshield for my 02 FXDL, and it works fine, but it's just a little too tall. I can see over it, but would still like it to be a little shorter. Who would cut a piece of plexiglass like that? I asked the independent shop I deal with, and he said he couldn't do it. Who should I ask, and it is a good or bad idea?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 1
From: Conway, SC
RE: cutting a windshield
I've had read in the re.motorcycles.harley forum about riders who have done that.
examples :
I took my National Cycle wind screen for my Dyna Super Sport to a glass
cutter....and marked the amount to be removed...it was cut and returned to
me while I waited....and I smoothed it with abrasive pads purchased at Auto
Zone
I have used the method Redbeard suggested and cut down three different
windshields. This ain't rocket science. Jig saw did a great job and then I
used a medium file to touch up areas that needed it. TAPE windhield (both
sides) and draw line on tape. It helps if you have someone to help add a
little pressure to the windshield while you are cutting (i clamped mine with
to the table and sawed with one hand and help pressure with the other as it
tends to vibrate like crazy. The buds at the glass shop suggested the torch
method but I have not tried it. Didn't think it needed it. One more
thing, use file to take off sharp edges and it will leave a more finished
look. Some glass shops have a tool for removing this edge and might let you
buy one. it is a small blade made just for removing the sharp edge.
usually about 5 bucks.
Piece of cake. Cover the area with 2-inch masking tape, including an area
several inches away from your intended cut line. Mark where you want to cut
with a ballpoint pen. Chuck up a fine-tooth, metal cutting blade in a saber
saw and lubricate the blade with WD-40 to minimize heat build-up. Go slow
when making the cut and keep the blade lubricated. Any burrs that roll up
due to heat build-up can be removed with fine sandpaper.
examples :
I took my National Cycle wind screen for my Dyna Super Sport to a glass
cutter....and marked the amount to be removed...it was cut and returned to
me while I waited....and I smoothed it with abrasive pads purchased at Auto
Zone
I have used the method Redbeard suggested and cut down three different
windshields. This ain't rocket science. Jig saw did a great job and then I
used a medium file to touch up areas that needed it. TAPE windhield (both
sides) and draw line on tape. It helps if you have someone to help add a
little pressure to the windshield while you are cutting (i clamped mine with
to the table and sawed with one hand and help pressure with the other as it
tends to vibrate like crazy. The buds at the glass shop suggested the torch
method but I have not tried it. Didn't think it needed it. One more
thing, use file to take off sharp edges and it will leave a more finished
look. Some glass shops have a tool for removing this edge and might let you
buy one. it is a small blade made just for removing the sharp edge.
usually about 5 bucks.
Piece of cake. Cover the area with 2-inch masking tape, including an area
several inches away from your intended cut line. Mark where you want to cut
with a ballpoint pen. Chuck up a fine-tooth, metal cutting blade in a saber
saw and lubricate the blade with WD-40 to minimize heat build-up. Go slow
when making the cut and keep the blade lubricated. Any burrs that roll up
due to heat build-up can be removed with fine sandpaper.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 0
RE: cutting a windshield
HD's windshields are made of LEXAN a G. E. polycarbonate product .
I've not worked on a windshield but I have worked/ machined lexan quite a bit over the years .
I wouldn't give it a second thought to work on a shield .
Extremely durable and easily worked , never found any poly that could compare to lexan .
Make sure your cutting tools are dead sharp to minimize burrs .
Main thing is not to scratch it when working on it ,tape it up good . GO For It.
I've not worked on a windshield but I have worked/ machined lexan quite a bit over the years .
I wouldn't give it a second thought to work on a shield .
Extremely durable and easily worked , never found any poly that could compare to lexan .
Make sure your cutting tools are dead sharp to minimize burrs .
Main thing is not to scratch it when working on it ,tape it up good . GO For It.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From:
RE: cutting a windshield
Thanks for the suggestions-for me, I will opt for finding a glass cutter shop, due to the fact that my mechanical ability is confined to the fact that I have no mechanical ability!! If I started cutting my own windshield, I would probably wind up with a windshield 6" high!![sm=badidea.gif]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: cutting a windshield
Here is all you need to know to do a windshield cut.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_312103/tm.htm
Regards,
Bill
https://www.hdforums.com/m_312103/tm.htm
Regards,
Bill
Novice
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
RE: cutting a windshield
I did this 20 yrs ago for my Goldwing and it turned out great. Tip-have a helper with a spray bottle of water to keep the temps down when youre cutting as the plastic will tend to melt together.
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