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cutting a windshield

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Old Oct 17, 2006 | 06:20 PM
  #1  
siramazing's Avatar
siramazing
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Default 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
 
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Old Oct 17, 2006 | 06:43 PM
  #2  
mikeurig's Avatar
mikeurig
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,100
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From: Conway, SC
Default 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.


 
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Old Oct 17, 2006 | 07:55 PM
  #3  
KeithB's Avatar
KeithB
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: South of Utica New York
Default RE: cutting a windshield

any glass shop can do it for you.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2006 | 08:32 PM
  #4  
High Gear's Avatar
High Gear
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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Default 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.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 02:27 PM
  #5  
siramazing's Avatar
siramazing
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Default 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]
 
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 12:01 AM
  #6  
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billnourse
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Default 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
 
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Old Oct 23, 2006 | 12:01 AM
  #7  
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02glide
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Default 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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