Anyone had their windshield cut down?
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 0
From: Chicago.
Tape it
Mark it
Cut it with a GOOD jig saw. (If you're lucky enough to have a band saw even better.)
Finish with a belt sander (fine grit)
Take your time, will look great.
DO NOT use a roto zip or dremel tool. Both will float and screw things up regardless of what the wannabe experts might try to tell you.
Have done it a dozen times or so.
Will look great!
Mark it
Cut it with a GOOD jig saw. (If you're lucky enough to have a band saw even better.)
Finish with a belt sander (fine grit)
Take your time, will look great.
DO NOT use a roto zip or dremel tool. Both will float and screw things up regardless of what the wannabe experts might try to tell you.
Have done it a dozen times or so.
Will look great!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Central Oregon
A couple of things.. use a fine metal cutting blade on the jigsaw will leave you with less sanding. Trace the edge on some stiff paper, move it down, mark it, tape it up good to prevent scratches from the jigsaw. I used a orbital sander and then went over it by hand and rounded the edge to match the factory. Wipe the edge with a little lacquer thinner and you won't be able to tell it from the factory edge.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
good tips on how to do it but I'm not going there. One, I don't own any type of tool to cut it and two, I will leave it to the professionals. Now I need to decide how much to have them cut down.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Get some thin tape and mark across the windshield where you think it should be cut (you should be looking just over the windshield while sitting comfortably in your normal riding position). Go for a ride. Repeat as necessary until you've got it right. Then bring it to a good glass shop. Cost me 20 bux, worth every penny. Can't tell it's been cut.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
I paid a plastics firm $25. Marked the height and they cut it and polished it. Looks stock. If you're in Oakland county in Michigan, I can tell you where they're located. I don't have the tools nor the experience, I'd rather pay someone. I went to a glass store, Henderson glass, and asked them if they can cut it. They referred me to the other company.
Last edited by barjbar; Sep 18, 2008 at 09:35 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
A couple of things.. use a fine metal cutting blade on the jigsaw will leave you with less sanding. Trace the edge on some stiff paper, move it down, mark it, tape it up good to prevent scratches from the jigsaw. I used a orbital sander and then went over it by hand and rounded the edge to match the factory. Wipe the edge with a little lacquer thinner and you won't be able to tell it from the factory edge.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
I did mine & you can't tell the difference from a factory job. I followed this video & it worked like a charm. Use a fine & sharp hack saw blade. I changed to a second new blade halfway through the shield.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQj05Db-C3c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQj05Db-C3c