Cutiing down stock windshields
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Mr Wonderful has me thinking I misunderstood your question. Many riders including me have their stock windshields cut down. Never heard of and have never had any coating issues.
If you have a sabre saw it's easy to do yourself. I did mine and it turned out as nice as the factory. If you want to try it there are several videos and tutorials available online. If you do a search here you may find some links.
If you're not into the DIY stuff, any local glass shop should be willing to do it for you for under $50.
Edit: Here's the video tutorial I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQj05Db-C3c
If you have a sabre saw it's easy to do yourself. I did mine and it turned out as nice as the factory. If you want to try it there are several videos and tutorials available online. If you do a search here you may find some links.
If you're not into the DIY stuff, any local glass shop should be willing to do it for you for under $50.
Edit: Here's the video tutorial I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQj05Db-C3c
Last edited by jimmers1817; Jul 10, 2009 at 07:05 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Do a search on windshield cutting on this forum and you will get all the info you need to do it. I cut my Harley quick detach windshield with no problem, except I cut it out for the headlight on the bottom, and moved the lower clamps below the bottom triple tree. That way I get it lowered and at the same time get more protection down below. This was on a 99 Softail Custom. I have cut other windshields, and have never had any peeling of any coating.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 1
From: East TN
Not sure 'bout the coating thing...cut mine down last year, and haven't seen anything like that yet. Leave the windshield on the bike, and cover the bike with a sheet or whatever to keep the dust off. Lay ya several strips of masking tape 'cross the top...far enuf down the windshield to protect the part yer not gonna cut off. Then lay out yer mark on the tape for cuttin it, and use a jig saw to make the cut. Ya can then just use a normal sandin block to get a smooth finish on the cut. If ya step yer sandin down to a smooth grit, ya can end up with 'bout as smooth a finish as the original edge. Ya can work the stuff almost like wood.
If yer not comfortable doin this yerself...check with some local glass shops...they might be able to take care of it for ya.
If yer not comfortable doin this yerself...check with some local glass shops...they might be able to take care of it for ya.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
oh, I had a local glass shop do mine - cost $25.00. they cut 2 5/8" off the top and blended down the sides and polished the edges too.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,702
Likes: 38
From: Houston area
The only coating on mine is dehydrated dead bugs.
Do a search...watch the above link to video
Protect the area remaining so whatever you use to cut...probably sabre saw.... does not scratch surface it moves along. Take your time picking height and shape....lay out line carefully so it is reasonably symmetrical, don't hurry the cut, finish with a couple grits of sandpaper...you may need a pretty coarse paper with a block or a long file to remove any waviness in your cut then finishing down to 400 or so works ok and is readily available.
I understand most window shops will do this for you...but it is a snap for DIY John
Do a search...watch the above link to video
Protect the area remaining so whatever you use to cut...probably sabre saw.... does not scratch surface it moves along. Take your time picking height and shape....lay out line carefully so it is reasonably symmetrical, don't hurry the cut, finish with a couple grits of sandpaper...you may need a pretty coarse paper with a block or a long file to remove any waviness in your cut then finishing down to 400 or so works ok and is readily available.
I understand most window shops will do this for you...but it is a snap for DIY John
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
The glass shops in the Arlington, Tx area have quit cutting windshields, or at least I haven't found one that will do it. I have been advised to use jigsaws, dremel tools, and rotozip tools. Has anyone here tried a dremel tool or rotozip tool? My wife needs her windshield cut down and I may doing it this month.
sporty06
sporty06
