Windshield cutting
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
+1 Using the jigsaw.
1. Tape the foot of the jigsaw
2. Tape both sides of the windshield
3. Measure, Measure, Measure
4. Used an old towel to lay the windshield on to prevent scratches elsewhere
5. Absolutely new blades
6. Take you time, seriously take your time if the blade getting hot all it does is cut and then melt the shavings behind it. In effect resealing the area that just got cut.
7. Let the blade do the work. In other words don't shove on the saw.
Unless you are very proficient with a scroll saw I wouldn't suggest that method. But if you are you already have the skills to git 'er done!.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Yup, I cut the windshield on my Heritage when it was only one week old. Followed the video to a "T" and it worked perfectly. As a matter of fact my job looks better than the factory.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
As has been said, lots of blue tape and a jig saw. I have a quick release HD windshield on my 99 FXSTC, and I cut it out where it fits around the head light, and lowered the lower clamps below the lower triple tree. That way I could lower the whole windshield about 2" without cutting the top. That also helped with buffeting as the windshield is lower at the bottom.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From:
Windshield
I cheated also and took to a glass shop. However I would suggest you not mark the windshield while the front end is off the ground getting the tire changed. Bad results will come. It will be a little shorter than planned. Just saying.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 177
From: Tipp City, Ohio
I did mine several years ago. It worked out well, except I noticed spots of coating peeled off the windshield with the tape. Maybe I used the wrong blue tape. The next shield is going to the glass shop.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
First one I did I used a Dremel because I did not have a jig saw. The second one I did I used a jig saw. I would not recommend a Dremel but would recommend a jig saw.
After cutting and polishing the edge by using a series of finer and finer abrasives use acetone to give it that "factory edge". Wrap a thin rag around your gloved finger and rub it back an forth on the edge a few times. Practice on the piece you cut off first - that'll give you the feel for it. If you don't have any acetone and don't want buy a quart to use just a few drops use for wife or girl friend's nail polish - same thing.
After cutting and polishing the edge by using a series of finer and finer abrasives use acetone to give it that "factory edge". Wrap a thin rag around your gloved finger and rub it back an forth on the edge a few times. Practice on the piece you cut off first - that'll give you the feel for it. If you don't have any acetone and don't want buy a quart to use just a few drops use for wife or girl friend's nail polish - same thing.
