Heat bending a windshield

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Jan 28, 2012 | 09:24 AM

rhinotheking

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Joined: Jul 2010

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From: Saskatoon,Sk Canada

Heat bending a windshield

I've searched but have not come up with a valid answer for this.
I have put 16" apes on my RKC but I can only put them so far forward until they hit the windshield. I only need to push them another 2" forward maybe.
Can the stock windshield be gently heated with a heat gun and formed. I am unsure what the material is, polycarbonate, plexi, lexan???
I am aware that heating too quickly with too high of a heat will cause bubbles and browning but just wondering if anyone has experience with this.
I would think that using a broomstick or dowel to form the "grooves" would work?
Will it just be easier to modify the top mounting bracket? I dont want the shield to be too upright either.
Hope this makes sense.
Please show pics of your results if you have them.

Jan 28, 2012 | 09:41 AM

NDBadlands4-2

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 14,778

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From: Badlands of ND

The windows need to be heated and vacuum formed. Nt a job fr the garage mechanic. I wuld look into changing the mount or maybe a shorter or thinner shield?

Jan 28, 2012 | 03:08 PM

harleydavis

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

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From: Broomfield, CO

You won't be able to change the shape without super-heating the windshield and vacu-forming it over a mold. You'll probably have to modify the mounting hardware.

Jan 28, 2012 | 03:44 PM

Ragtop

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Joined: Sep 2006

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Good way to ruin a windshield, make sure to put up pics when you are done! LOL

Jan 28, 2012 | 03:56 PM

BLounge

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 21

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From: Red Wing, Mn.

would this maybe work?

http://www.kustombaggers.com/Billboa...atalogId=-1790

Jan 28, 2012 | 05:38 PM

MCSarge

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 3,029

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From: Michigan

Yes it is possible bend the sheild. Call a few sign shops and see if they have a heater for bending plastic. It's basically a heated electric rod mounted in a box. We used to bend plex all the time for sign faces. You can't make really elaborate bends with it. This will leave severe distortions in the windshield thou so it won't work if you have to look thru it.

Jan 28, 2012 | 08:08 PM

Fast Aire

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 865

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From: Reno, NV

It can be done but I dont recommend it for a garage based operation. The HD shield is Lexan with a hard coating applied. Generally, Lexan need to be heated to close to 180* F before its flexible enough to bend & could need more temp to do it. Heat it up wrong or bend it wrong & the hard coating will crack & possibly the shield too. I suggest you find a way to modify the shield mounts to move it forward. Maybe you can put spacers between the shield & the brackets.