Best method to cut down a windshield?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Central Ontario, Canada
Best method to cut down a windshield?
I have a bat-wing fairing and my windshield is 11.75" high in the center. In the morning (when we are all a bit taller) I see over it, but most of the time the top is right in my line of sight. I would like to nip about 2" off it. What is the best way?
I'm 6'4".
I'm 6'4".
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,950
Likes: 4
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
1. Using existing windshield make a cardboard template of the curvature.
2. Put masking tape on the windscreen about 3-4 inches wide where you want to make the cut.
3. Using the template made in 1. above draw curvature across the tape from step 2.
4. Cut above line made in step 3 with an electric saw.
5. Use a belt sander to smooth cut from step 4. to line made in step 3.
6. Remove excess tape.
7. Polish and enjoy
Or take it to a glass shop and let them do it.
2. Put masking tape on the windscreen about 3-4 inches wide where you want to make the cut.
3. Using the template made in 1. above draw curvature across the tape from step 2.
4. Cut above line made in step 3 with an electric saw.
5. Use a belt sander to smooth cut from step 4. to line made in step 3.
6. Remove excess tape.
7. Polish and enjoy
Or take it to a glass shop and let them do it.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
Here's an article submitted by Bill Nourse that will show you how https://www.hdforums.com/m_73850/tm.htm
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
I used a jigsaw with a hacksaw blade. It cut the windshield like a hot knife in butter. Didn't break out the belt sander, instead I hand sanded using 120 then 320 grit paper. Polished with 400 then 600 the 1000 grit wet/dry paper. Looks completely factory done. The cut edge is even slightly rounded due to the hand sanding (using a pad). I just happened to have the above sand papers on hand... 
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
I took mine to our local glass shop and they did it in 15 minutes and charged me $15. I just marked how far down I wanted it cut.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,307
Likes: 9,428
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
Ken
My suggestion is buy a different windshield from these guys:
http://www.customflhtwindshields.net/index.htm
You can get better wind protection at a reasonable price. I sold my take off windshield on e-bay for $100 and this allowed to buy the height and style I wanted and have money left over just in case you decide to do some more stuff to your bike. I am 5' 10" and would rec. the 9" tall model. I got the dark tint flat top and it looks real sharp. The windshields they sell are top quality and look great. They have all heights.
My suggestion is buy a different windshield from these guys:
http://www.customflhtwindshields.net/index.htm
You can get better wind protection at a reasonable price. I sold my take off windshield on e-bay for $100 and this allowed to buy the height and style I wanted and have money left over just in case you decide to do some more stuff to your bike. I am 5' 10" and would rec. the 9" tall model. I got the dark tint flat top and it looks real sharp. The windshields they sell are top quality and look great. They have all heights.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
RE: Best method to cut down a windshield?
I bought a new windshield on Ebay for 18 dollars brand new with the plastic protective paper still on. It looks great and I have the original for future use. I went with the slightly tinted.
Good luck.
[IMG]local://upfiles/494/F8B115310D2644F288B71058DEA99DA0.jpg[/IMG]
Good luck.
[IMG]local://upfiles/494/F8B115310D2644F288B71058DEA99DA0.jpg[/IMG]
