Can't Cut Down Newer Tinted Windshield?
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, Fl.
Can't Cut Down Newer Tinted Windshield?
I have an '09 Electra Glide Classic and wanted to cut down my tinted 9" H-D windshield. A local glass shop that used to do this said they wouldn't cut down windshields anymore because of the material. Is there something unique about the newer windshields that causes problems? Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
I think they are still some type of Lexan / plastic. If that's the still the case, I am guessing that the glass shop wants to score it and snap the piece off and it chips around the edges, they dont want to be responsible.
I would tape off on both in and outside of the shield, draw the curve you want on the outside face and either cut it with a band saw or saber saw with a fine metal cutting blade. When you cut plastic or lexan if you cut too fast it will reglue it self back together behind the saw blade....it heats and melts the plastic. File the edges and your done. Placing tape actually does two things....prevents chips and prevents scratches from the saber saw or band saw base. I have cut a lot of plastic and Lexan with both a saber and band saw without issue. I cut a whole lot more formica kitchen and bath counter tops with a saber saw and its a lot harder and chips far easier than a HD windshield.
I would tape off on both in and outside of the shield, draw the curve you want on the outside face and either cut it with a band saw or saber saw with a fine metal cutting blade. When you cut plastic or lexan if you cut too fast it will reglue it self back together behind the saw blade....it heats and melts the plastic. File the edges and your done. Placing tape actually does two things....prevents chips and prevents scratches from the saber saw or band saw base. I have cut a lot of plastic and Lexan with both a saber and band saw without issue. I cut a whole lot more formica kitchen and bath counter tops with a saber saw and its a lot harder and chips far easier than a HD windshield.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 23
From: Orange County Texas
Once you get the edge sand and everything the way you want it you can use a little heat to finish the edge. a propane torch or a turbo lighter will do the job and give you a near perfect factory edge. it doesn't take much just touch it and back off and work your way around the windshield.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: San Antonion, Texas
I've done the same thing my Road King. I have 3 different shields of different lengths, depending on the driving weather. Suggestion, practice on the cut-off when fininishing the edge with heat.
Ride safe,
Ride safe,
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Just cut the bottom off. It's very simple. I've done 2 with a pair of tin snips, a forstner bit, and metal file. Use the stock windshield as a template, cut with snips (or shears), drill hole for mounts, and clean rough spots with file.
Dave
Dave
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, Fl.
Well thanks for all the advice. Just cut my windshield down about 3 1/2 inches and it came out great. I now have a great view ABOVE my windshield and won't have to worry about looking at dead bugs splatter!
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