windshield install question
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windshield install question
I just installed a new 8" recurve shield on my 2001 FLHT. I noticed after the install there is a small gap between the plexiglass where it meets the molding on both sides. It's mostly along the middle portion. The sides meet tight. The gap is approx 1/16". To be honest I have only had the bike a few weeks and did not notice this on the previous shield but also was not looking for it. I looked at the parts diagram and see I am missing a stip of cushion tape. I will pick that up asap and it could help fill the void. I was wondering if others had experienced this and if a thin bead of clear silicon caulk would be the answer?? The new shield is actually thicker than the previous one so maybe it's not flexing to mate up like the old one??
Last edited by noserider; Nov 12, 2011 at 04:32 PM.
Mine has that too. I put on a Freedom shield, and I think the extra thickness is what does it - the fiberglass on the cowl if pretty thin there. I am going to get the chrome accent strip and see if that helps. It could be a problem if you ride in the rain a lot, but other than that, I have been riding for months with the little gap...
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Personally, I wouldn't fill it with silicone. I would check the three inserts to make sure that none of them are pulling out of the plastic or anything (if so, replace with the brass insert fix-it parts from the dealer) and I would reinstall with the cushion tape and tighten from the center one then do the outsides. Hopefully that helps, but if it doesn't I still couldn't bring myself to fill with silicone.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Chesapeake Virginia
Make sure the large holes in the windshield are around the boss on the inner fairing. If the boss is not in the hole properly the windshield will crack. I found if you get the center on the boss and tighten the screw to almost tight and then get each side positioned on its boss it is easier. I don't have any gaps and don't think the accent strip will cover it.
Good Luck
dawg can go crazy with all the screwing, crack, tight, hole, and positions in this reply.
Good Luck
dawg can go crazy with all the screwing, crack, tight, hole, and positions in this reply.
I have the Freedom shield and mine had the same gap in the middle. I have a real bright flash light and was able to see the the center mounting slot on the shield was wasn't fully mounted. The shield center mounting slot was sitting in front of the plastic stub even tho it was high enough to still put the screw in. So I just now pulled the shield and mounted the center slot first, making sure the plastic mounting stub was in the slot of the shield and then put in the other two screws on the outer mounts and now the gap is gone. I am glad I caught this thread or I wouldn't have known. I have been riding with shield like that all summer. Thanks. But take a real close look with a got light and you will see what I was taking about. At least that work for me.