Trimming of Windshield
#1
03-12-2009, 05:47 PM
Trimming of Windshield
I just installed a new HD windshield on my 07 Softail Custom. The top edge of the windshield is in line with my line of sight. I either have to raise up and look over, or hunch down and look through the windshield. Looking through the windshield is a littlle blurry at the edge of the windshield. My question is, can the windshield be trimmed 1/2 to 1 inch? If so, how is it done?
#3
03-12-2009, 06:04 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Jacksonville, Fl
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We tape it up, draw the line where we want to cut it then use a band saw. Next clean it up with an orbital sander. Start out course then work down to fine. We've done this a few times and always had good results.
#7
03-12-2009, 06:25 PM
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If you're a do it yourself person, here you go..
Step 1.
Make a template using mount board to get the desired curvature. Mark the windshield using a fine sharpie along the template. Remove the windshield from the motorcycle. Mask the at the template line and make sure the tape is at least 4 to 6 inches high, on both sides of the windshield so to protect the windshield from scratches when you cut. Use good quality tape.
Step 3.
Cut on the concave side using a jigsaw at low speed with a wood blade along the top of the tape or just inside the mark. Go slowly and evenly and do not press hard or you will tear the tape and possibly scratch the windshield. Place a thin piece of cardboard over the outer, curved edge of the windshield when you cut. As you cut along the tape, place some masking tape along the tail end of the cut and secure it to the main shield to prevent the cut piece from vibrating. Remove the tape.
Step 4.
Stand the windshield upright, wrap an old sheet around it and sand the cut edge. Start with 80-grit sandpaper in a palm sander or wrapped around a wood block, then repeat with 220-grit for a smooth finish.
Step 5.
Apply a very thin film of a universal solvent, methyl ethyl keytone works best, which "melts" plastic, by placing a small amount on a rag. This gives the windshield a very smooth, clean edge (Be carefull you don't get any of the MEK on the windshield as it will permanently damage the plastic). Re-attach the windshield to your motorcycle.
Step 1.
Make a template using mount board to get the desired curvature. Mark the windshield using a fine sharpie along the template. Remove the windshield from the motorcycle. Mask the at the template line and make sure the tape is at least 4 to 6 inches high, on both sides of the windshield so to protect the windshield from scratches when you cut. Use good quality tape.
Step 3.
Cut on the concave side using a jigsaw at low speed with a wood blade along the top of the tape or just inside the mark. Go slowly and evenly and do not press hard or you will tear the tape and possibly scratch the windshield. Place a thin piece of cardboard over the outer, curved edge of the windshield when you cut. As you cut along the tape, place some masking tape along the tail end of the cut and secure it to the main shield to prevent the cut piece from vibrating. Remove the tape.
Step 4.
Stand the windshield upright, wrap an old sheet around it and sand the cut edge. Start with 80-grit sandpaper in a palm sander or wrapped around a wood block, then repeat with 220-grit for a smooth finish.
Step 5.
Apply a very thin film of a universal solvent, methyl ethyl keytone works best, which "melts" plastic, by placing a small amount on a rag. This gives the windshield a very smooth, clean edge (Be carefull you don't get any of the MEK on the windshield as it will permanently damage the plastic). Re-attach the windshield to your motorcycle.
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#8
03-12-2009, 06:27 PM
i did mine with a dremil and a plastic cutting wheel for it.
tape the window with painters tape make a line where the new cul will be. cut slow them i took a extra fine sanding block to the edge then finshed the edge with polishing compound, done cost 15$ oh and 7$ for beer
tape the window with painters tape make a line where the new cul will be. cut slow them i took a extra fine sanding block to the edge then finshed the edge with polishing compound, done cost 15$ oh and 7$ for beer
#10
03-12-2009, 06:33 PM
If you're a do it yourself person, here you go..
Step 1.
Make a template using mount board to get the desired curvature. Mark the windshield using a fine sharpie along the template. Remove the windshield from the motorcycle. Mask the at the template line and make sure the tape is at least 4 to 6 inches high, on both sides of the windshield so to protect the windshield from scratches when you cut. Use good quality tape.
Step 3.
Cut on the concave side using a jigsaw at low speed with a wood blade along the top of the tape or just inside the mark. Go slowly and evenly and do not press hard or you will tear the tape and possibly scratch the windshield. Place a thin piece of cardboard over the outer, curved edge of the windshield when you cut. As you cut along the tape, place some masking tape along the tail end of the cut and secure it to the main shield to prevent the cut piece from vibrating. Remove the tape.
Step 4.
Stand the windshield upright, wrap an old sheet around it and sand the cut edge. Start with 80-grit sandpaper in a palm sander or wrapped around a wood block, then repeat with 220-grit for a smooth finish.
Step 5.
Apply a very thin film of a universal solvent, methyl ethyl keytone works best, which "melts" plastic, by placing a small amount on a rag. This gives the windshield a very smooth, clean edge (Be carefull you don't get any of the MEK on the windshield as it will permanently damage the plastic). Re-attach the windshield to your motorcycle.
Step 1.
Make a template using mount board to get the desired curvature. Mark the windshield using a fine sharpie along the template. Remove the windshield from the motorcycle. Mask the at the template line and make sure the tape is at least 4 to 6 inches high, on both sides of the windshield so to protect the windshield from scratches when you cut. Use good quality tape.
Step 3.
Cut on the concave side using a jigsaw at low speed with a wood blade along the top of the tape or just inside the mark. Go slowly and evenly and do not press hard or you will tear the tape and possibly scratch the windshield. Place a thin piece of cardboard over the outer, curved edge of the windshield when you cut. As you cut along the tape, place some masking tape along the tail end of the cut and secure it to the main shield to prevent the cut piece from vibrating. Remove the tape.
Step 4.
Stand the windshield upright, wrap an old sheet around it and sand the cut edge. Start with 80-grit sandpaper in a palm sander or wrapped around a wood block, then repeat with 220-grit for a smooth finish.
Step 5.
Apply a very thin film of a universal solvent, methyl ethyl keytone works best, which "melts" plastic, by placing a small amount on a rag. This gives the windshield a very smooth, clean edge (Be carefull you don't get any of the MEK on the windshield as it will permanently damage the plastic). Re-attach the windshield to your motorcycle.
