How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

[zonaman]

I've got an old fiberglass cabin cruiser with a couple of broken window pillars. How would I repair these?

Thanks

 

[AZSenza]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

I'd say place a thin piece of aluminum about 6 inches long on the inside for structural support (if its flat) then a couple layers of glass over it, followed by body filler on the outside to cover the crack.

 

[zonaman]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

I'd say place a thin piece of aluminum about 6 inches long on the inside for structural support (if its flat) then a couple layers of glass over it, followed by body filler on the outside to cover the crack.

Thanks for the reply! It's very flat on the inside. Just to be clear, would I fiberglass over that piece of aluminum?

 

[AZSenza]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

You dont have to but it adds strength. If it were me I'd run a thin layer of glass cloth over it.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

It don't even have to be aluminum, you could use a piece of fiberglass panel too, (the stuff you cover bathroom walls with comes to mind), or even wood but aluminum and glass will be rot proof. You could even cut a piece of glass from a junk boat. Attach the rear support, then feather out the crack and fill first with glass resin and some fiberglass cloth, then fill and smooth as needed with filler to make it perfect again. I'd even consider drilling a few small holes for the resin to hold too if the area will see any stress.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

I would not use aluminum as glass doesn't bond to it well at all. Wood will work and this is not a area that should be prone to rotting. Fiberglass would also work well. If you don't have a scrap piece, just make one on a piece of wax paper by wetting out a layer of mat, then glass then mat, then glass until you reach the desired thickness.

Where the break occurred is probably poorly supported so a full length support on the backside will help to prevent future failures.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

Depending on how the glass mounts, and if you have room, you could also use a strip of foam to form a vertical rib for added strength too.

 

[zonaman]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

I was able to hold the pillar in place with a 15lbs anchor on the roof and some clamps. Used fiberglass and some matt along with a little glazing compound. I reinforced the backside with a 1" wide strip of aluminumn epoxied to the inside. Turned out pretty good. My thanks for your advice!

 

[AZSenza]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

That looks sweet! Great job.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

Is that an old Bellboy? I love those boats!

 

[S. Toth]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

Wow, I couldn't even tell there was ever a crack after that fix! Great Job!

 

[zonaman]

Re: How to Mend Broken Windshield Pillar

Is that an old Bellboy? I love those boats!

1959 Dorsett Catalina, Here's a "before" photo.