top of windshield

68runabout

Recruit
Joined
Apr 25, 2006
Messages
4
need some advice on bending C channel to go around the top of a plexiglass windshield to finish it off.
 

alden135

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
1,770
Re: top of windshield

Use the search function with "windsheild" and Mark42 for the screen name. He posted an entire how to on making those yourself.It's a good read.
 

dmarkvid2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Messages
478
Re: top of windshield

What is the C-channel made of? And what size? Is there a chance of finding a Plastic C-channel cap?
 

Rick K

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
235
Re: top of windshield

68, Bending aluminum C Channel to form around the top of your windshield is not an easy task. It has to be annealed (I beleive that's the right word). This entails heating with acceteline just to the point where it could begin to actually melt. I did this on a piece of C that needed just a little help to fit my windshield. I'm not a welder or fabricator, so I just went by sheer luck. It worked, but wasn't perfect. And, it's messy, as the aluminum becomes coated with black oxidation that needs to be cleaned.<br /><br />On another project, I used a flexible vinyl molding that fit right over the plexi. It's barbed on the inside for grip, but I used a tiny bit of adhesive and it held. It comes in a roll for about 30 bucks. Do a searh in the iboats store and you'll see it there.<br /><br />Check Mark's windshield article and his others, you'll get some excellent ideas.<br /><br />Good luck<br />Rick
 

68runabout

Recruit
Joined
Apr 25, 2006
Messages
4
Re: top of windshield

The orginal piece was pretty thick aluminum. I have a new windsheild now but at 70MPH I can see it flexing a little going down the hwy. Is there any molded plastic pieces out there that can be put together. If it wasn't for the radius corners it would be easy to build with regular C channel stock.
 
Top