replacement windsheild

[dbwill]

Has any one had any luck finding a replacement windsheild for the factory fairing for a 1978e?

[Ken Talbot]

You could consider making your own new windshield....

[TopCatGr58]

Making your own.

I just read the tech tips about this. They both discuss using LEXAN, which from what I've been told is stronger, but more easily scratched, and it is about 2-3 times as expensive as PLEXIGLASS. Plexi is a little more brittle, but still workable as long as you're careful.

I'm currently working on making a replacement for my cheapo entire clear windshield since I broke a corner off during a fall! DOH! You will want to get a jig saw blade for laminate material, it has a downward cut angle, and run the saw at high speed and progress it very slowly. With the protective paper cover on the Plexi, I have been able to make some very pristine cuts so far. Support/press against the Plexi when drilling holes to keep it form flexing and popping/riding up on the drill bit when you break through, best to reduce drilling pressure when you're close to prevent it from doing this and possibly getting a crack.

I will be bending mine as well, BTW, PLEXI "BOILS-Bubbles" at 450 degrees F ! ! ! I did a second test, and it can bend fairly easily at 250 degrees, I have a barrel or some other piece of furniture with the required bend angle that I will be laying it on when I take it from the OVEN and pressing it against to bend it. I'll post some pictures later on today when I get it all done!!! My 18x24 piece was only $8.00!!

T.C.

[TopCatGr58]

Finished Windshield

Hey there folks,

Well, here are a couple of shots of my new replacement shield that I was able to cut, drill, bend and mount on my bike using the old mounting hardware that was for the old shield. Addendum notes, the better temperature I found was 210-225F maximum, and to remove the special scratch protective paper coating prior to heating and bending, not for any fire prevention, but if left on, it causes the surface to get a very distorting dimpled texture in it that is kinda hard to see thru!!!!! I used the fine sanding drum on my Dremmel to slightly round off the sharp corners and edges and finished with a sanding sponge. Hope this shows others that it can be done with Plexi as well as LEXAN, and a whole lot cheaper!!!

T.C.

[dbwill]

windsheild

Looks great, what was the thickness of the plastic?

[TopCatGr58]

How thick.

Thanks DB,

It was 3/16", I showed the guy at the auto glass counter my old one, he went back and found a piece that he had left over, I didn't know whether it was available in any version thicker or thinner! It was called CYRO brand Acrylite Acrylic Sheet!

T.C.

[2fast]

replacement plastic

Gustafsson Plastic can make just about whatever you need, pretty reasonable too. http://home.aol.com/LGusta2587/

[superfeed]

I found replacement windshields for my 79 Standard with the Vetter/Yamaha fairing from cyclewarables.com. The 21.5" standard clear is $49.95. accwhse.com also carries them. They may be manufactured by Slip Streamer as they are listed on their website as well. If you need the replacement mounting breakaway plastic screws( so the shield comes off without busting the fairing), these are available from Craig Vetter's website for around $5. The shields may ship with them though.

If anybody is interested, I've got a Vetter/Yamaha fairing for an XS with mounting bracket in good condition ( Charcoal Grey) with the square headlight.

[superfeed]

Oh..., Big Note:

The grey fairing I refer to, does need a replacement shield.

[Pat Kelly]

Dennis Kirk has Pacifico and Vetter windshields for around $60.00