Can you fix a windshield

Hello all,

Well its that time of year, to go out and enjoy our rides.

Well that was what I was going to do today only to open my garage and find my bike on its side. A broken windsield is all that happened. :evil:

Anyway, has anybody tried to use epoxy or any other glue or whatever to fix an acrylic windshield.

The break happened right above the lower mounts so it needs fixed or replaced.

I got some 2 ton epoxy at wal-mart tonight to try it out but would like some advice first.

I guess I will be riding without a windshield for a while, at least I can ride.

Thanks,
Chris

 

If I understand you correctly, the windshield is broken near the bottom. And you want to glue the thin edges back together. If that is the case, don't waste your time. The lack of contact area, and the torque put on the windshield at speed will tear that sucker apart I would think. Maybe if you could put some sort of bracing across the crack it may hold.

Hope it helps

 

I've glued quite a thin shield to a little sport fairing back together and it actually held up. If your full shield is a thick plexishield like 1/4" thick, I think you might have luck repairing that. I can think of 2 different methods I'd try.

Plexi won't spread a crack by drilling a hole, and it's quite durable. Depending on how long the broken piece is, Say a 6" piece. You could drill 2 small holes on each side, one on the mounted piece, 1 perpendicular across the crack on the broken piece. Then do the same on the other end. This way you have a very strong method to pull the pieces together after adding the epoxy.

Another way would be, you can pick up small plexi pieces at Lowes & Home Depot, you could cut a guide to create a shelf to epoxy the broken piece to the mounted one then clamp it. But if you have a curved piece this would be hard to do, unless you carefully heated your guide piece with a heat gun until it's flexible, then clamp it down to mold it to the form of the broken area. Then try epoxying it.

Hey, when it's broke, anythings worth a try.

 

Re: Can you fix a windshield added pics





The windshield broke at the same place on both sides. The small part is where the bottom mound is located.

The plastic is about 1/4 inch thick.

Anybody else have any idea's?

Thanks

 

Since they are dark, decorative pieces, Have you thought of maybe taking some clear, thin plexi-glass, cutting them to the shape of the dark plexi and applying them on both sides with epoxy? This would make a sandwich of sorts, give awsome strength and a shiney appearence and you could clamp them on either side to get the epoxy to set real strong and clear.

 

I've glued a broken windshield with Goop and it held up for weeks. It was snapped off just above the chrome support so the glue wasn't noticable. I eventually replaced the windshield (too good of a deal to pass up) but if I wouldn't have replaced it, it would probably still be on the bike today. I would think any good epoxy would work (I'd try to find some clear stuff) if you mix it right and let it set for a couple days.
If you want to go the cheap route and just repair it to get by till you get a new windshield - use clear packaging tape on both sides and your good to go.

 

I'd send that job out to the Plexi-glass or Plastic welding pro's.
Chiefly because you want the repair done with a high degree of proficiency to have it look nice when its done.

The two sections need to be rejoined ... either with Acetone or Plasti-weld.
A section of material will need to be patterned to fit over the repair and applied to reinforce the repair.

Done right; the reinforcement section is bonded to the back of the repaired section in a manner that fuses the two surfaces.

 

I think I will just keep it off until I can get a new one, I would hate to have the repair break at highway speed and hit me in the face.

And if it requires me to go to have it professionaly fixed, I can get a new windshield for about $150.

I guess its time to save my pennies and ride in the open for a now.

Thanks for the advice everybody.

 

There was a write-up last month on how to mold and finish your own replacement windshields. You might want to look it up.

 

Here's a place to make an inquiry ... I got a new Windshield for my 900 for under 90-Bucks -- Delivered!

http://www.eaglescreens.com.au/

Or ...

SS-24V Hellfire from SlipStreamer
A shield built to cruise, literally! Specially designed shield provides excellent aerodynamic wind deflection and good looks and styling. Fully adjustable anodized aluminum ball and socket four-point mount system. Distinctive graphic. Available in clear or smoke tint.

http://www.slipstreamer.com/Product/Sport/sport.html

I have this one on my Max ... and I Love it! Only $78.00 if you buy it from these guys:

http://www.mawonline.com/slipstre.htm

Good luck.

 

Like you say, at least your still riding.

This is one of those safety things that I believe youve hit on.
That plastic could be really dangerous to you and someone behind you if it breaks off at highway speeds.