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View Full Version : Windshield popped out

Havis
08-12-2005, 04:42 PM
The other day, while gracefully navigating the ocean swells outside of Galveston, we thumped into about 3 real close swells, probably ship wakes. The Windshield on the starboard side just hopped off the fiberglass and made for a much larger opening through the cuddy. It had always wiggled a little, but it is an older boat and I passed it off as normal. "Just don't hang onto it", I'd say.

Later that weekend when I went about fixin' the problem, I found the original T-bolts holding the windshield frame to the hull were rusted away into nearly nothing. I replaced them all in stainless and used twice as many and now I think I could stand on the top of the frame and there would be no flex. Another great thing is the window/door now meets perfectly. Here are a few pictures...If your window is loose, I'd highly recommend this repair. It took 2 days, a tube of 5200, seven Shiner Blond, and $19.00 in hardware. Also, check out my fancy new verticle brace!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/havis/windshieldtbolts.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/havis/WSredo1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/havis/WSredo3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/havis/WSredo2.jpg
Blue_Runner
08-12-2005, 04:51 PM
Nice, where'd you get the new brace(s)? Make em?
Havis
08-12-2005, 06:16 PM
Nice, where'd you get the new brace(s)? *Make em?

Yup. 1/4" x 1" x 48" aluminum from the Home Depot metal fab bin. Cut and bent to fit. I looked at the official braces with the ball joints on either end and, well, that's one thing that broke. These are a little more durable, I hope.
WiseGuy
08-12-2005, 07:44 PM
Looks rock solid - nice job and nice fit. 8)
jaysea
08-13-2005, 07:46 PM
looks strong,like bull
reelapeelin
08-14-2005, 02:47 AM
Havis, that's a nice job...mine are gettin' a little ratty lookin'...mind if I steal your idea?...really looks good!!... ;D...
Havis
08-15-2005, 12:04 PM
Steel away! Took her out for a run around Galveston Bay Saturday & yesterday. There was a lot of chop out there and not a rattle except the anchor. I hadn't realized just how much the WS rattled before. Burned about 80 gallons of fuel....ouch. boating ain't as cheap as it once was. Great days on the water, though. My daughter, Jennifer (4), is finally getting used to going above trolling speed and really enjoyed watching the dolphins swimming around.