This weekend I made the modifcations to the Instrument Panel that were required for us to re-mount the windshield in the original position (the instrument panel we made sat too high with the electronics mounted, for the angle of the windshield). We had thought about raising the dash (where the windshield will sit) but opted to bite the bullet and cut the instrument panel down, since we were not really using the upper portion for anything other than mounting the GPS and VHF to.
So, I cut the dash about 1/4 inch below the cupholder and ripped out the original piece. Then dug the grinder out of storage and started prepping the area for some cabosil bedding. Next, I reassembled the driver's side windshield to ensure that I did not make the same mistake again and the angles worked. So I cut out a piece of luon to fit, mixed up some epoxy + cab, cut some fabric and put it in...The next day and grinded on that setup, and then attached some 1/4 round to the end to smooth it out and then did the cab, fabric & glass thing again. I actually think this will turn out better, although it sucks to grind off top coat...but that was easy enough to put on. Here is the single pic I took w/ my phone.
4 comments:
That looks awesome! I have a 69 thunderbird formula, and was wondering what you were going to end up doing with the windshield, because I haven't seen anyone do anything that I thought looked worth repeating. Do you guys have a wiring diagram for the boat? I need one for my boat that will end up staying pretty stock with a 250ci 6cylinder for now. Thanks, and your hard work looks great!
Paul -
Thanks for the compliments. We are going to reinstall the windshield as it was originally put on. Right now I am getting a piece of tempered glass made to replace a broken section...The windshield slides apart, and the glass appears to have been glued to the frame (in a bed of adhesive) and then there were gaskets pushed into the outside gaps. That is what we intend to do. I do not have a wiring diagram..if you have a specific question about how we wired something or everything, shoot me an email @ john.hatley@gmail.com and I will answer it (them).
Hi, i just remove the windshield on my 1973 to replace the seal and t bolts and may be will make it closed cabin as camper top, please tell me were i can buy the t bolts
thanks
r -
I bought them at West Marine. But I do not see them listed online anymore (they could still have them listed in their paper catalogue, you should check their too.)
I would start with WM, if you have the book. Otherwise, you may try the following online store, but I noticed that they have a note stating to call about these bolts:
[http://shop.torresen.com/ships_store/index.php?p=details&ident=156802&mfc=TAYLOR&sku=9563&prod_name=TAYLOR+MADE+%93T%94+BOLT+WIND-SHIELD+HOLD+DOWNS§ionid=5288]
I have three other options, the first is to simply call Taylor Marine, they made the bolts that I bought and I have called them before about parts and their customer service was great, here is there contact info page: http://www.taylormarine.com/contactus/index.html
You may also try contacting the fella at flounderpounder marine [www.fpmarine.com] he is usually slow to respond but he will respond, I think he probably checks his email every other day or something.
Final option would be to try and make the bolts yourself, if all of these other sources fail. There was not a lot to the bolts just a very thin head, you probably have a couple of the old ones left over.
Sorry I point you to a specific spot, I ran into trouble finding them too. Boat yards may also offer some help.
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