windshield for a s2K wcm

[seschm1234]

Hi all

Relatively recently I purchased a wcm 2sk xr7.  The windshield that was included with the purchase was cracked ( as clearly described by the previous owner) and I'm currently trying to fix.  The windshield.. at least for this variant is an aluminum u channel with custom automobile glass at the top and Lexan at the bottom which forms around the curves of the hood.  I took this entire windshield up to  a local specialty place and they said to recreate the broken glass would be quite expensive as the risk from taking the assembly apart is quite risky.  If however I could do this myself the Lexan would be cheap.. all they needed was a template and to extract the glass and bring it up in as close to the original shape as possible.. .  The u channel aluminum was glued with great enthusiasm to the automobile glass and that combined with the very fractured glass did not allow me to extract other than outer dimensions the frame (aluminum u channel).  At our local Lowes I have found a reasonable substitute (pretty close to exact) so my last problem is recreating the shape.   My question to the group is as follows, should I :

a.)  make a wooden plywood template which I would then have the Lexan customizer build and then mold the Lexan around this piece(i purchased a 1/4" piece already as it was cheap)

b.) build a bending rig which gives me the curvature needed and run the aluminum frame through it and then place the Lexan piece within the frame?

?

 

Finally.. should I glue the Lexan into the frame or should I rivet it?  I've seen the rivet method on youtube.. and obviously first hand experience with the glue

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Paul

 

[Dave W]

I would visit locostusa and find a member close to your location.  He/She should already have the tooling to form the aluminum channel.  They should also be able to direct you to a local glass shop that can cut the safety glass from your template.  I'm on my 2nd windshield an both pc's were less the $100. If you want a 1st class windshield frame they can connect you with a supplier that has aluminum extruded channel with the outboard corners radiused. Must builders set the glass in rubber Vs glue, and use screw Vs rivets for the assembly.   Dave W

[fastg]

I also recommend you try the Locost list, There is an amazing amount of knowledge on that site. But you might want to talk to Jack at Kinetic Vehicles. 

 

https://www.kineticvehicles.com/windshield.html

 

Graham 

Edited May 26, 2021 by fastg
Spelling, not my strong suite

[seschm1234]

thank you both for the very helpful replies.

 

Paul