how to cut down a windshield
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Here's how to cut down a windshield. Step by step. If you have a better way, feel free to comment below. Don't forget to subscribe, click the little bell so you can be notified when I post every video.
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Simple way to mark the perfect radius; after masking the windshield from top to about 5" down, just measure up from the center allen head bolt on the windshield's chrome crossbar, to the height that you want. Using a string with a small loop on both ends, place something that you can easily hold thru the lower loop to the center of the allen head, and a marker thru the top loop. Now simply draw the arc. Then follow this guy's instructions on cutting it down. Mine came out perfect.
Hey Gary, thats smart...thank you!!
Double-loop: great idea. Thanks Gary. I'll be trimming a Yamaha FJR1300 shield soon.
Works brother, thanks!!
Got a used windshield for my 08 FXDL, it's way to tall and was thinking about purchasing a shorter one that's new, you just saved me about 400 bucks. Grazie
When this video started playing, I could tell right away who it was... just by sound of his voice.
Thank you Jerry! You're a good man.
Another slick way, is to loosen the screw holding the trim directly in the center above the headlamp, wrap a string round it, then attach a pencil to the other end of the string and make a sweet radius on the tape? That’s the way I did mine.
That's how I did mine. Then after the cut, rounded and radiused the edge with sandpaper.
Thanks mate.
Good idea
Genious
cutting down a shield is simple and easy. most folks go after the top end and some do a good job of not buggering it. There is another way, particular with shields that are attached to fairings. Don't cut the top!. Trace an outline of the bottom on a sheet of construction paper. Transfer that form and/or mounting holes UP from the bottom of the shield the number of inches you want to cut down the top. Leave the top and finish alone. Install the new cut down shield using the new mounting holes and you have reduced the overall height of the shield keeping it original shape and finish intact.
@@nevillegreg1 and you’ll still have the original holes under your new ones. Not a great idea IMO
I did this for a windshield I ordered from Klockwerks that was specially molded to fit Reckless fairings.
I accidentally ordered too tall so using a Sharpie,I traced the bottom of the windshield onto a thick piece of cardboard and the cardboard then became a jig or template to trim 2 inches off the bottom.
Now I have an excellent Klockwerks windshield.
@@mikec7713I believe when he states new cut down he has cut off the bottom removing the original holes.
For you guys little sanding that want to do this Bosch makes a "Lexan/Plexiglass" blade that works incredibly well. The tooth design doesn't melt the plastic and you get a beautiful smooth cut. Very little sanding and polishing to do
Thanks Raymond. I was curious as to what blade works best. Much appreciated.
Wow. Didnt even consider this as an option. I am 5'8" and bought a bike with a 22 inch windshield. I have all the tools at home. I think I know what I'm gonna do tomorrow.
Jerry...used your technique with a few tweaks to it to cut down my fairing. Like yours, mine was a little too tall. Cut an 1 1/2 inches off. I used cardboard to make the form and trace the curve and sides. The painters tape worked great and allowed me to trace my cutting line perfectly. I used a dremel tool with a carbon cutting blade. Used a sander to smooth it, then 100grit, then 200 grit. Finally some wet sanding got it nice and smooth and clear on the top edge. Thanks again, your video was the inspiration. BTW....could use some more of your stories...When I went through the academy....those were some of the best parts of it.
Thank you for this video. Followed your exact steps - and now it’s perfect. No more fighting with trying to be above or looking through. Now I’m looking right over the shield at all times. Even followed your sanding tips. Looks totally factory.
What a great video, simple, concise and to the point. I benefitted tremendously from the masking tip and the template which I made out of cardboard. Now it’s more enjoyable not having to look through my screen. Thanks very much motorman.
I have done this a few times for myself and friends. I am not as patient as you ;-) After cutting, I begin sanding with a block fitted with 40 grade 3M green production paper. With such coarse paper, always start pushing from outer edges toward the inner (top) area. As fast as a mill file and getting the corners with a nice rounded shape goes pretty quick. Then 100 grade, and so on. I never thought of using a polish or compound, good idea. My bike has the factory shield now and I can tell Ya that it looks a lot rougher than yours on the edge (2018 Honda GL1800 Tour). So Ya done good!
I just bought my first Harley, 98 road king, absolutely love it! But the windshield is huge, will definitely be cutting it this week! Thanks for the video instructions ! And thanks to the other people who commented some great tips.
Used the technique Gary Bowen described to draw the arc on the windshield, did a practice cut near the top and then went for it. Turned out plenty good. Not perfect like a factory but darn near. Thanks to Jerry and Gary for the how-to!
Lots of videos on youTube concerning this subject but this one is by far the best :) Thanks for sharing with us
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was thinking about doing this and now i know how. Thanks
yes i have to do this to mine soon. i picked up a used 02 heritage and hate looking thru the glass. i have an old hand jig saw in the garage and it looks ez to do. thnx
A tip: When you get it smooth and begin using the very fine grades of paper, use a felt chalk board eraser (now that IS old school) as your backer. They are pleated, so hold them diagonally instead of long way as you rub the edge. Produces that neat very slightly rounded edge.
I sand with 200, 320, 400, 600 and then 1000 grit. Once I have it smooth I use a piece of box wood and Plexiglas polish and the edge comes out perfect.
Doing this and then dropping it off to be tinted!!! Hell yeah!!! You just made me want to keep my windshield !!
That is a job that most people are afraid to try. I have done several myself, but I take them off and use a fine tooth blade on a table saw. Tape the shield and fasten a clean towel to the table saw, and final polish with 800 grit on a air powered d/a orbital sander.
Frank Headley i needed an excuse to buy a new bosch jigsaw to do this. Should i use a metal fine tooth blade to cut my windshield? Should I angle the blade or keep it. Straight up and down?
great job. never get tired of watching your amazing and educational videos.
A good way to get a nice finish on an acrylic edge is to sand it down smooth first, then use a sharp blade from a Stanley / craft knife and draw it towards you across the edge - leaning the blade towards you to stop it snagging. Then, if you have access to one, use a polishing wheel.
The BEST video on the subject on CZcams. Hard to watch the ones that didn't even cover their bikes. Zero protection. Bike got Covid for sure. And looking for your file at the end is EXACTLY how I work. LOL. Liked & SUBSCRIBE. Cheers 🍻
Jerry always dropping knowledge. Thanks man!
MM, another great one, I've been lucky and never had to trim the windshield. I replaced the shield on my 12 FLHTK (it was tented, given to my by a buddy 7 years ago) this time I went back to clear from F4 10 in windshields, it has a slight curve and it fits me perfect. It is a lot thicker that the crap that Harley installs. Great people to deal with..
Thanks Jerry!! I just installed a windshield and need to cut it down....great video.
I'm in the process of shortening my shield, I'll prepare for the sanding next. thanks
Solid video! After the sanding take a small butane torch to the edge where it was cut very lightly and it will give that perfectly clear shiny edge just like factory.
Great tutorial, l just bought an 18 grade jigsaw blade. After watching your video l have confidence in cutting my screen down 👍
You mean 18 tooth?
@@dannyw7662 🦷🦷🦷🦷
gonna cut down my dyna windshield a few inches so this video really helped ... thank you
Thanks Jerry awesome video …. I’ll be cutting mine down shortly… Ihate trying to look around it in the rain when it’s too tall.
Great video. And it was the 1st on the search list. Easy peasy
Dogg-Gone Good tip...save yourself some $$$ from a replacement one without the frame , always wondered if you could do it and how to do it ...thanks
Tape on both sides also helps from chipping. Maybe clamp template to windshield as guild when cutting.
I could not get masking tape to stick because I use Pledge on my shield. So I measured and used a belt sander. I took it out of the fairing and it took 4 times as long doing it this way. All I needed was 1". The 10" factory was splitting my line of sight and driving me crazy.
Great video motor man . What blade you use in saw. Fine or coarse tooth.
Medium hack saw blade.
Wondering the same thing. ..
You're a brave man Jerry! 👍😎
I'm giving this a shot tomorrow. Thanks for the video.
Looks great! I test road a 19 RK a couple weeks ago and found I had the exact same issue. Nice tip😎
Thanks for the responses
Question: How high should a windshield be for a rider that’s 5’7”?
The bike is a Heritage. The windshield is about 18 1/2” now measured as you do. The buffeting is so bad at 65 or 70 that I feel beat to death.
P.S. Loved you CD I bought a few years back!
It's hard to say. I'm 5'7'' and about 17'' is good for me. But a lot depends on your seat as well. Cutting down the windshield may, or may not help the buffeting. Air coming up from underneath the shield could cause buffeting also. Fork lowers can help that.
The windshield top should be around the tip of your nose high so you are looking over the top of it and it still deflects the wind
@Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino you're 5'7" but in the video you said you were barely 6 foot 😆
Ya make it look easy! I find it odd also how all those files just seem to vanish from the garage. It like up North here when it snows everybody runs to the store to buy a new shovel. Where the hell did the one they bought last time it snowed go? And I swear there is a huge stash of small hand tools in heaven.
They go to the same place the missing sock goes. I'm going to turn the washing machine over and shake it till my stuff falls out.
Great video and tips, I installed a 16” shield and had terrible head buffeting, bought a 18” and it eliminated most of the buffeting up to about 75 mph. I feel if I go with taller shield I’d be looking through it which I don’t want. Thinking about cutting the 16” down a bit just to get some wind blast off me , I rode with a shorter shield and didn’t get head buffeting can’t figure this one out. Any advise appreciated. I know it’s tuff question to answer . I ride a 2010 fat boy im 6’ . BTW I bought your Ride Like A Pro video and book years ago, helped me tremendously, I always recommend it to newer riders
A lot of buffeting comes up from underneath the windshield. H.D. used to have chrome lowers that mounted to the forks and the windshield brackets that helped with buffeting. I can't use them because the siren speaker would be in the way.
the lower shield, your head is in the slip stream and not in the jimmy buffet zone, is why it is smoother.
Yep. Look at lower deflectors. I had buffeting I couldn't figure out, put on lowers and it was gone.
Alan Colon thanks for the reply
Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino thanks for the reply Jerry
What kind of polish do we have to use after the cut is done?
I’m 5’6” and the factory King shield came with bike >22”. Can you imagine how I feel when riding with shield on? 😂 thanks for the tips from you and others comments.
Mine has some protective door edging around it from the 40,s, so this ought to be a snap. If mine were any taller I wouldn't be able to go through a drive-thru. Thanks
Great video, thanks. What blade did you use? I dont have the tool
A medium hacksaw blade.
@@motorman857 i did it today, pretty good being the first time using a jigsaw! thanks for the teaching!
Awesome job Jerry.
Great job.
Put masking tape on the cutting line, and put some oil on it, makes it much easier.
Looks like a nice clean job #Motorman. If you don’t me asking Y cut it though? And now when it’s cut when you ride do you look over it or still through it?
I cut it because it was too high. That forced me to look thru it rather than over it. At night or in the rain, looking thru it causes distortion. Now, I can look over it or duck down a bit to look thru it.
Thank You!
Thanks for making this video. I will try this on my Road King.
It would be useful if you had told us what blade, file, sandpaper you used to cut and finish the plastic?
I just cut down my windshield like you said to do it work great thanks
Glad it helped
I learned something else from you.
What kind of polish did you use on the top?
Thsnk you. Very helpful
A little off topic, but I wonder about folks installing higher and wider aftermarket windshields. Is the hardware on the motorcycle capable of supporting it? Do these aftermarket windshields meet any sort of safety standard?
As this is a quick-release shield, why didn't you just take it off the bike? Thanks for the video.
Hey Jerry, have you cut down a Klock Werks windshield? Probably the same process I would imagine?
No, but I would do it the same way.
Looks great 👍
I am new at riding, my bike has a windshield. I was just wondering ,,,why cut it down. Wind drag maybe???
I want to be able to see over it instead of thru it.
If the windshield is too tall,, you can't see through it in the fog. Can't see as well if it's raining either. There's also a bit of distortion when looking through windshields.
The windshield top should be around the tip of your nose high so you are looking over the top of it and it still deflects the wind.
Gidday Jerry. Mate can you tell me the blade you used on your jigsaw? I'm about to try this on my Triumph Bonneville T100. The screen is too high and the buffeting around my head makes my helmet vibrate.
I used a fine hacksaw blade.
You leave it on the bike while cutting?
I cut mine down to about nose level. Like it much better than before.
How many tooth saw blade did you use?
I used a fine hacksaw blade. I didn't count the teeth on the blade.
i have the electric hand jig saw but don't know if i have a steady enuff hand. i also have a hand coping saw and some other small hand saws with small blades, i may do it that way. i feel i might have more control over the cut cause once i mess it up it would be a mess but i'm gonna try it anyway.
I wouldn't use a coping saw. A jig saw works better and easier. Just take your time and be patient. You can also practice using the jig saw on a thin piece of plywood before cutting the windshield. If you screw up and wind up with bumps on the windshield, a power sander will fix that.
@@motorman857 thnx for the advice
What type of blade?
semi fine hacksaw blade.
@@motorman857 I just did it and actually pulled it off, great vid, thanks so much!!
Another great tip! Thank you for sharing
Hit the cut edge with a propane torch. It will look factory
Thank you, motor man 👍
What kind of polish?
I think the Honda guy gave this the thumbs down
What exactly do you polish this with? TY
If your asking about the edge that I cut, use Polishing compound.
@@motorman857 Thank you. One more question, do you get that HUGE wind noise in your ears now that the windshield is lower or does the wind still go past your head. Thanks again
@@jjcar99 Most of the wind noise comes up from underneath the shield so I've noticed no difference in wind noise.
@@jjcar99 No huge wind noise. But I wear ear plugs.
@@motorman857 I DID IT!!! Cut my windshield down today with my grandson! Followed your lead. My 6yr old grandson was quoting your instructions as I was doing things, lol. It came out great and NO wind noise. I went from a 20" height to a 15" height. Looks great and rides great. I can now see over the windshield!! Thanks again!!
What BLADES did you use in the JIG SAW??? That MIGHT be IMPORTANT??!!!??
Hey GREAT, Jerry! I'm buying a fresh bike next week... and it will need some trimming. QUESTION: What sort of Jigsaw Blade to use? Fine? How to keep the shield from chipping or cracking?
A fine metal blade. Take it slow.
@@motorman857 Thanks a heap for this video, Jerry! I followed your lead and mine came out great! No problems.. smooth. I used a small sanding "flapper" wheel after the jigsaw cut... worked great... followed by 220 to 400 to 800 grit... a little polish.. looks Pro!
Exactly how i did it.
What type of blade in the saw?
I've used hack saw and wood blades. The plastic cuts pretty easy.
Thanks for the video now I know that my windshield can be cut down as I have the same problem as you excellent
Hey Jerry, do you remember the type of blade and teeth you used in your jig saw? Thanks!
A fine tooth metal blade.
Was the blade specific for plastic?
What kind of blade did you use on your jigsaw?
A medium metal blade.
@@motorman857 ok thanks
I am about to cut my windshield down. Should i be concerned about cracking the windshield if i dont use the right blade? I have a fine and i guess its a medium blade for my new jigsaw. Any ideas?
What kinda blade???
Have seen people use a Dremel to cut it.
What blade you use
Thanks! Perfect!
Educational, thanks.
DId you use a special blade on the jig saw? What was the TPI?
I was going to use the special, and very expensive blade used at the space station and recommended by NASA, but I ran out of them. So I just used a fine metal hacksaw blade I had laying around. 😁. C'mon. Don't over think this. Any mistake you make can be fixed with a file, sand paper and polish.
@@motorman857 Some people say that using a jigsaw will cause hairline cracks and the windshield will look like garbage; that may be why the question was asked.
What type of blade did you use? Fine tooth? Wood tooth?
Fine tooth metal blade.
“But I’m barely 6 foot” (he’s 5’7”)
👍
what type of jigsaw blade did you use?
Right... my question also!
What size blade (how many teeth) did you use?
I used a fine metal jig saw blade.
as soon as you buy it you find the one youve had for years...thats just like my dad and his garage
Exactly how I do it, except I use a cut off wheel on a rotary tool instead of a jigsaw.
Need to let them know the type of blade to use.
A wood blade is to course. Use a bi metal or a fine cut blade
Get a Plexiglas/Acrylic jigsaw blade an Lowes. Under $10, makes VERY clean cuts, no heating of the windscreen edge. Minimal vibration, works well at slow blade speeds. This is a case where the right tool make a big difference.
@@pilotalan Just looked.... didn't actually find a Plexiglas/Acrylic jigsaw blade an Lowes....
@@HD2O13XL12OOC Hmm, looks like they might not carry them anymore.
Home Depot does: www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-3-5-8-in-10-Teeth-Per-in-Bi-Metal-Jig-Saw-Blades-for-Cleanly-Cutting-Plexiglass-3-Pack-T102BF/203451220
@@pilotalan Thanks man. Yeah I'm gonna try to cut my "wide" shield to slim it down. It stretches over the grips so yea i'm gonna try to hack those wider parts off. I'll prolly end up buying a new shield after all lol
👍🏻
The guy with the black hat is his name rick
No. That's Marlon Brando.
17 or 18 inches is ideal,,,
That's what she said ! Haha
Damn... she's a serious size queen...😣
If you had a honda just press a button!
I have a Honda..
Generator
Haha well plug that saw into it and start cutting a windshield!
@@hubster4477 it would work!!