Polycarbonate Inspiration

[Tracker]

Well, a few weeks back, somebody posted about making their own windshield, etc.
I was inspired to give it a whirl for my bike and here's the results...
Made all the braces, brackets, etc. About $70 in parts, etc.
Thanks for the inspiration! :rider:

[jhansen]

:clap: Nice! How did you get it curved? Heat gun? Now, you have to get some polish to keep it clean. Cloth diapers washed 1000 times work best.:clap:

[Tracker]

Thanks. The brace is forcing the curve in it. I'm thinking I might try to get a hold of a heat gun and see if I can soften up a little, especially the top third of it to relieve some of the stress and get a little more curve in it--hopefully it would stiffen it up some, too. Right now, it starts to lay down some around 65-60.

[kurt]

I didn't do it, but Lexan supposedly forms to shape at 250 degrees in the oven if it will fit. I'll see if I can find the link.

[whoa]

I didn't do it, but Lexan supposedly forms to shape at 250 degrees in the oven if it will fit.

Not sure of the material from Home Depot was that I used (plexiglass maybe?), but I formed the bend in the oven while my wife was away. Worked like a champ.

That windscreen looks good. What's your savings? I paid $8 and the Triumph part was $180. Not nearly as nice as the OEM, but suited me just fine.

[Tourmeister]

Very cool! :clap:

[Gilk51]

but I formed the bend in the oven while my wife was away.
:rofl:

Chicken! ;-)

[kurt]

http://www.solanopilots.com/eaahomebuilders%20projects%20pages.htm

Lexan has a lower working temperature. 250 would be as hot as I would go.

[Tracker]

thanks for the info and insights.
Well, I fired up the oven tonight. Got the evil eye from the better half. :argh: Couldn't quite get the whole thing in as my oven was 19" wide and the screen was about 21" :mrgreen: The broiler wouldn't stay on with the door open so I had to override the "safety" switch--don't these people know you have to use your broiler for things other than browning the top of your green bean casserole? :roll:
Softened up nicely after about 2-3 minutes and now it has an arch at the top more closely resembling the braces. Also put another layer of 1/8 x 3/4 aluminum on the backside of the verticals. Now it'll stand up at 75 mph, I mean 65 officer.:rider:

[Tx Rider]

I've made a few with a heat gun, and a few test laminar lips as well. It works ok if you can keep the heat even, and not use any more than you need or it'll start getting internal bubbles.

Back in my youth I worked a place that made plexi jewelly stands and used a propane torch with a heat spreader. A torch will also make the edges look really nice and clear with a few passes too.