converting to windshield snaps

[jackson]

I saw the other thread on this, but I'd like to see if anyone else found a new solution to this. My 02 310 has the rubber piece on the canvas that slides into the windshield channel. I just bought a new canvas, which doesn't come with that piece. I've seen that some people have changed over to the snaps on the windshield frame. Anyone know what the best solution is to get snaps on the frame? Taylor Made wasn't any help. I'm planning to call Great Lakes on Monday to see if they have any ideas. Thanks.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Jackson,

I'm preparing the photos and explanation on how I solved the problem of attaching snaps to the old style top rail. It will be posted in the original thread.

Henry

 

[boatmailster]

I saw the other thread on this, but I'd like to see if anyone else found a new solution to this. My 02 310 has the rubber piece on the canvas that slides into the windshield channel. I just bought a new canvas, which doesn't come with that piece. I've seen that some people have changed over to the snaps on the windshield frame. Anyone know what the best solution is to get snaps on the frame? Taylor Made wasn't any help. I'm planning to call Great Lakes on Monday to see if they have any ideas. Thanks.

you can use new style plastic inserts what go into channel on windshield. they may be a little too long, but you can easily cut them with cutting pliers. this way you don't have to drill holes (that is another option, but don't forget to use "Tef-Gel" to prevent corrosion)

 

[Henry Boyd]

you can use new style plastic inserts what go into channel on windshield. they may be a little too long, but you can easily cut them with cutting pliers. this way you don't have to drill holes (that is another option, but don't forget to use "Tef-Gel" to prevent corrosion)

As the tee shirt says, "Been there, done that". They are easy to cut, but they won't stay in when put into service.

 

[jrirvine1]

I did this conversion on a previous boat and found it to be very easy albeit time consuming. Purchase a snap kit from any vendor that has stainless screws and simply screw the male end into the groove on your windshield. You will need to drill holes and check to insure you are using the proper length screws. The glass does not extend up into the groove area so you don’t need to be concerned with breaking any glass.

At this point it would be helpful to have a helper position the new canvas while you mark it for the female snap. Purchase a decent snap install tool and the job will go a lot easier.

 

[boatmailster]

As the tee shirt says, "Been there, done that". They are easy to cut, but they won't stay in when put into service.

you need to use #10 snaps instead "regular" #8

 

[jackson]

Thanks for the replies.

Jim, if I understand what you're saying, you just screw the male snaps into the groove, but just make sure they are long enough to go into the metal after predrilling a hole? I will try this, but waiting to see Henry's method too.

 

[jackson]

Henry, I just saw your other post, thanks. Don't know if I'll try this or just try to screw them in as Jim described. I thought there would be an easier solution or that Geatlakes would just add the rubber piece as they did for the original factory top.

 

[jrirvine1]

Thanks for the replies.

Jim, if I understand what you're saying, you just screw the male snaps into the groove, but just make sure they are long enough to go into the metal after predrilling a hole? I will try this, but waiting to see Henry's method too.

Yep, that is all there is to it - very simple KISS method.

 

[jackson]

Thanks Jim, do you think there would be any corrosion issues with a stainless stud in the aluminum windshield frame? or would nickle plated brass be better?

 

[boatmailster]

Thanks Jim, do you think there would be any corrosion issues with a stainless stud in the aluminum windshield frame? or would nickle plated brass be better?

if you decide to drill holes use one of those
http://www.tefgel.com.au/

 

[Deanna Holter]

I did this conversion on a previous boat and found it to be very easy albeit time consuming. Purchase a snap kit from any vendor that has stainless screws and simply screw the male end into the groove on your windshield. You will need to drill holes and check to insure you are using the proper length screws. The glass does not extend up into the groove area so you don’t need to be concerned with breaking any glass.

At this point it would be helpful to have a helper position the new canvas while you mark it for the female snap. Purchase a decent snap install tool and the job will go a lot easier.

can you tell me where to get the blocks to put in the windshield grove?
Thanks
Deanna

 

[atrick]

Sailrite has snaps that go into to groove and you don't have to drill holes. They make two sizes 3/4" and 7/8". The 7/8" fit my sundancer and once in the groove they don'y move. In the process of making a new top for mine right now. Part # for 7/8" is 333138 for a bag of 10, # 333135 for bag of 10 for 5/8".

 

[WV 320 Dancer]

I had the rubber seals on my 240 SD and hated them. They were OK in the heat but a bear when the weather turned cold in the fall. If you can convert to snaps I would do so in a heart beat.

 

[atrick]

I checked everywhere for the rubber insert, but the only one I could find using it is searay and its not cheap.

 

[Deanna Holter]

Sailrite has snaps that go into to groove and you don't have to drill holes. They make two sizes 3/4" and 7/8". The 7/8" fit my sundancer and once in the groove they don'y move. In the process of making a new top for mine right now. Part # for 7/8" is 333138 for a bag of 10, # 333135 for bag of 10 for 5/8".

Thank you very much, will order tomorrow from sailrite.

 

[atrick]

They fit really snug in the groove so you'll need a small plastic hammer to tap them in. Your 310 should be same size as my 290 I would think!