Windshield frame removal 88 Sundancer 300

[88dancer300]

Good morning. Has anyone ever removed the windshield frame on an 80s era Dancer? I have some corrosion issues that I want to address. I could sand, zinc chromate prime and touch the problem spots up, but it would never match, and not too mention, I would never be able to reach many spots. I would like to remove the entire assy. and blast and powder coat it. The powder coated I use for other applications has a 15X15 ft oven. The other question is, does Taylor still supply all of the rubber seals and trim? Thanx, Dave

 

[1956olds]

www.taylormadeproducts.com

 

[electricaldoctor]

www.taylormadeproducts.com

A simple Google search or if they would only take a moment to use the search feature above will almost always answer a lot of questions for these newbies and if they truly get stuck, they can always come back & pick our brains in the appropriate forum. I guess that it is all about the learning curve, eh?:huh:

 

[SCORPIO]

No but I'd be interested in how you make out with this project. Post some pics of the job, especially the powder coating. We have virtually the same boat and I may have to do this some day.

 

[Sundancer]

Along the sides, there are bolts holding the frame on. I'm not sure how it's held on over the cabin entry? Might have to remove some headliner?

 

[88dancer300]

Yes, I am new to this site. Still trying to learn its features. It is incredible how much information is actually out there. Thanx for being patient with the newbie. LOL

 

[88dancer300]

You mention picking brains in the appropriate forum. Would most era specific questions be answered in the (classic sea ray) forum ? Thanx

 

[SCORPIO]

After thinking about this some more, try removing the black rubber "screw cover" (what Taylor calls it) that is located below the glass. That should give you access to the screws that hold the frame to the deck. I don't know if they are screws or bolts with nuts. Try to remove one on the side area and see of it comes out. If not, you'll have to remove the upholstered panel on that side and look up and see if there are any nuts visable. I suspect that most of them will be wood screws.

Screw cover is available in rolls from Taylor and is easy to install. The old stuff will be brittle and hard. Be careful with the frames, I don't have any idea where you could find a decent replacement, short of custom metal fabrication or bone yard.
Good luck

 

[Sundancer]

Don't forget to remove or pull the wires out for the windshield wiper motors. They are buried in that channel as well along the top of the frame. I think Chris has it, that the black plastic will give you access to the screw to remove it. I do remember seeing some like that on our 250 DA.

 

[88dancer300]

I completely removed the cockpit upholstery yesteday to do the upholstery over. There are no through bolts on the windshield frame. The fasteners are as you said, under the black chennel covering. Does not look like it will be too bad. I will post some pics tomorrow.

 

[jgoedd99]

Reagrding the Taylor Made foam screw covers, you may not be able to get it in the size you need and may have to cut it down to fit. My 1990 310 EC has two different size foam strips. The front windshield foam was 1 1/4 inch by 3/4 inch and the sides were 1 inch by 1/2 inch. Taylor only makes the 1 1/4 by 3/4 inch size . So to make the 1 by 1/2 inch size, i found the best way was to run it through a band saw with a straight edge used as a guide. First run it through to cut it down to 1" by 3/3 inch. Then move your guide to 1/2 inch and run it through the other way to reduce the thickness to 1/2 inch. I found this worked much better than trying to cut it with a knife.

Also, The windshield frames on my 310 are screwed in (not through bolted). Some of the screws did not tighten up. If you go to the trouble of pulling the frames, you may to overdrill and epoxy fill any screw holes that are loose. Also, this is a potential water penetration spot, where water can get into the balsa core topside.