Windshield Repair

[HobbyBoat]

I have a 1988 SeaRay Sorrento (25'). The aluminum windshield frame has some surface corrosion and I would like to refinish it. (ie anodizing and powdercoating). To do this properly I would like to remove the entire frame. Does anyone have an idea as to what I'm getting myself into. Some of the screws at the front of the windscreen (holding the frame together) are impossible to reach. Was the windshield installed as complete unit ? It appears that the frame is attached to the hull by screws inside the frame. Is it feasible to remove these ?
Thanks for any thoughts,

 

[tdschafer]

HB,

Welcome to CSR!

I just did the windshield on my boat this spring. It was a significant project. Some of my screws weren't reachable until the windshield was removed. I would say it took about 2 1/2 hours to remove my windshield and 11 hours to do the main re-installation. 8 hours of that was grinding out the powder coating that was in the concave/convex joints where the sections join together. You need to be sure and have this area masked off on either side of the frame sections. It is interesting trying to get the rubber seals and all back in place correctly. I believe that you can somewhat liken it to installing a pool liner! It has to fit the glass just so and then fit the frame appropriately too. I used silicone spray and it seemed to work out well. I did the job with a relative with 20 years auto body experience who said they used widow cleaner (Zep) when doing small windows on cars. The problem with that is it was drying way too fast before we could use it as a lubricant. I hope this answers some of your questions. Let me know if you have more. Good Luck.

 

[HobbyBoat]

Really appreciate your feedback. I have done some additional research and found that the silicone sealant between the base of the windshield and the body of the boat poses the biggest problem and requires very gentle prying.. This was from a SeaRay dealer who was very helpful and even suggested that if I run into problems he would provide advice (almost unheard of !!!). He also said that it was a 3 man job as the frame is very flimsy and flexible when off the boat.
I'll be in touch as I proceed.

 

[390x]

I just pulled mine off on Saturday. It was not fun. I had several screw heads strip which I then had to drill out, and some circus animal had siliconed the hell out of all the screws which complicated things even more. Removing the glass from the frame was a challenge because, again, someone had siliconed under the seal on the glass, and the glazing tape was old and crappy and didn't really want to let loose. It was not a small undertaking taking it off. I'm going to refinish mine as well. I'm going with paint though. Powder coat always seems to pit eventually. If I prep it correctly and paint it correctly, I should be able to get a better result. I even considered chrome, but it would likely cost a fortune, and again, it could pit if not prepped correctly. I know it will never again come off as long as I own the boat!

 

[tdschafer]

I just pulled mine off on Saturday. It was not fun. I had several screw heads strip which I then had to drill out, and some circus animal had siliconed the hell out of all the screws which complicated things even more. Removing the glass from the frame was a challenge because, again, someone had siliconed under the seal on the glass, and the glazing tape was old and crappy and didn't really want to let loose. It was not a small undertaking taking it off. I'm going to refinish mine as well. I'm going with paint though. Powder coat always seems to pit eventually. If I prep it correctly and paint it correctly, I should be able to get a better result. I even considered chrome, but it would likely cost a fortune, and again, it could pit if not prepped correctly. I know it will never again come off as long as I own the boat!

Amen Brother!!!