Removing Windshield on 81 Ski

Hello everyone!

I've had a great time just reading on the site and observing others' projects restoring their classic Correct Crafts. I am wondering though, how have people been removing the windshields on the 1981 Nautiques? I want to-do all the gel and repaint the dash (it is painted, correct?) and so I have tried to remove the windshield, frame and all. ALl I've been able to do is remove the glass. I've gotten out all the screws I could and I can't figure out how people do it.

Thanks!!

Brian

Thanks MaddMatxx!

those are the only two screws I think I didn't take out... they're a little stripped, so I will have to get new ones once I can manage to get them out.

Gelcoat? Even better, I'll just buff it down and restore it like the rest of the boat!

Thanks again!

bk_broiler wrote: Gelcoat? Even better, I'll just buff it down and restore it like the rest of the boat!

Good plan! It should come right back to life with a little bit of attention. Mine sure did.

Thanks BK. Yep, the dash got the same wetsand and buff treatment as the rest of the top deck. I was very happy with the results- both the color and shine came back very nicely.

Barracuda wrote: What, you couldn't buff that hole out?

I tried

I do have to fill that hole with something... I might have to put a stereo in eventually!

*bump* Anyone have tips on getting these screws out? They're at a weird angle and are stipped... oy!

What, just cut off the screw head?

once you cut off the head and pull the windshield off you will hopefully be able to get some vise grips on there and get them out.

Brian, It's good to hear that you have the support with the boat habit from your fiance. I'm lucky to have a wife who loves the boats too!

The drill idea will work too as long as you can keep the hole centered on the old screw shank. Give it a try. I'm sure there will be plenty of screw left to get a vise grip on to get the old ones out like Joe mentioned. The deck under the winshield should be rather thick at that point. I've become a big fan of the little Dremel tool because it has saved me many times with all the little things they can do. At one time, I just thought of them as just a "hobbyist" tool. Not anymore! Do put one on your wedding registry! Congratulations-when's the big day?

My guess is they are stainless and almost impossible to drill to begin with much less under these circumstances. Go to sears cough up 40 bucks and get a dremel.

bk_broiler wrote: She's a wakeboarder like me, I just need to get her more comfortable with driving the boat (a PP would sure help :)) Brian

Hey, I'm going to try giving my wife the PP and see if that helps!

MM & Tim,
Great looking dash!
Brian,
Lets see some progress pics of yours.

bk_broiler wrote: What head for the dremel should I be looking for then?

Brian, If you get the kit, it will come with a mandrel and a assortment of small cut-off wheels. If you just get the Dremel tool, you will need both. I really don't think the kits are that much more in fact by the time you buy the mandrel and wheels, it may be close to the same price.

Brian, Sorry but I thought you found all the screws holding the windshield on to the deck! I've only mentioned how to get the ones that are stripped out and not the locations. The 1/4" screws you mentioned, are they holding frame components together? Are the threads or the heads stripped out? Ether way, at this point cutting the heads off is your only option. If it is the threads that are stripped, you will need to go to the next larger size screw say from a 8-32 to a 10-32. The same goes even if they are a self tapping sheet metal screw type. Keep posting, Pete

This thread is giving me a headache. It may be time for the BFH.

bk_broiler wrote: Sorry Hollywood :) 81, I think you answered my question. Noob mistake I'm sure, but I didn't remove the plastic. Makes a LOT more sense now :) Thanks!

That's where all your screws are hidden, under that strip. Save the BFH for the next headache