cutting glass

**watchdog** · 22-03-09, 07:50 PM

I have a mate who is building a HX 1 tonner and is doing a chop. He's not to sure about what to do with the glass. Anyone know how the windscreen glass is modified or does he have to have it custom made ?

**Woodstock** · 22-03-09, 07:58 PM

needs to be custom made .. that wot they do on street customs tv show LOL

**Godzilla** · 22-03-09, 07:59 PM

Cutting a channel in the bottom part (or upper if there is room) of the screen opening and sliding the original screen in and down (or up)is the "normal" practice on chop tops. You need someone realy good at body work to do this.

Perspex, polycabonate or a equivalent for the rear and quarters where cutting channels gets tedious. (Dont try plastic for the front)

I was looking into it a few weeks ago out of curiosity.

How is your friend planning to line up all the pillars. its quite an easy job to make a mess out of.

Looks easy to an outsider but seriously hard to do properly.

Custom "flat" laminated glass for the sides and rear can be cut by a auto glass tech, they scribe both sides and pour lighter fluid on the cut, set fire to it, the heat of the flame softens the plastic lamination and they separate the pieces with a sharp blade.

Edit have a look around here.

**watchdog** · 22-03-09, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

Cutting a channel in the bottom part (or upper if there is room) of the screen opening and sliding the original screen in and down (or up)is the "normal" practice on chop tops. You need someone realy good at body work to do this.

]

I can't see how that would work but I'll mention it to him. The pillars will be no problem to him , he's not actually cutting the pillars but unstitching the bottom and shortening them

**Godzilla** · 22-03-09, 11:05 PM

Shortening the pillars will change the rake (angle) of the front wind shield.
Be aware of this, i read that a cut is needed on the "A" pillar, top and bottom. Bend the bottom pillar back a little and the top one forward to match.

The technique of sliding the screen down into a channel is one i found on a site, used by old hot rodders on weekend jobs where glass replacement was difficult and the car had to be driven again on Monday to work.

Now ive got no hope of finding it!!!!

Edit; here is a mention of it. (windscreen sunk into cowl in the body mods section).

**DND** · 24-03-09, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godzilla

Shortening the pillars will change the rake (angle) of the front wind shield.

also the top of the doors and you'll have to make custom glass for them

**loanrangiel** · 25-03-09, 03:14 PM

Perspex/ polycarbonate etc is illegal in most states, you have to have glass and it must have the Aus standards logo on it. Check with your state authorities as to what they will allow, hotrod places would be a good place to start, if in Vic i can get you a number for a guy that will cut glass to shape that is approved and has the required standards logo on it.

22-03-09, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
watchdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,064 Thanks: 14 Thanked 144 Times in 93 Posts Rep Power: 30	cutting glass I have a mate who is building a HX 1 tonner and is doing a chop. He's not to sure about what to do with the glass. Anyone know how the windscreen glass is modified or does he have to have it custom made ? __________________ Licensed security installer & Trainer if I've been helpful - add to my reputation

22-03-09, 07:58 PM	#2
Woodstock Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mt Gambier Age: 37 Posts: 1,617 Thanks: 51 Thanked 65 Times in 44 Posts Rep Power: 38	needs to be custom made .. that wot they do on street customs tv show LOL __________________ Trust thyself only, and another shall not betray thee.

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22-03-09, 07:59 PM	#3
Godzilla Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Age: 46 Posts: 4,977 Thanks: 2,246 Thanked 1,045 Times in 635 Posts Rep Power: 140	Cutting a channel in the bottom part (or upper if there is room) of the screen opening and sliding the original screen in and down (or up)is the "normal" practice on chop tops. You need someone realy good at body work to do this. Perspex, polycabonate or a equivalent for the rear and quarters where cutting channels gets tedious. (Dont try plastic for the front) I was looking into it a few weeks ago out of curiosity. How is your friend planning to line up all the pillars. its quite an easy job to make a mess out of. Looks easy to an outsider but seriously hard to do properly. Custom "flat" laminated glass for the sides and rear can be cut by a auto glass tech, they scribe both sides and pour lighter fluid on the cut, set fire to it, the heat of the flame softens the plastic lamination and they separate the pieces with a sharp blade. Edit have a look around here.

22-03-09, 11:05 PM	#5
Godzilla Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Age: 46 Posts: 4,977 Thanks: 2,246 Thanked 1,045 Times in 635 Posts Rep Power: 140	Shortening the pillars will change the rake (angle) of the front wind shield. Be aware of this, i read that a cut is needed on the "A" pillar, top and bottom. Bend the bottom pillar back a little and the top one forward to match. The technique of sliding the screen down into a channel is one i found on a site, used by old hot rodders on weekend jobs where glass replacement was difficult and the car had to be driven again on Monday to work. Now ive got no hope of finding it!!!! Edit; here is a mention of it. (windscreen sunk into cowl in the body mods section).

25-03-09, 03:14 PM	#7
loanrangiel Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Melbourne, NE. Age: 41 Posts: 625 Thanks: 25 Thanked 20 Times in 17 Posts Rep Power: 15	Perspex/ polycarbonate etc is illegal in most states, you have to have glass and it must have the Aus standards logo on it. Check with your state authorities as to what they will allow, hotrod places would be a good place to start, if in Vic i can get you a number for a guy that will cut glass to shape that is approved and has the required standards logo on it.