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Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

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  • Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

    Boy, I love the "search" function on this forum, and the invaluable collective wisdom on archive here.

    We're ready to install my new L&P Aero windshield. My old windshield had holes drilled for the side and top trim strip screws, which I now know is a no-no. Little about the previous owner's windshield installation was done correctly (like a whole tube of glopped-on silicone caulk instead of rubber weatherstripping). See photo -- I'll put this 2004 windshield up for sale cheap when the new windshield's shipping box is empty for re-use.

    Forrest wrote in a 9/07 post: "The screws do not go through the windshield. The [top aluminum] strip holds it down in place, at the side [aluminum strips], same way, there are slots that go back beyond the screws. The windshield, as on most aircraft, 'floats' in place -- bolt them in and the first taxi will usually crack the windshield."

    OK, so no holes, but maybe oversize slots so the plastic can slide back and forth past the trim strip screws. AC 43.13 says, "When the manufacturer's original design permits, mount [windshield] panels to a minimum depth of 1-1/8 inch, and with a clearance of 1/8 inch between the plastic and the bottom of the channel." I need to go measure the depth of the windshield trim strips from their leading edges back to the screws, and might skip cutting screw slots if they're deep enough.

    But what material to pad and weatherproof the rear and top edges of the plexiglas where it is clamped by the trim strips? In a 3/06 post, Bill Berle suggested closed cell foam weatherstrip or bicycle handlebar padded tape.
    Any other suggestions or experience? Strips of innertube rubber, perhaps? What did they use back in 1946? Cork? Felt? Can't have too much felt on a Taylorcraft restoration...
    Attached Files
    Joel Severinghaus
    Des Moines, Iowa
    TF# 657

  • #2
    Re: Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

    New windshield use to come with felt kits. Great Lakes glass may still do. I think it was 1 1/2" felt.

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    • #3
      Re: Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

      I've got an assortment of 1-1/2 inch wide felt for doing my door windows. Use the 1/8 inch thick felt, folded around the edge of the plexiglas? Or go get thinner felt yet from the fabric store?
      Joel Severinghaus
      Des Moines, Iowa
      TF# 657

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      • #4
        Re: Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

        If you got the room, use the 1/8.

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        • #5
          Re: Windshield installation: drill no holes, but what for weatherproofing?

          Even better: rummaged through the store room at the FBO today, and came across 2 inch wide, 1/8 inch thick felt that has adhesive on one side. It's apparently a Cessna part for windshield installation, and it's the perfect stuff. Just peel off the backing, stick it around the edge of the plexiglas, and push the plexiglas into place in the trim.
          Joel Severinghaus
          Des Moines, Iowa
          TF# 657

          Comment

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