Installing Windshield Wiper

[Eldon]

I have a manual marine windshield wiper that will require slightly larger than a 3/8" hole to install.Does anyone know how far the windshield glass sits in the frame? and Has anyone here ever had a hole drilled in the glass by a properly equipped shop? I can tell you there isn't much of a chance to install a wiper and I have never seen a picture of one in a Max II.

[golpher76]

Eldon,
I don't know about you but my windshield which is a stock '78 frame is plexiglass if yours is as well you can use a hole saw for wood to do it. Last time I drilled plexiglass with a hole saw I taped around my hole with masking tape and drilled in reverse so it didn't eat up the glass and crack it. It worked well for me but like I said I was drilling plexiglass and 3/8 is a small hole so you might just want to use a normal drill bit once again if said windshield is plexiglass and not glass.

[Eldon]

It is glass I believe ,gopher.

[Shawn H]

I have drilled in pg and found the best way is to run your drill backwards and take your time.

[famvburg]

It's not difficult to figure out whether it's glass or plastic.

It is glass I believe ,gopher.

Bits made for drilling pexi or similar have the ends ground to a different angle. I have a set made for drilling plexi & the like but you can modify a regular bit. I don't recall the angle, but I bet you can Google it. Other tips are don't drill it when it's cold & don't drill fast or force the drill. I drill it enough that I'm comfortable with a standard bit any more.

I have drilled in pg and found the best way is to run your drill backwards and take your time.

[golpher76]

If it's glass I have no idea what to do then besides to actually purchare a glass circle cutter and maybe a rubber grommet and cut it yourself. If that's the case I would just see if i could get the piece of glass out of the frame and cut it with the glass cutter then measure and mark the frame and drill it out then pop the glass back in and silicone around it. I just can't believe that yours is made out of glass though I think that's silly considering it's there for protection from elements/debris.

[Eldon]

Its glass boys,so are auto windshields there for the same purpose.

[Robinhood02]

those ARE glass and they are covered by about 3/8th inch of frame so it is unlikely that there is enough meat left to drill safely through, I would think about a building a plate above the frame to mount the wiper through, and just mount the plate to the edge of the frame with 1/8th bolts as close to the edge as possible, but you would have to see if it can be done with your soft top. you may have to sew a divit into the soft top to go around the wiper bracket

[famvburg]

You can also get diamond bits. I have a set of them but I've never drilled glass or anything else with them yet. I think I got them from eBay or maybe some place like Northern Tools. Price wasn't bad.

[Eldon]

You know I was looking it over Charlie and I think you have something there.I know a lady who does boat covers etc. and could add a little loop and maybe a snap or two extra,plus then it could be removed with no lasting big holes.