Installing Ranger Windshield

[Memphisballer]

I just received my new windshield from Ranger and the holes were not pre-drilled. It did come with instructions, but I don't think they are very clear. I have researched the internet for instructions on how to drill the holes and couldn't find anything.

I took my old windshield and practiced with a 3/8 bit and it looks a little rough on the back side of the windshield. So I went to Lowes this morning and picked up a 3/8 spade bit to give it a try.

I am sure this is probably an easier job than I am making it out to be, but I don't want to chance ruining a $100 part.

Any helpful tips to help me avoid making any mistakes?

[dward51]

Never drilled one, but if it's rough on the back side, you need to drill from both sides and meet in the middle.

I would take a smaller bit and drill a pilot hole (1/16 to 1/8" or so). Then take the 3/8" tapered tip (standard bit) drill bit and start on one side, flip it over and finish from the other. That way you have a clean cut on both sides and with the pilot hole to center the larger bit, they should meet perfectly in the middle. I would then take a chamfering bit and smooth/radius the outer edges of the hole on both sides (you can use hand or a power chamfering bit, but I would go with hand since plexiglass is soft). If you don't have a chamfering bit, just use a larger drill bit and go very very slow and careful as you just want to radius the edges not actually start drilling a wider hole.

That's the way I have drilled plexiglass and other plastics before (but never tried a boat windshield).

[Memphisballer]

I finished the windshield installation. Much easier than I thought it would be. Turned out very well. I will post pictures and step by step instructions later.

[bassinator4u]

when i did my windshilds i put the drill in reverse so it would burn through and they came out perfect