Window above cockpit on 2000 396 Aft Cabin

[tgebler]

There is a glass window above the cockpit, under the radar arch (see photo with window at top) and behind the helm on my 396. I would like to either remove it or replace it since it is scratched and generally ugly. Has anyone done this project?

In lieu of replacing or removing, someone suggested tinting the glass. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

cockpit #2.JPG

[km1125]

I'd think you'd want that clear so you have good visibility from the helm.

Any decent local canvass shop should be able to make a replacement for you.

[Viper]

Ya a good canvass guy should be able to replace that for you. Looks like it might be Isinglass or something similar.

[tgebler]

Thanks for the responses. The window is actually glass. I tried cleaning it (very difficult from the outside) but it is very scratched.

[bud37]

QR_BBPOST Thanks for the responses. The window is actually glass. I tried cleaning it (very difficult from the outside) but it is very scratched.

That may be plexi glass or some acrylic type.....regular glass is real hard to scratch in a place where it is hard to clean.....just remove it if plexi and have a duplicate made or a canvas piece to fit over that area.

[Viper]

Ya that's why I figured Isinglass because regular glass is pretty difficult to scratch. I'd have a canvas guy make something up with Isinglass so it's easily removable in case you want access to the hardtop for cleaning, polishing, etc. If it is glass you have now, I hope it's tempered.

[km1125]

If it's otherwise in good shape and it is plexiglass or a hard plastic then you might want to try some scratch remover and polish. NOVUS makes an excellent 3 part kit to do that. I had some nearly-translucent port lights that were plexiglass and all but one came out nearly new looking when I was done.

[Phrancus]

Glass (real) hardly scratches unless you put some metal stuff against it.

I've had surprisingly great results when I polished a rear window (plastic) of a convertible. No steps or difficult steps with expensive materials.

it's worth investigating the possibilities in the real world, as opposed to the marketing world that creates a premium price acceptance for shore products......

[DanM]

You can take the same approach as with fogged headlights on a car. Finesse-It II Machine polish or if you want to go finer use 3M Perfect-It EX Ultrafine Marine Polish. Use a polishing pad not a compounding pad on your buffer and it will make it crystal clear.