As I begin to forge ahead in earnest with the project of updating my hardtop side windows, I had encountered several questions which I am going to pose here and on TF. After consultation with the boatyard where I received the recommendation to use Wynne Industries in Alabama where I could actually drive up to receive the finished product. Their website shows that this sort of thing is what they are about, and I have just sent them an email with photos of what I have and what I want.
Going through their order formand its options gave rise to these questions:
Glazing? Laminated safety, tempered safety, acrylic, polycarbonate
I had laminated safety on the Grand Banks and don’t want something with can be damaged by the sun or scratched easily. Laminated might be a bit heavy. Tempered? I dunno.
Tinting? Clear, solar grey, solar bronze, tinted green
I long ago found that tinted windows gave rise to a lot of interior reflected light at night plus the reduced visibility from the tint. However, if I go with a clear glass option I could experiment with films maybe even applying the metalized clear film I have on the car which provides protection from UV.
Mounting? clamp ring or flange
I dunno…..
Coating of the aluminum frame? Clear anodizing, flex white painted, flex black painted, or custom powder coated
I am not too attracted to an aluminum color which may well some day show saltwater corrosion, but I also don’t want a contrasting color of paint (white or black) on the exterior (interior does not matter to me). I had some aluminum on my trawler powder coated and know the cost of that and also saw the disappointing bubbles of corrosion after a few years. My center opening windshield has painted aluminum framing, and I have color match repair paint whenever corrosion appeared; so, I am thinking of letting them flex white paint it and then scratch it a bit with some sandpaper before applying a coat or two before installing the window.