DIY Network

Reproduction Windshield Reviewed / '47 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-109

Through the first eight episodes of DIY's first Classic Rides series, you've seen a dilapidated '65 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide become a better-than-new king of the road. Host Kevin Tetz will finish the project this week with the help of expert mechanic Bill "Dunk" Dunkleberger.

In this first segment Kevin is joined by Bill Crawford of National Cycle, and they look at the replacement windshields for the project bike. They also examine a beautifully restored '47 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motorcycle and discuss general restoration tips.

The windshield (seen, below) that came with the project bike was too far gone to restore. The replacement windshield (seen, below) was found at an auction, but it also has some issues, including some fading and cracks due to its age.

Note: The same basic Harley-Davidson windshield design is still being manufactured and has been since the '50s for full-size motorcycles. But the windshield has obviously evolved with more modern materials.

In this final "65 Electra Glide episode of Classic Rides, host Kevin Tetz is joined by National Cycle's Bill Crawford, who gives advice about Harley-Davidson windshields (original one here) and talks about the '47 Harley-Davidson he restored.

1947 Harley-Davidson "Knucklehead"

Here's another view of the beautifully '47-correct restored Knucklehead, including the ornate saddlebags.

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Figure A

Windshield Maintenance

Maintenance on a windshield, whether it's a reproduction or a modern windshield is basically the same. There are many products available on the market now that will help maintain the windshield, but it doesn't really require much expense in order to take proper care, according to Crawford.

• To clean a windshield is simple. Basic dish washing liquid in warm water will work beautifully. Get it extremely wet with a soft cloth (baby diaper or micro-fiber). Never use a regular glass cleaner with ammonia because they can have an adverse effect on the plastic. Anything that is safe for modern urethane paint will be safe for a motorcycle windshield.

• Be sure to wash the windshield in an up-and-down motion to prevent glare. Swirls can cause glares.

• To prevent build up of road grime and bugs, you can use a car wax.

  Note: Back in the "bad old days," as Crawford says, a piece of wire (figure A) was used to support the windshield at highway speeds due to the type of plastics that were used. They had no rigidity.

In the next segment the new '65-correct windshield, along with the turn signals and headlights, will be installed on the project bike.

RESOURCES :

The Eastwood Company

The Eastwood Company is a supplier of automotive-restoration parts, tools and supplies.

The Easthill Group, Inc.
The Eastwood Company
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Knoxville Harley-Davidson Information
Knoxville Harley-Davidson/Buell
Website: www.HarleyofKnoxville.com

Restoration Parts (Custom Chrome)
Custom Chrome
Website: www.customchrome.com

Reproduction Windshields and Other Parts
National Cycle, Inc.
Website: www.nationalcycle.com

Specialty Tools and Kits
Cruz Tools
Website: www.cruztools.com

Motorcycle Covers
Covercraft Quality Softgoods
Covercraft Industries, Inc.
Website: www.covercraft.com

GUESTS :

William "Dunk" Dunkelberger
Restoration Coordinator / Mechanic
Harrly Hoggs & Piggletts
1409 Piney Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-681-7699
E-mail: hoggsandpiggletts@yahoo.com