ISO GT windshield

[71 GT]

Just picked this 1971 GT 21' up this past weekend ... alls good except the funky replacement (from what I have no clue) windshield. I'm looking for an original ... anyone holding or direct me??

Thanks

Paul - new guy / 71 GT
Atl. Ga. area

http://git.me/photo/2017/04/16/4346601464105697792/11631449982530228224/1971-Donzi-21gt-HI-Performance-Engine.jpghttp://git.me/photo/2017/04/16/4346601464105697792/12503039440743170048/1971-Donzi-21gt-HI-Performance-Engine.jpg

[Greg Guimond]

............
Welcome to the site. Nice purchase and first post. You'll get some pointers here from folks in the know but in the meantime maybe run it with no windshield at all.

[71 GT]

Thanks Greg.

Plan right now is to fab a aluminum one like the "Shelby" style until an original can be procured. Maybe a bit higher though.

http://images.boats.com/resize/1/32/71/133271_0_070320092109_0.jpg?t=1236293850000

[Morgan's Cloud]

It's going to be a major PITA finding a fabricator who can duplicate an original style GT21 windscreen but it would sure be worth it . The GT21 just doesn't look right with anything else on it .

Up until a few years back there was a company called Aluminum 2000 who could custom fabricate boat windscreens from scratch (your design supplied) but I was saddened to hear that they've now stepped out of that area of business .

GT21s are really pretty ! !

[71 GT]

I'll do my best ... being a retired GE welder & spent time working in a drag race fab shop. I'll also have a bit of help from past Patrick Racing fab/welder (he built Mario's Indy cars in the 70's) ... we might be able to come up with something that looks decent ... or try.

I'm still on the hunt for an original though ... nothing like an original. They look like the windshield used on early Century Resorters:

https://www.searchlock.com/mirror/p?e=1&h=PRzUBcvG29tT1vNrUWsjvzBaX7BgbAOrILlXj5p/7J2SUcWSx6p6VJ6cqNNDd5IeNhAjMfdVNOwAr4oNw4NpfHSAqI nkhFT/f334Cr/eCmVHF9Qb0FWmFeQwTjbdk7WU&u=http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/uploads/12599/Picture_550.jpg

[olredalert]

----The original GT21 windshields were great looking, but very weak across the top. Because of that the top aluminum piece would cave in if anyone grabbed it. Donzi actually had an optional brace that went from the center top down to the dash. My GT that I bought new had that brace. Donzi also had optional side window vents to get much needed fresh air in the cockpit on hot days.......Bill S

[71 GT]

----The original GT21 windshields were great looking, but very weak across the top. Because of that the top aluminum piece would cave in if anyone grabbed it. Donzi actually had an optional brace that went from the center top down to the dash. My GT that I bought new had that brace. Donzi also had optional side window vents to get much needed fresh air in the cockpit on hot days.......Bill S

Picture of said windshield & brace? I may duplicate something very close to original.

THX.
Paul

[Morgan's Cloud]

Picture of said windshield & brace? I may duplicate something very close to original.

THX.
Paul

The photo in post #2 IS the original GT21 windscreen , minus the support that Bill spoke of.
If you have the wherewithall to make a windscreen like that from scratch you hardly need to see a picture of the support , you'll probably make a better one than the original out of your own imagination :biggrin.:

Incidentally , I'm guessing that the original windscreens were plexi not actually tempered glass. Would that be correct ?

[71 GT]

You're probably correct on that .... I have already thought about using lexan & flush mounting to frame ala drag race cars ...

I'll put some thought into it but a friend has a large waterjet machine so nothing is off the table yet. I was just trying to keep it close to original.

I'll show progress after I get back from my TX trip next week.

Paul

[dbleil89]

You may be able to find a 1980's 19ft Arabian. They had the same frame as the reporter but with the longer sides. They also had the vent windows. The side windows were a smoked plexus glass. All you would have to do is make the windshield have more of a slant.it won't be easy but atleast it would be a starting point

[Fishermanjm]

U will definitely want to check out Carl's ride...

[71 GT]

Thanks all ... appreciate the directions. I'll keep looking for an original but work on a replacement. The one that's on the vessel now is a bit tall & ugly.

Paul

[Greg Guimond]

Thanks all ... appreciate the directions. I'll keep looking for an original but work on a replacement. The one that's on the vessel now is a bit tall & ugly. Paul

What state are you located in Paul?

[71 GT]

What state are you located in Paul?

Georgia ... I live 34 miles N of Atlanta & run my boats at Lake Lanier primarily.

[Greg Guimond]

I could look at my notes over the next couple of days. There is a very accomplished shop that specializes in glass and lexan in your general area. Can't remember, but might even be in GA if you are interested.

[71 GT]

I also have designs on changing out the Throttle & Gearshift control unit as it appears not to be original & very sloppy. Any suggestions?

http://git.me/photo/2017/04/16/4346601464105697792/1185634865345556224/1971-Donzi-21gt-HI-Performance-Engine.jpg

[71 GT]

I could look at my notes over the next couple of days. There is a very accomplished shop that specializes in glass and lexan in your general area. Can't remember, but might even be in GA if you are interested.

Would be interested. Been outta town so was away (fishing) and din't have puter.

Paul

[donzidon]

It was in a discussion several years ago. They are in South Carolina. Website looks impressive.
I have thought about putting a windshield on my 22, but I don't like the newer style without the bezel and don't have the fortitude to start from scratch.

[Ghost]

I also have designs on changing out the Throttle & Gearshift control unit as it appears not to be original & very sloppy. Any suggestions?

Depending on whether you want a Single-Lever Dual Action or a Double Lever Single Action, I'd grab a Morse MT-3 or look for a MerControl.

I have this one boxed up in my basement if you want the Double-lever type.

85959

[Greg Guimond]

It was in a discussion several years ago. They are in South Carolina. Website looks impressive.
I have thought about putting a windshield on my 22, but I don't like the newer style without the bezel and don't have the fortitude to start from scratch.

Desman is one of the best and can build anything. They always have a backlog, they are that good.

[Morgan's Cloud]

That Desman Glass appears to be a VERY good contact to have . Thanks for putting it up .

[71 GT]

Depending on whether you want a Single-Lever Dual Action or a Double Lever Single Action, I'd grab a Morse MT-3 or look for a MerControl.

I have this one boxed up in my basement if you want the Double-lever type.

85959
PM'd - very interested.

Paul

[Carl C]

U will definitely want to check out Carl's ride...

Thanks, Fisherman. Mine was ordered from the factory with a Shelby/GT windscreen. It feels so good on a hot day! (22C, not a 21 GT)

[71 GT]

Ghost - I'll take that throttle/shifter if you intend to part with it ...

Paul

[olredalert]

----Clear stuff on GT21s was definetly just plexi. It used to bend with the windshield deflection until really distorted and then crack. There are way better choices today that would actually help with the overall strength. Its just me, but I wouldn't want any form of real glass......Bill S

[Morgan's Cloud]

----Clear stuff on GT21s was definetly just plexi. It used to bend with the windshield deflection until really distorted and then crack. There are way better choices today that would actually help with the overall strength. Its just me, but I wouldn't want any form of real glass......Bill S

Interesting Bill .
Are you saying that there is better plastics today than the stuff that was originally used and that is what you would go for or you would take the option of tinted tempered and curved safety glass over just 'glass' ?

I know someone who's just got his hands on a Magnum 27 sedan and the windscreen and porthole glass needs to be totally redone so he'll be asking me about this at some point .

[71 GT]

Just got the shifter unpacked - NICE ... really appreciate the hook up.

It'll be installed this week & hopefully we'll get more rain to fill the lake so I can try it out.

THANK YOU.

Only a few more items on the check list to complete.

Paul

[Ghost]

Most welcome, very happy to see it go to a good home, what a cool ride! 

[johnnywhale]

Here's a pretty good pic of my frame, no plexi installed.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd220/johnnywhale/Donzi/IMG_1136.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/user/johnnywhale/media/Donzi/IMG_1136.jpg.html)

[woobs]

Nice!

[71 GT]

OUTSTANDING!

Thanks.

Paul/71 GT

[olredalert]

Interesting Bill .
Are you saying that there is better plastics today than the stuff that was originally used and that is what you would go for or you would take the option of tinted tempered and curved safety glass over just 'glass' ?

I know someone who's just got his hands on a Magnum 27 sedan and the windscreen and porthole glass needs to be totally redone so he'll be asking me about this at some point .

----I may be wrong but I believe that Lexan is a better choice than plain plexi. I guess the question of curved and tempered glass is more one of cost. As well, upon shattering I wouldn't want all that shattered glass all over the place, but that's me.
---- Mark will want to know more about the sedan as he is working on his sedan now.......Bill S

[Morgan's Cloud]

----I may be wrong but I believe that Lexan is a better choice than plain plexi. I guess the question of curved and tempered glass is more one of cost. As well, upon shattering I wouldn't want all that shattered glass all over the place, but that's me.
---- Mark will want to know more about the sedan as he is working on his sedan now.......Bill S

I kind of had a feeling that it might have been a case of advances in plastics since the GT21 was first made . Lexan , even though it might be considered 'plexiglass' by some is a much more advanced material , inna ?

The Mag 27 , which is only a mile up the road from me , is a '73 like our 25 , I think . I must stop by and see if the HIN is still readable as it was painted many years ago .