Clearview vent in Factory windshield??

[Jethroish]

I got a vent, hoping to install it in my factory windshield. The vent has slightly less of a curvature than the windshield.

 

Has anyone done this? Does it work?

 

Clearview informed me that they are aware of people that have done it and that the windshield will flex some as the vent is tightened.

 

Makes me wonder if it is worth the risk.

[RoadKill]

I got a vent, hoping to install it in my factory windshield. The vent has slightly less of a curvature than the windshield.

 

Has anyone done this? Does it work?

 

Clearview informed me that they are aware of people that have done it and that the windshield will flex some as the vent is tightened.

 

Makes me wonder if it is worth the risk.

 

I'm sure you will get some answers, because I know some have done it. I think the vent gives a little too as you tighten down. The other option you have is the round vents that Squidly has that you can put in each side. Nothing but a hole saw to get it done.

[Guest KitCarson]

How much is slightly less?? If either the shield or the vent has to flex more than 1/8 inch it might not be a good idea. I once tried to heat up a vent with a heat gun and bend the unit......all that did was put the louvers in a bind. The windshields can take quite a bit, but mounted down low like the vent is there is not all that much flex at that point....installation in summer heat would be best that way the shield and vent get a chance to take a set, in the cold it might crack the shield by putting stress on the shield mounting screws at the fairing. The shield will flex more up higher....but the vent needs to go low.....not much flex at that point. I now run a short shield and do not have to worry about it.....but on one of my Harleys I used the little round vents, they are more adjustable.....and they seemed to work better than just one larger vent. I used 4 of them...kept them down out of the line of sight.

[kbran]

Several of us have them in the factory sheild and I installed mine with no problems. It's not off that much and the vent will flex what little it has to.

[Condor]

Check with Squidly. He was running around punching holes in factory windshields and installing vents at Venture West III in Susanville. Didn't hear of any problems.....

[Squidley]

I have installed a few aircraft vents in various windshields of folks on the site. They do work nice and are inexpensive. I will put this out the GW vent is a PIA to install in a windshield. I did one on Charlies old '86 and it wasn't fun. It can be done, but make sure that you have the right tools and LOTS of paitence to do it.

[GunnyButch]

I would think the vent should conform to the curvature of the windshield more than the deforming the windshield curve. I'd recommend tightening the vent screws down left and right in increments to avoid breaking the vent. I put on a Clearview shield with the louvered vent last year and like it. My stock one after 4 years was pretty scratched up from all kinds of assorted abuse.