Here is the Bimini Windshield Frame. It is a one piece unit, with a separate, opening center panel. The panel folds inwards and up, to attach to the Bimini Top using the same twist lock fittings used to secure it to the windshield frame. The Frame is two layer construction, with the 40 mil Strataglass sandwiched between them.

Medium weight construction paper is used to determine the Strataglass panel shape. The paper has the same physical properties as the glass, and will lay flat and conform , or buckle the same way if the panel is not fitted and sized properly. It must be under tension in the proper directions to conform to the curve of the Bimini Top and windshield, but must not be placed under compression, as this will cause buckling and distortion in the paper panel, as well as the finished Strataglass panel. Once the paper panel is fitted properly, alignment marks are added, so the Frame and panel can be assembled correctly on the work table.

Here, the Frame and paper panel are re-fitted together on the table, aligning the witness marks all around.

The Strataglass panel is cut using the paper panel for a template. Witness marks are transferred from the template to the glass. The Strataglass and paper panel are fitted to the frame, aligning the marks on all three pieces. The glass panel is on top. The Frame is then super glued to the Strataglass panel. The Frame is reversed, the template removed, and the other side is glued. The Strataglass panel is then sewn in place.

The result is a perfectly tensioned glass panel. The distortion that appears in the panel is the result of the camera flash, and digital camera oddities. In actual viewing, the view through the Strataglass panel is perfect.

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