76-78 Liquifire, Cyclone and Liquidator Windshields

[JoeRainville]

Hi Guys,

While doing a little research into Liquidator windshields, I also dug around the 76-78 Liquifire and Cyclone units.

It started with not being able to find a 'correct' Liquidator windshield that didn't hit the brake lever. See the pic below showing a 76-77 'short' Liquifire windshield hitting the center of the brake lever at full lock on a right turn.

The Liquifire unit fits well enough, and looks pretty good on the sled, but the interference was a problem. I haven't checked to see if the Kelsey Hayes brake lever hits, but I suspect it might...

[JoeRainville]

Brock Weber helped us out by loaning me an original Liquidator windshield. You can see in the pic's below it leans forward farther than the Liquifire piece, but is nearly the same height. At full lock on a right turn, the brake lever does not touch, but it is close.

[JoeRainville]

To give you a better idea of how they all compare, we stacked up a stock 'tall' 78 and the 'short' 76-77 Liquifire windshield against the Liquidator piece. Personally, I also like how the Dator unit follows the angle up from the side of the hood, while both Liquifire units stand up more.

Additional note, it seems the 'tall' 78 Liquifire and Cyclone windshield is shown as optional in the updated Liquidator parts book. Further digging in the Liquidator racing tips shows it to be the optional windshield for the "T" shaped cross country bars. I do have another Liquidator equipped with those bars, so another fit check is warranted.

The reason I am show this is that I am planning to make a run of these 76-78 windshields, starting with the Dator first, then possibly the tall 78 style. My real question is that do you guys want correct 'short' 76-77 Liquifire and Cyclone windshields made, or would you rather just use the "Dator Cut" versions?

Thanks,
-Joe Rainville

[WinnipegStPaul9]

It would make sense to just make the Dator style. One item is easier to deal with. Thanks for doing this. I'm all in.
And....we can put the 27 decal on all of them too as I just had more made LOL

DA

[sledhead16]

I'm sure the dator guys would be interested in the dator cut ones

[Cabindweller]

Yes most people wouldn't even notice the difference. I would go with the dator cut.

[JoeRainville]

Thanks for the feed back guys. We will see how the quote comes back for the three units, as I don't think a common tool will be able to form all three styles. Even if each required unique tooling, the Dator cut will still be done first, and should be available later this summer.

I still welcome any other feedback.

Thanks,
-Joe

[gpuller]

I say do the short Dator cut windshields and call 'er good.
Thanks for taking the time to reproduce these.
I'd be in for a shorty for my '77 Liquifire.

[sledder670]

I'd be in for 3

[JoeRainville]

Hi Guys,

I have the quotes back for the three windshields. It's a higher investment level than the 295/s and 340/s units, but should have a higher volume. I plan to start with the Liquidator style 'short' windshields first, made from 0.080" polycarbonate with edge trim, molded exactly like the original factory piece.

If any of you guys are interested in the "Dator Cut" sshort tyle, could you please let me know how many you might want. This is not a commitment to purchase, I would just like to know the interest level from you all before I place the order. Final price is expected to be around $100.00 each.

Thanks,
-Joe Rainville
joerainville@hotmail.com
585-406-4593 call/text

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Joe, compared to Cannon Classic products you're right in line, maybe a little less expensive. Looks great I'm down for two (2) to start.

DA

[croyturbo]

Put me in for 2 please.

[Fairchild]

2 for me as well, but won't be ready to purchase for at least a year.

[Cabindweller]

I am sure between me and a friend of mine we could use 3 or 4

[JoeRainville]

The first order has been placed for the short 1976 "Dator Cut" windshields. These will fit all the 76-78 Liquifire, Liquidator and Cyclone machines, but are the exact match to the 76 Liquidator. They are about the same height as the 76-77 "short" Liquifire and Cyclone windshields, but have the side cut angled forward to clear the brake lever as shown in the photo's above.

I will keep everyone posted on their arrival schedule. I am trying to keep the price at $100.00 each, plus shipping.

We are moving onto the low 79-84 "Sport" windshields next. One question I have is on the center tab. The 79-80 Trail, Sport and Liquifire do no use a center mounting tab, while the 81-84 sleds do. I think we should carry both styles instead of having the users cut the tabs off for the earlier sleds, but I would value feedback from you guys.

Thanks!
-Joe Rainville