So here's how it went.
Ok here's a preliminary pic of the cut down windshield. Yes it's a bit lopsided, but it's good enough to ride with right now. I'll take it off & sand it down to an even curve when I get some more time off from work.
It wasn't all that hard to do, & mind you I'm not exactly Mr. Handy with the tools.
I followed the directions from the link on the Modern Vespa site. I suggest that anyone planning to do the same thing read the excellent directions posted.
Here's what I did:
Step 1: While sitting on Brutus in my normal riding position Sammy my GF marked out 25' w/ a tape measure. Then I slid a piece of paper up the inside of the w-shield until I found the point where I could just see the 25' mark over the paper...marked that point on the wshield w/ a sharpie.
Then using the point drawn on the wshield, drew the outline of the desired new curve on the wshield. Took a large piece of paper & traced that curve onto it.
Step 2: Removed the windshield(it's easy, 4 screws).
I covered the wshield w/ tape from the top to down past the drawn in outline of where I wanted to cut. As suggested in the Mod.Vespa post I used Blue Painter's Tape. This will reduce damage to the wshield by the cutting tool. Painter's Tape is good because it is easy to apply, & has a "Clean Release"(very little sticky residue).
Then using the outline on the paper I drew the desired cut on the Painter's Tape.
Step 3: I used a small roto-tool to cut it down. I was concerned that the roto-tool might melt the wshield so I was hesitant at first, but I cut it slowly,& allowed the blade to cool every couple minutes. So no melting issues. The roto-tool was IMO an excellent way to cut it. I got very little vibration,or other stresses on the windshield,& I got a quick, clean cut. I'm glad I wore safety glasses tho, as I broke several of the little disposable blades,& pieces went flying everywhere.
Step 4: Removed the Tape, & sanded it smooth.
Step 5: Mounted the windshield. Cleaned it off.
Step 6: Did a little Happy-Dance around Brutus,& his new no-longer-looming-huge windshield.
Hopped on Brutus,& Scooted around with a proud grin on my face
