Top of windshield curve

[bayviewsignworks]

How do you get this curve? Other than endless trial and error method is there a better way? Also we have different vehicles that we're doing lettering on that top curve.

 

[2B]

http://www.signs101.com/forums/show...cross-top-of-windshield&p=1229185#post1229185

 

[bob]

The problem is that you're trying to flatten out a three dimensional object, sort of like trying to flatten out a hat.

The simplest way is to tape a piece of paper across the windshield then use a Sharpie to trace the top curve and the sides, as far down the paper as they go. Then spread the paper out on a flat surface, like the floor, lay a standard 16"x24" framing square on it and take a picture of it. Try to get right on top of it with no parallax.

Import that picture into your software and, lo, you have a flat image of the windshield. Draw a rectangle around the framing square, mask, power clip, or whatever your software does, to map the picture into the rectangle. Now make the rectangle 16"x24" and unmask the picture. Now you have an actual size image of the windshield. Fit your text to the outline you drew with the Sharpie.

It takes longer to tell someone how to do it than to actually do it.

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

The problem is that you're trying to flatten out a three dimensional object, sort of like trying to flatten out a hat.

The simplest way is to tape a piece of paper across the windshield then use a Sharpie to trace the top curve and the sides, as far down the paper as they go. Then spread the paper out on a flat surface, like the floor, lay a standard 16"x24" framing square on it and take a picture of it. Try to get right on top of it with no parallax.

Import that picture into your software and, lo, you have a flat image of the windshield. Draw a rectangle around the framing square, mask, power clip, or whatever your software does, to map the picture into the rectangle. Now make the rectangle 16"x24" and unmask the picture. Now you have an actual size image of the windshield. Fit your text to the outline you drew with the Sharpie.

It takes longer to tell someone how to do it than to actually do it.

This. I used this method to sketch the curve of a motorcycle tank, so we could make a tank pad that covered the top where your jacket hits. And the sides where your pants go. Usually they are three piece.