Damage to window guards

[Canuks]

While cleaning my AS lately I noticed that I have damage to both right and left side front window covers. The right suffered a nasty stone chip. It looks like a big spider and its the size of a loonie. I'm just happy that the guard was there to protect the glass.
On the left side there is a four inch crack from one of the upper corners running into the panel.
Has anyone had to replace these parts? It looks like it may be easy to do myself. I know a plastics supplier that I might be able to get the plastic from. Is it Lexan? I thought I could just use the old ones for a template and cut two new ones. It seems to be less than 1/16 inch thick. Probably be cheaper for me to buy a sheet. I could zip it out with my router and a pattern bit. Please help with brand of plastic if possible
Does anyone know if the left one with the crack might be covered as a manufacturing defect? My closest AS dealer is a four hour drive and if I call them they will just want me to bring it in to look at it. If they tell me its not covered I have wasted the whole day plus two tanks of gas...

[desi arnaz]

do not , i repeat go to tap plastics..........$9.50 sqf i found a company in sacto that has the same lexan for $4.50 a sqf
the problem is getting the bend right.

[Canuks]

Was it a major job to replace? I would think Lexan (if thats what the factory uses) at that thickness would bend like cooked noodles.

[AYRSTRM2]

The trouble you'll have is telling the guys in America what a "Loonie" is

John

[thenewkid64]

I knew what he meant...

[desi arnaz]

a gold color canadiain coin with a loon on the front $2 i think?

[AYRSTRM2]

Oh, I thought it was the thing that came out of the middle of donuts made by a hockey player!

John

[thenewkid64]

Some think it is the way a canuk would say loogie......

Looks like the thread got sidetracked and the question wasn't answered. My window covers are also damaged but the frames are just fine. If anyone knows: what is the material, what thickness and can it be replaced? Has anyone actually replaced the ( Lexan?) and what were the results.

[Pahaska]

I replaced the rear canopy on my two-place glider with a Lexan sheet. The original plexiglass canopy had a slight (1/2") crown, but I figured a flat curve would serve for a 1970s era glider. I don't remember the thickness I used, but I had no problem bending the material to fit the frame. The required inverted "U" curve was far tighter than would be required for an Airstream stone guard.

The replacement canopy worked fine for the several years that I owned the glider before selling it.

[Alden Miller]

In my window guard that is...

If I do replace it I think I am going to get a sheet of lexan and cut it myself. The 4' x 8' sheet is what I would have to get to be able to cut a piece that fits. I think that the curvature would be taken care of by the aluminum frame.

With the cracks that I have, I have drilled 1/8" stop cracks at the end of the crack. This has helped keep them from extending any further. As long as they stay this way it will be a while before I replace the guard.

-Alden

[Canuks]

I guess that I will track down the material and see how it works. I finally have a digital camera so maybe I will post some pics.

[jimmickle]

With the failures that you discribe, the material is NOT polycarbonate (Lexan). It most likely is acrylic (Plexiglass). One problem to be aware of with polycarbonate is that cantact with any hydrocarbons will make it craze. However, it is much stronger and impact resistant than acrylic. It is also much more expensive.

Jim Mickle

[Stormy Weather]

How about replacing it with aluminum?! Someone oh this forum has a rock guard made of aluminum...looks quite cool. Only downside is the opaqeness (sp?).