Cracked window rock guard

[reginac]

My front window center rock guard got a hole during a recent travel day. I did a temp fix on the crack and hole so I could keep traveling with a protected window. That being said, I think it looks terrible and I want to replace the tinted acrylic piece only since the frame is in excellent condition still.

When shopping I noticed they only sell the whole assembly? It is over $600 which seems like overkill for my issue. Does anyone have a lead for replacing the acrylic only?

I can either hire someone to do the repair or I can do it myself if I can find the part. Advice/leads would be greatly appreciated.

[Bill M.]

Are you talking about the flat section in the center? Our town, and I suspect most places, has several commercial plastic shops that sell acrylic sheets and that can cut and fit it. You could at least buy it cut to size. Lots of signs made from this stuff. I expect a lot of glass shops can do it too. Lots of acrylic storm doors out there. You can order acrylic sheets from Amazon but I expect a lot of waste depending upon the actual size.

Glad you had the rock guard aren't you?

[ROBERT CROSS]

The Google is your fiend...


Bob
🇺🇸

[reginac]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Are you talking about the flat section in the center? Our town, and I suspect most places, has several commercial plastic shops that sell acrylic sheets and that can cut and fit it. You could at least buy it cut to size. Lots of signs made from this stuff. I expect a lot of glass shops can do it too. Lots of acrylic storm doors out there. You can order acrylic sheets from Amazon but I expect a lot of waste depending upon the actual size.

Glad you had the rock guard aren't you?

100% yes

[CRH]

I replaced the acrylic in my center guard a couple of months ago. A glass shop cut the replacement piece for me for less than 70 bucks.

[reginac]

Originally Posted by CRH

I replaced the acrylic in my center guard a couple of months ago. A glass shop cut the replacement piece for me for less than 70 bucks.

Good to know, thank you! I was really worried it wouldn’t match.

[fwjumper]

I have replaced several curved ones. I use Lexan (polycarbonate) instead of acrylic (plexiglas)
It is much tougher, easier to cut, flexible and more expensive. About $100.00 for a 4x8 sheet.
Google lexan distributors in your area. They have a color which is pretty perfect match . Don't remember with certainty what they call it's but it may be "smoke."

[banderabob]

Wow, just an observation.....given the height and center placement, that had to have been tossed up from an oncoming vehicle.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by fwjumper

I have replaced several curved ones. I use Lexan (polycarbonate) instead of acrylic (plexiglas)
It is much tougher, easier to cut, flexible and more expensive. About $100.00 for a 4x8 sheet.
Google lexan distributors in your area. They have a color which is pretty perfect match . Don't remember with certainty what they call it's but it may be "smoke."

I agree, go with Lexan. It may be more expensive, but you're less likely to have to replace it.

[drbrick]

I also agree, go with Lexan - darn near unbreakable

[journeydog]

Your picture doesn't seem like the damage is on an Airstream - at best, it looks like the rear window of a camper shell. So, what's the model of your AS? Also looks more like a puncture from a BB, not a rock.
Good luck with your DIY venture - you can do it as others have said.


Happy trails!!

[lrlevine117]

What is a window rock guard? Are you talking about a sprinter airstream? Sorry, the picture was not clear.

[rucos]

I owned a glass shop for almost 40 years and when I did mine a few years ago I used Lexan. Lexan is unbreakable Plexi.
If you can remove frame.... then remove old plexiglass and use this for a template... take it to a shop that sells Plexi/lLexan and have them cut it for you. Mine was a bit of a battle but worked out great. I believe I used 3mm tinted Lexan. Have fun

[CruizinDux]

So joined the star club ( 3 small star cracks) that are developing after our last trip and was thinking about this last night as a winter project. Thinging... need to find that saved link link with a great downloadable pdf that janet arranged tobe retained.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...ml#post2393936

I need to reread as this as i believe it was a replacement post and i'm not there, yet.

[bwpaint]

Originally Posted by journeydog

Your picture doesn't seem like the damage is on an Airstream - at best, it looks like the rear window of a camper shell.

Appears OP took the picture from inside the trailer. Could be wrong .

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by rucos

I owned a glass shop for almost 40 years and when I did mine a few years ago I used Lexan. Lexan is unbreakable Plexi.
If you can remove frame.... then remove old plexiglass and use this for a template... take it to a shop that sells Plexi/lLexan and have them cut it for you. Mine was a bit of a battle but worked out great. I believe I used 3mm tinted Lexan. Have fun

I am due to replace all 3 panels. Could you give details?
Can you flatten the old plexi...with heat...without heat to make template?
Can the lexan be flexed to the curved frame without heat and danger of cracking/crazing?
What thickness and size of retention cording?
Any other tips?

[rewillia]

Yes, retail from Airstream its expensive. That said, when purchased it comes complete with the hinge assy, gaskets, and rubber latches and bracketry so its more than just the solar plexiglass.

Agree, no need to change all those items and a glass shop can likely do a good job of replacing just the shattered plexiglass but you will have to remove it from your coach which will require drilling out the rivets at the both ends of the hinge to remove it, then replacing them.

We replaced all our front solar shields and stainless segment guards of which all got pitted up from a trip to/from the lower 48 and Alaska. In doing so, we also applied XPEL clear-bra (i.e. paint protection film) on all 5 segments to add further protection. Was not cheap

[Projet2907]

Originally Posted by reginac

My front window center rock guard got a hole during a recent travel day. I did a temp fix on the crack and hole so I could keep traveling with a protected window. That being said, I think it looks terrible and I want to replace the tinted acrylic piece only since the frame is in excellent condition still.

When shopping I noticed they only sell the whole assembly? It is over $600 which seems like overkill for my issue. Does anyone have a lead for replacing the acrylic only?

I can either hire someone to do the repair or I can do it myself if I can find the part. Advice/leads would be greatly appreciated.

Attachment 384825

What is a Temp fix on the crack and a hole?

[Hi OH Silver]

Originally Posted by CRH

I replaced the acrylic in my center guard a couple of months ago. A glass shop cut the replacement piece for me for less than 70 bucks.

This sounds like the answer

[reginac]

Originally Posted by banderabob

Wow, just an observation.....given the height and center placement, that had to have been tossed up from an oncoming vehicle.

I’m pretty sure it got kicked back from a semi during a rain storm. It was pretty bad that day.