Rock Guard patch

[Kriswin]

We have a 2 inch break in our rock guard. Down about a couple of inches in another 2 inch crack. they are both perfectly straight. No shattering, no spider web. we dont know how it happened. we are wondering if there is a patch that we can put on these cracks to prolong the life of the guards. this is a new rig. 2021 flying cloud.

thanks

kris

[panamerican]

Originally Posted by Kriswin

We have a 2 inch break in our rock guard. Down about a couple of inches in another 2 inch crack. they are both perfectly straight. No shattering, no spider web. we dont know how it happened. we are wondering if there is a patch that we can put on these cracks to prolong the life of the guards. this is a new rig. 2021 flying cloud.

thanks

kris

IIRC, those are stainless steel so an alum patch might not work well, but have you considered a warranty claim? Looking at your rig, you have a 2021 and have a 3 year warranty.

[Mollysdad]

Just so we're on the same page, to me a 'rock guard' is the tinted plexiglass window covering, while the 'segment protectors' are the stainless dent covers on the lower front.
I've always heard that to stop a crack in plexiglass, drill a tiny hole at the end of the crack. That stops the progress of the break.

[Kriswin]

yes it is the plexiglass. I am thinking of a tape of some kind. anyone have tips?

[Dingo Girl]

look into Sugru.

[panamerican]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Just so we're on the same page, to me a 'rock guard' is the tinted plexiglass window covering, while the 'segment protectors' are the stainless dent covers on the lower front.
I've always heard that to stop a crack in plexiglass, drill a tiny hole at the end of the crack. That stops the progress of the break.

Good point...I always seem to lump the two together since rocks is what invariably seems to hit either all the time.

[richard5933]

If it's the plexiglass and the pieces are all still intact, I'd agree with what was posted above. Drill a very small hole at the end of the crack to stop it's progress, and then use some wicking plexiglass solvent-based glue to bond the pieces together. It won't be as strong as before the damage, but it should halt the progress of the crack.

Something like this is what I'd be using, but do your own research to confirm it will work for you: https://www.amazon.com/Weld-Acrylic-...ustrial&sr=1-3

Perhaps a 1/16" drill bit for the ends of the crack, used on a very slow speed with a steady hand.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Just so we're on the same page, to me a 'rock guard' is the tinted plexiglass window covering, while the 'segment protectors' are the stainless dent covers on the lower front.
I've always heard that to stop a crack in plexiglass, drill a tiny hole at the end of the crack. That stops the progress of the break.

Coincidentally, you can do the same to stop a crack in metal sheeting as well.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by Kriswin

yes it is the plexiglass. I am thinking of a tape of some kind. anyone have tips?

Is there a long crack windshield repair place in your area? That is how I had mine fixed. Going on 3 years, no further cracking. And because of the dark tint, I defy you to find the repair.

[ROBERT CROSS]

MacGyver 'sez... GoRilla clear packaging tape, after holeing the ends.

Bob
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[Bill M.]

At what those things cost I would investigate getting them replaced under warranty. And maybe fixing the old ones.

[DewTheDew]

Originally Posted by thewarden

Coincidentally, you can do the same to stop a crack in metal sheeting as well.

It is "stress intensity". Stress intensity drives a crack and the sharper the crack, the higher the stress is at the front of it (driving it). The small hole blunts the tip and reduces the driving force. Materials science, baby!! :-)

[ROBERT CROSS]

[QUOTE=Bill M.;2560656]At what those things cost I would investigate getting them replaced under warranty. And maybe fixing the old ones.[/QUOTE

Warranty, doubtful?...More better insurance.

Bob
🇺🇸