Perspex?

[Windy Miller]

The window in the tailgate of my L200 is broken, and replacement glass is not available anywhere.

So thinking about Perspex or polycarbonate. Anything else I could use that’s better or easier? Or cheaper maybe?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Go to autoglass, they will cut you to size.
You may have to book yourself in.
Or look at your local windscreen suppliers/fitters.
I have had a few cut to suit projects.

 

[gordon stephenson]

If you are using a plastic, Get some Lexan, you can smack i with hammers and it will just laugh at you,

 

[frank horton]

most glass suppliers will have "Laminated Glass"........u just need a wooden pattern......norm 6-8mm smaller than the apature....so thats 3-4mm per side.....
do it all the time for old cars etc........just remember to ask for a polished edge......well at least no sharp bits........
they use a water cooled belt liniisher........take no time and the charge is just a couple of quid........

 

[zzr1200]

If the window is flat then phone/search for a company called "Cab Glass" they'll come to you, cut it to size and fit it.

 

[Olderisbetter]

I used to be chatty with the guy that went about fixing the local bus shelters, He always had lots a sheets of shop soiled polycarb.

 

[aguycalledsteve]

The window in the tailgate of my L200 is broken, and replacement glass is not available anywhere.

So thinking about Perspex or polycarbonate. Anything else I could use that’s better or easier? Or cheaper maybe?

if you want to PM me your reg and chassis number. I can ask in our parts sourcing dept see if they can get hold of one and what sort of price it would be.

I work for an automotive glazing company that supplies and fits all sorts of glass to all sort of stuff with wheels.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

He always had lots a sheets of shop soiled polycarb.

But with yoof-sized footprints all over them?

 

[ukracer]

I used to be chatty with the guy that went about fixing the local bus shelters, He always had lots a sheets of shop soiled polycarb.

So do you still speak to him.

 

[steviec_lj]

Aaaahhhh...I’m not the only one suffering with this minor set back! Mine decided to explode on the gravel driveway, as I opened it..

 

[8ob]

The window in the tailgate of my L200 is broken, and replacement glass is not available anywhere.

So thinking about Perspex or polycarbonate. Anything else I could use that’s better or easier? Or cheaper maybe?

Depends which type of tailgate, some are just a piece of glass others are in a frame. Both are likely to have holes drilled in the glass for locks/hinges and thats not something cab glass can do on a mobile callout , neither is the smooth rounded edge around the outside if its not in a frame. Lexan is going to be an easier solution even if its a temporary fix while you identify what you have or have one professionally cut.

Bob

 

[Migmac]

I would think a boat screen maker could make you one. Must be one near Kent

 

[JohnRUFC]

I have Lexan windows in my race car. There fantastic but scratch quite easily. It’s 4mm in my side windows and 5mm on my rear window.

 

[Olderisbetter]

So do you still speak to him.

I see him now and again...but i only ever get scratched panels now which are ok if you want to run the orbital sander over one side and make diffused light covers that wont shatter if something hit them.

 

[Windy Miller]

Well as always, thanks to everyone for all the advice. Some good ideas here for me to look into.

I quite like the idea of the Lexan, and the price seems reasonable too. I’d be very happy if it were available in smoked or black. I’ll see what I can find out.

I THINK it’s a flat panel horizontally, with a very slight vertical curve. I’ll get a straight edge on it at the weekend to confirm that. I’m assuming (hoping) that there will be a little flexibility in the lexan to follow the curve.

Next question is how to attach it. The original was bonded with some rubbery black stuff which I’d like to use again, hence the need for black or smoked so you can’t see the gloop that it’s stuck on with. Any suggestions here?

Plan B is to simply rivet a sheet of ally or zintec over the hole and paint it to match. Not ideal but it’s a quick and dirty fix that would get me out of a hole.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Don't know about different shades in the Lexan, But they do make mirrored Lexan used in high risk safety areas and where vandalisation may be prevalent,

 

[bricol]

You can get hard coated polycarbonate to resist scratching.

 

[wookie]

Perspex scratches easy as well, it's also quite brittle and is easy to crack especially when drilling holes in it. Personally I wouldn't use it on a car even though I have some sat in my garage.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Window tint film or spray will work on plastic.

To hide the glue, mask around the edge and spray paint a black rim around the outside.

 

[Windy Miller]

if you want to PM me your reg and chassis number. I can ask in our parts sourcing dept see if they can get hold of one and what sort of price it would be.

I work for an automotive glazing company that supplies and fits all sorts of glass to all sort of stuff with wheels.

Thanks for the offer - I'll dig out the paperwork tomorrow and let you know.