Perspex Windscreen repair

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moggiegeek
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Perspex Windscreen repair

Post by moggiegeek »

This is picking brains territory. Can anyone help?
A friend has a retro speedboat with a smoked perspex curved windshield. Unfortunately the right hand section was smashed in an accident.
Does anyone know a specialist who can heat and bend 5mm perspex to shape? Fortunately the windshield section is only curved in one plane which should the job easier. Anything in the Bath Bristol area even more helpful.
philthehill
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Re: Perspex Windscreen repair

Post by philthehill »

Fit a poly carbonate windscreen - it will bend but not shatter like perspex.

Polycarbonate sheets/panels are available off the web.

Have a word with these people as they deal in polycarbonate:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR ... Swi6Jastt9

Steve Phillips
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Re: Perspex Windscreen repair

Post by Steve Phillips »

Poly carb as Phil says is the way to go,

Companies such as those in the link above May possibly buy it in pre-cut from a specialist, so may be expensive,

some sign companies will hold stock of clear and smoke poly, our local one does and is happy to sell off cuts or to cut it to shape for you,

I would suggest a quick internet search for "polycarbonate supplies" or "sign manufacturers" in your local area,

Working with poly is easy but remember it scratches VERY easily, so leave the protective film on till the very end,

If you cut it with a hand held jigsaw be careful as the saws face plate can mark the poly if the protective film is not on,

I normally cut odd shapes with an angle grinder using a 1mm slitting wheel, go slow and it won’t melt the edge to much, a bench sander or finger sander is great for finishing the shapes, and if you want to remove the sander marks from the edge of the poly once you have the shape you want you can pass a blow torch (on a low heat along the edge and it will melt the edge to remove your sander marks and give a polished look, BUT I suggest you practice on scrap first as it requires practice,

Never rub a dry cloth over your poly as it will scratch it, there are special cleaners available but any mild foam cleaner will work with a soft cloth, if you wax the poly with car wax both sides and keep it waxed it will help to stop it scratching, and help to stop the salt water attacking it,

As for shaping it, if we get some sun again and the poly isn’t too thick believe it or not you can bend it with the heat from the sun, if it is laid over an appropriate shape/form the poly will sag around that form to give a gentle curve, but it will take time and lots of sunshine,

Having said that thin poly will allow you to flex it into a frame quiet easily, although it will always want to go back to straight if removed from its frame,

I often make windows for race cars so have some experience with poly although other people may know more than me or have better methods.

Steve
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pgp001
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Re: Perspex Windscreen repair

Post by pgp001 »

Just be aware that Polycarbonate might be difficult to obtain at the moment, everyone is making safety screens for Covid 19.

Phil
Pete Bags
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Re: Perspex Windscreen repair

Post by Pete Bags »

Also, be aware that many polycarbonates do not like petrol and other products on them - they can craze the instant any fuel is splashed on them! Ask me how I know.... :oops:
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