Panel above windsheld -Damage :(

Tikvah · September 27, 2011, 12:25:02 PM

The panel above the windshield. I took my bus for the first drive today today since I brought it home! - Anyway I took it to the glass shop to repair this panel above the windshield. They couldn't get it to go back. Too much damage.
So, Where do I get a replacement? Would you use anything else? I thought of aluminum???

Thoughts?

Tikvah · September 28, 2011, 04:25:15 AM

Nobody has ever replaced one of these?
Anyone know how to replace?

Jeremy · September 28, 2011, 04:43:05 AM

It looks to just be a plastic panel in a rubber bead, so could be replaced in the same way as a windscreen. Is the plastic panel damaged, or the surround? Either way, repair or replace it back to how it should be, or cover it up (my bus has exactly the same panel there, but it's going to be covered up by the front cap).

Jeremy

Tikvah · September 28, 2011, 05:11:32 AM

Yes, it's just plastic... plexiglass.
I need to replace it, but I don't know who to call for a replacement.

I thought I would get a couple replies with some suggestions. Some folks on this forum might even know a part number.

robertglines1 · September 28, 2011, 05:36:57 AM

Did they break it? It should have went back. if it is plastic can be ground down a little to help. Or just cover as you said with alum and insulate behind. This is a area of greater heat gain and loss in a coach so less area and more insulation is better. if they broke it they have insurance--that's why they charge so much for simple work. Bob

Jeremy · September 28, 2011, 06:01:34 AM

Is it a moulded (pre-shaped) panel, or flat sheet bent into shape and held there by the rubber? If the latter then just buy a new piece from your local plastic supplier (and note that it will probably be polycarbonate (Lexan) rather than acrylic (Perspex / Plexiglass)). If it is a moulded panel - yes, you will need a part number and buy it as an MCI spare part.

Jeremy

Tikvah · September 28, 2011, 06:02:04 AM

They didn't break anything. It was like this when I bought the coach. I asked them to put it back in the seal, but it won't go back to shape. So, I assume I just need to replace it with a new one.
Yes, it seems to be pre-moulded. They can't seem to bend it without it snapping back to the wrong shape.

robertglines1 · September 28, 2011, 06:11:27 AM

Heat gun. do it all the time. makes flexible get what you can in and heat stubborn area all the way across under constant pressure -keep heat moving. or just use alum. Bob

gumpy · September 28, 2011, 06:27:30 AM

Get ahold of Brian Diehl. He just replaced his this spring with a piece of Alucobond (the same stuff I used for siding on my bus). It looked great when I saw it in July.