Any suggestions on where to get plastic for a window?

belfert · July 19, 2009, 03:57:02 PM

I am waiting for a window from Motion Windows. In the mean time I need to cover the hole with a sheet of plastic. I tried a piece of thin acrylic from Home Depot, but it broke off as soon as I pulled on the freeway. Luckily, no vehicle got hit by the flying plastic.

What type of place would sell a decent sheet of clear plastic that is reasonably priced? I've seen polycarbonate at McMaster-Carr, but it was over $100 for a relatively small piece. I really need to find something locall tomorrow as my bus might finally leave the garage at C&J tomorrow after two weeks blocking a bay. We are supposed to have thunderstorms Monday evening.

gus · July 19, 2009, 04:20:01 PM

You probably should use nothing thinner than 1/4" which shouldn't be too expensive.

Even plywood, though tacky, would not be too bad if painted silver or gray.

gumpy · July 19, 2009, 04:41:57 PM

How big a piece do you need? I have the windows out of my MCI that are, I think, 1/2" thick. Now, I've never tried to cut them, but I don't know why they would not cut with a saber saw, or a grinder with a diamond blade (that's how I cut the plexiglass I put in by topper after some A-hole shot the glass one out with a BB).

belfert · July 19, 2009, 05:39:24 PM

Quote from: gus on July 19, 2009, 04:20:01 PM
You probably should use nothing thinner than 1/4" which shouldn't be too expensive.

Even plywood, though tacky, would not be too bad if painted silver or gray.

I don't recall seeing anything as thick as 1/4" at Menards or Home Depot, but I could be wrong. I'll have to look again.

Plywood would be fine if it wasn't the driver's window. It needs to be plastic so I can see to drive home.

belfert · July 19, 2009, 06:13:22 PM

Quote from: gumpy on July 19, 2009, 04:41:57 PM
How big a piece do you need? I have the windows out of my MCI that are, I think, 1/2" thick. Now, I've never tried to cut them, but I don't know why they would not cut with a saber saw, or a grinder with a diamond blade (that's how I cut the plexiglass I put in by topper after some A-hole shot the glass one out with a BB).

The sheet of plastic I used the first time was 30"x36".

I'm thinking for tomorrow I might need to just screw a piece of plywood over the hole if C&J is going to have it out of the shop tomorrow. I wouldn't be able to pick up the bus tomorrow if it is ready. I dread the thought of driving down there during afternoon rush hour with all the construction in the area.

gumpy · July 19, 2009, 07:37:00 PM

these are 27 x 52 x 1/2" thick with rounded corners, and dark tint. Might work if you butted two pieces together.

Maybe you can put plywood in for the major opening, and cut a small hole so you can see through. Put the plexiglass over the hole.

NewbeeMC9 · July 19, 2009, 08:38:37 PM

Check the local glass company, they have lexan and such, actually a piece of glass would probably be cheaper

maybe you didnt correctly reinforce the plastic with duct tape

Lin · July 19, 2009, 09:13:38 PM

If HD does not have thicknesses above 1/4 inch (which I believe I have seen there), maybe you could glue a couple of thinner sheets together.

stevet903 · July 19, 2009, 09:20:55 PM

Try http://www.eplastics.com/

I have used them a couple of times and have been very pleased with the service and delivery times. It looks like they have just about every variety of plastic sheet you could want.

Steve

belfert · July 20, 2009, 08:19:51 AM

I called some glass companies and they do carry plastic. Home Depot did have a fairly thick piece of acrylic, but I'm leery of acrylic now.

I got a little reprieve for now as the bus garage is going to keep my bus inside until Wednesday due to the missing window. Apparently they don't need the bay right now. They got my new windshield installed on Friday, but they won't do the oil change and other services until at least Wednesday.

belfert · July 20, 2009, 05:49:06 PM

I've decided to forgot about plastic due to monetary reasons. The places I have talked to say I really need polycarbonate (Lexan) as the acrylic will just break again when I drill it. Lexan costs $75 and up for a window I only need for a few weeks.

It looks like it will be sunny on Wednesday and the bus is supposed to be done on Wednesday. I can drive the bus home with no window and cover it with plywood until my Motion Window arrives. If the bus isn't done until Thursday I am in trouble as it is supposed to rain.

buswarrior · July 20, 2009, 06:44:58 PM

What's wrong with 6 mil plastic vapour barrier and some duct tape?

happy coaching!
buswarrior