pd-4103 Window leaking Plexi replacement ideas.

[busfan]

Hi all!

Need my 4103 sealed for interior restoration, and my neighbors are tired of the tarp

Looking at cutting plexiglas to the original aluminum window frame size and finding some rubber for the outside of the Plexiglas.

Or maybe a better idea to Mount rubber to the bus / aluminum side in a slight rainbow and suck the window closed from the inside?

I plan on securing the Plexiglas with a couple studs in the plexi and a stick that spans the frame.

Whichever method will be influenced by your suggestions,

Anyone done this with plexi, or have an opinion on the best way to seal the plexi in there?

Plan on slowly restoring the windows one by one, I have begun the process fairly successfully, with a carefully applied torch and impact screwdriver and countless hobbybrush application of PB blaster.

I need about 33 MALE HINGES mine are missing and all mount points two rusty broken screws are broken off need to be drilled out

[chessie4905]

A glass shop could cut flat glass and any tint you would like. Instead of using rubber, you could seal the glass in the frame with silicone or glass company sealer.

[busfan]

  I might do that with the plexiglas in a couple spots, thanks for the suggestion.

I do already have the plexiglas and  trying to keep the remove-ability of the window, for AC

[busfan]

Suppose I could tape the frame or window before I caulk it so it is removable!

Probably tape the frame?!

[daddysgirl]

I would think taping... it would leak. You could get a piece of clear 3-6mil plastic to put over the plexi... or over the frame. You could use velcro for temporary cover If you need to open it up, roll up the clear tarp and hold it with the velcro. 

As an aside #1: unless you have deed restrictions or covenants, just take a batch of cookies over and tell the neighbors you'll have it beautiful ASAP. I've watched my mother do this three times. It always worked for us.

Aside #2: Mix 1:1 ratio, regular ATF (automatic transmission fluid) with 100% Acetone. Shake and apply to any stuck or rusted metal part... bolt/screw etc.. The BEST tip on any product application I have ever received. It works better than anything you can buy, the Acetone dissipates and the ATF helps prevent corrosion until you're ready to remove it.

[busfan]

Andrea, tried the atf.. Kinda messy but good results! Cleans the aluminum nice too

No neighborhood covenants to worry about, I will try the acetone mixed in!

Got some 11mm x 10mm D rubber seems to work decent in the window frame to bus body, have a couple more options on order 13mm and a 1/2 x 1/2 with a sweep.

I'll post back with results, Thanks!

[daddysgirl]

You're most welcome. If I can help one person with one thing, I'm happy. I'll never catch up to all the help I've received.
I don't know why, but the Acetone is what makes that concoction work so well. Maybe it's the effect it has on rust or corrosion. That's a question for a chemist...or my son. He's a Gunsmith Apprentice ( the huge hobby he wanted to learn while taking a break before college). They use Acetone for everything metal, in part because it leaves no residue, I believe.

I gave him (and his boss) the tip of using Easy Off to clean anything really dirty before their process. They love that too.

[dtcerrato]

I'm no chemist but would think the acetone to be the "vehicle" to carry the atf deep into the effected area for "total" penetration. I've used both ingredients for lots of things but never together, I'll have to try it!

[J_E]

Plexi has it's uses, but I wouldn't recommend it for this.  I would also recomend avoiding regular plate glass for a vehicle window. 

For a window on a vehicle, if you do not go with tempered or safety glass, then I would go with Lexan.  It is a little pricier, can usually be had with a UV coating on at least one side, and most importantly, it will not shatter.  They use it on race cars for windows.  I had a piece cut for a windshield on a Jeep.  It wasn't street legal, but it was tree and rock-proof, if only the metal windshield frame was also.

[busfan]

It is not permanent just temporary until I can restore the original windows, Plexi was $100 for 15 windows worth of 1/4" off clist, gotta be some kind of rubber that snaps around the outside?!