DIY Windshield??

[gimmegreens336]

I let a family member drive the Conquest and -BAM- bye bye windshield.

The windshield was in the down position and the machine jumped just wrong going over a downed tree. The frame of the windshield landed on a vertical branch and bent, shattering the glass. If I had to give a scientific guess, I'd say we left about a gigazillion tiny pieces of glass on the trail where it fell.



I took apart the frame and did the best I could with limited tools to straighten it. I removed all the little glass from the rubber seal. Now I'm on the internet trolling for replacement glass.



BUT JEEZ

pointswest = $755
buyargo = $642

Then I stopped looking and came here for help.

I guess part of the cost is the aluminum frame and mounting bracket and rubber seal, etc.. I don't need any of that! I just want the glass. I did enjoy the scratch-resistant surface on the stock glass but not enough to justify a few hundred in price difference.

Does anyone here have experience with replacing the glass? I am guessing it's about an 1/8th of an inch thick. What type of alternatives do I have to purchasing those expensive setups like I mentioned?

Thanks so much!

[Rock Doctor]

I was looking into this a while ago, and came across this on another site:

what is the best windshield material? There are many options available including acrylic, polycarbonate, Plexiglas, even actual glass … but which is the best? Glass such as the automotive industry uses would be the best, as it offers the cleanest vision and easiest maintenance, but the drawback is expense and weight. The next best choice for windshield material is Lexan polycarbonate. Lexan is light weight, strong and has a proven track record of durability in high vibration applications, as well as superior impact resistance as it is used in Nascar. Other less expensive choices include Acrylics, Plexiglas and thinner polycarbonates, but these products easily scratch and may shatter upon impact-not a desirable trait when on the trail. These materials are more brittle and have been known to crack at the mounting points, so many of these types of shields must be removed for trailering. Easily scratched, these products are much more difficult to clean, as you must take extreme care as not to scratch or swirl the windshield surface. You may have seen such an a windshield on a UTV that has become so scratched and hazy that it cannot even be seen through.

Does this help?
RD

[trebmaster]

poly carb is the way to go and when it does get sccratched up just go over it with armor all and it cleans up nice. 4x8x1/4 sheet is about $120 and thats 3 windshields.

[Hurtmudman]

Contact your local Argo Dealer, P/N 648-07 is the glass only stock replacement and Argo did have limited stock the last time I checked with my dealer. They should retail for around $250 bucks.

[gimmegreens336]

..
Does this help?
RD

Lol now you have me thoroughly confused! So much to read about. Thanks for all the helpful info though!

poly carb is the way to go and when it does get sccratched up just go over it with armor all and it cleans up nice. 4x8x1/4 sheet is about $120 and thats 3 windshields.

A buddy mentioned that stuff today too, he said it's what his eye glasses are made out of.


Thanks for all the info, I think I have what I need now. I called a local glass company and they custom cut for you.

I'll post pics when I get it done, don't hold your breath it may be a little bit!

[xrover]

Late on the reply. I have usually replaced with a plexiglass type material. For those of you running glass, buy another windshield support pole, measure and cut so that it fits when placed in the center of hood (under the windshield frame). This will prevent the flex occurring that ultimately causes a flat windshield to break.

[JohnF]

... If I had to give a scientific guess, I'd say we left about a gigazillion tiny pieces of glass on the trail where it fell. ...

Now come on, that's on the order of 1000 times the estimated number of atoms in the known universe. (for real actually )
But I know you are telling the truth. The previous owner to my machine busted the windshield on the machine. I've already cleaned out gigazillion bits and every time I open it up I find more.
It's like beach sand in your trunks, it doesn't seem to ever go away.

Lexan. Just do it. If you go glass then next week when you accidentally smack the new glass with the tiny itty bitty twig out in the bush that busts it, you'll first wonder how in the heck that little stick did that and then you;ll whisper to yourself, lexan.

If you are never in the trees then I imagine the clarity of glass would be awesome. Mine is some cheapo barely thicker than paper plexiglass that has somehow managed to stay in the frame even with exposed highway travel. Plexi gets yellow and isn't all that clear.

[gimmegreens336]

I need to get something cut! It's getting colder and I'm starting to miss the windshield.

[jnrmoto]

I just constructed one out of .220 polycarbonate purchased from Home Depot for my Max IV - 24"x48" was about 60 bucks. I used a 7 1/4 circular saw to cut the straight lines with a new plywood blade and then a scroll saw with a metal cutting blade to make the radius corners. I sanded the edges with an orbital sander and installed. keep the saws moving or it can melt the material behind the blade. If this happens just go through it again and move a little faster.

John

[gimmegreens336]

Nice - I probably have some new-ish blades for the circular saw and jig, I didn't consider cutting them myself.

[jnrmoto]

FYI - Leave the thin plastic material on until you are done cutting to protect the polycarbonate sheeting from scratches. Also after you mark your cuts use 2 inch masking tape and place a couple of strips the length of the cut so that the bottom of your saw rides on the tape. Wear long sleeves and not only safety glasses but a full face shield is highly recommended - I used my full face helmet and shield over my safety glasses. Polycarbonate is VERY sharp and can cut your skin if you don't cover up.

[BW3]

I made my own windshield had the local Glass company cut and fit Lexan to my home-made frame cost about 60-65 dollars for a 28"x47" ..... fitted to work with the the home made canoe carrier/ brush guard that came with the machine from the previous owner..[IMG][/IMG]

[Moosetalker]

Take the frame to a glass/windsheild place most of them will cut the shatterproof glass to fit they use flat glass for all doors and window fronts of comercial buildings.
Easier to scrape frost off when cold I have rep the glass in mine 3 times over the last 10 yrs last time it cost me $200.00 Can

I have a lexan windsheild on my Ranger I plan on replacing the upper section with a metal frame and glass

[wilburjohn]

I am in the process of building a windshield. I was able to purchase the aluminum framing and 1/4 in. plexiglass from local home store {Menards}. I know the Plexi will scratch but for a little over $100 I should be able to have a reliable windshield. I will post a photo once I finish

[Rock Doctor]

I am in the process of building a windshield. I was able to purchase the aluminum framing and 1/4 in. plexiglass from local home store {Menards}. I know the Plexi will scratch but for a little over $100 I should be able to have a reliable windshield. I will post a photo once I finish

Maybe make a cover that can slip over the windshield when not in use. Might protect it for a while.
My plexi windshield is so scratched, that you can't even see out of it.