Plexiglass stationary windows in older Scamp

[SimplyLesa]

I can't find anything using the search function in my cellphone app about how to care for my Plexiglass windows.

Firstly my front and rear windows are trash right now. They are likely 30 years old. I'm preparing to order new ones along with new seals. I am currently parked at an RV Park in Arizona. It is rather hot here. While working on my project the past two weeks I noticed that the windows spider cracks are growing. Because I'm noticing that process and I am new to both TTs (travel trailers) and FG eggs. I don't want to ruin the new ones.

I'm guessing that sun is an enemy of the plexiglass? as are road debris and rocks.

I have read about the gravel guard. I don't love that it is not hinged and wonder if it is the best solution for daily use as an awning.

An idea I thought of was to make or have made a shade cloth awning/window covering similar to those used by big Class A's. They are installed on the outside of the window. I think that this may function as a gravel guard as well.

Thoughts? Links to info? Ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Simply,
Lesa

SimplyLesa.blogspot.com

PS I found and watched a couple YouTube videos from 2009. Where they replaced a window. It's helpful for me to see the process.

[tractors1]

Sun (UV light) is the #1 enemy of plastics. Plexiglass is also a relatively soft plastic. If you can get the plexi out of the frames, a plastics fabrication shop could use that as a template to make new panes from Lexan (much harder - it's what taillight and headlight lenses are) which is more expensive but definitely more durable and impact resistant.

Charlie Y

[stevebaz]

When cleaning your plastic windows use car wash detergent and a steady flow of water. Avoid just using a wet towel or sponge. you want to knock the dirt loose and flow it away not grind it into a towel and scrub it into the Plexiglas. Stay away from ammonia based products and any solvent cleaners they remove the plasticizers and shorten the life of the plastic. When you need to polish the windows to remove haze try the product below. This stuff will also work well on your plastic headlights if you catch it early and do it every 4 months or so before they get too bad. Follow the instructions. Once the plastic window starts getting stress cracks there isn't anything you can do but replace it. The window has lost all its plasticizers and the plastic has dried out and starts checking.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...leaner-polish/

[Seth and Desiree]

We just replaced our plexi windows last week. When we got our 1987 Scamp a few weeks ago, both windows were cracked and needed replacing.
We took the Scamp for a little trip to try it out and after a few hours on the freeway the front window crack started spreading quickly:







Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[SimplyLesa]

Wow!
Did you do the replacement yourself?

[Seth and Desiree]

When we installed the new windows I was able to use a trim router and cut/trace around the old ones. It was an absolute pain in the butt installing the new ones but we got it done. Definitely a two person job.

We also installed the rock shield on the front. That was easier. Sorry I don't have pics just yet. If you go to www.zelophotoblog.com/91204 you can see more pics and we'll be updating stuff there. You can also search Instagram/twitter/Facebook for the hashtag #scamptastic to see more

-Seth



Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Byron Kinnaman]

There's several things you can use to clean the plexi. I use Meguiars Plastic cleaner and polish. To find the best solution go to a marina in your area and find what the boat owners use to keep their windshields clean. I know some glider pilots that use Turtle Wax the plexi canopies. What ever you DO NOT use Windex.

[SimplyLesa]

Thanks I didn't know not to use Windex

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by SimplyLesa

Thanks I didn't know not to use Windex

If you see a window that's hazed over or headlights that look like they're frosted chances are somebody's used Windex or some other glass cleaner on them. Those glass cleaners are made to be used on glass not plastic.