Posted 2013-03-07 8:34 AM (#150425) Subject: Bowed Plexiglass
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
My trailer has rails that allow plexiglass to be put in the openings on the trailer. When I last took them off a few slid from the place that I put them and have bowed, more like warped into an S shape in a few places. I think I can get them on the trailer but before I force them I am wondering if they will return to their previous shape....I want to make sure I can get them out.
Posted 2013-03-07 9:20 AM (#150427 - in reply to #150425) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Expert
Posts: 1877 Location: NY
I am wondering what caused that to happen ? were the exposed to heat or are the old. I also have Plexiglas I have not had this happen . I would just replace them not worth the trouble
Posted 2013-03-07 10:07 AM (#150430 - in reply to #150425) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The acrylic panels can be restraightened. Lay them onto a flat surface and using a heat gun, warm the affected areas until the panels relax and lay flat. If the tracks are cleaned with a WD-40 or equivalent, the residue will lubricate the movement of the acrylics within the tracks. This will allow the windows to slide much easier. A very thin coating of automotive grease will also assist in the lubrication. Applying the grease and then wiping most of it away will coat the metal tracks, lessening the corrosion and rust commonly found in these areas.
Small kitchen knobs can often be attached to the panels, allowing a gripping fixture to use in their removal. It is much easier to grip these instead of trying to pull on the edges of the panels.
Posted 2013-03-09 11:09 PM (#150483 - in reply to #150425) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
4' x 8' by .250" sheet polycarbonite costs $302.42. A 4' x 8' by .250" sheet of acrylic costs $219.48. Many stock trailers use almost two sheets. Both can be purchased clear or smoked in colour.
Posted 2013-07-24 6:44 PM (#153536 - in reply to #150425) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Member
Posts: 20
Location: Fremont County, WY
Where in the world can I buy the tracking at affordable prices? I'm not worried about the plexiglass or lexan, I need the tracking! I have tried home depot and Lowe's and they claim they can't even get it. My internet searches turn up about everything but. There is a trailer dealer nearby that can get it but it's gonna be about $100 to go all the way around. Surely there must be some cheaper somewhere.. anyone know?
Posted 2013-07-24 7:58 PM (#153537 - in reply to #153536) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by wyomingcowboy on 2013-07-24 6:44 PM
Where in the world can I buy the tracking at affordable prices? I'm not worried about the plexiglass or lexan, I need the tracking! I have tried home depot and Lowe's and they claim they can't even get it. My internet searches turn up about everything but. There is a trailer dealer nearby that can get it but it's gonna be about $100 to go all the way around. Surely there must be some cheaper somewhere.. anyone know?
Posted 2013-07-24 8:00 PM (#153538 - in reply to #153536) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by wyomingcowboy on 2013-07-24 6:44 PM
Where in the world can I buy the tracking at affordable prices? I'm not worried about the plexiglass or lexan, I need the tracking! I have tried home depot and Lowe's and they claim they can't even get it. My internet searches turn up about everything but. There is a trailer dealer nearby that can get it but it's gonna be about $100 to go all the way around. Surely there must be some cheaper somewhere.. anyone know?
Posted 2013-07-26 11:26 AM (#153565 - in reply to #150425) Subject: RE: Bowed Plexiglass
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
I got my track at Lowes..in the welding section, materials. 1/4" aluminum c channel (used in windows) worked great. Welding shop just welded straight to the side sheets on our stock trailer. Any window store would also have it or could order it.
Best tip I have ever had is to use a few drops of automotive window sealer on plexi once installed. Keeps out rattel noise. When taking out, just a sharp knife run down sealer drops, removes...
Bowed Plexiglass
