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Plexi-Window

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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 08:18 AM
  #1  
XJ Stryker's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Smiths Station, Al
Year: 87
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default Plexi-Window

I added this thread to the write-ups section. If you have any opinions or think I missed something and need to add please let me know. Here is the write up.

Originally Posted by XJ Stryker
Took the waggies out this past weekend to some private land about 30 min from here.

Got my first bit of real carnage.

Lost the Rear Passenger side window.



I took a bad line (over confident waggy was running great) And my rear end slid over against a tree. I wasn't too worried about some trail rash and it wasn't on my window. I failed to consider the immense pressure that the window was under and so I pressed the gas and let my roof just slide on the tree. Then A big POP and the window was gone.

Well I considered replacing the window with a JY one and kept thinking I will just be replacing this again soon if I do that. I had seen a set-up I liked at WF OH-Ten and so I decided to experiment with his set-up. Although he had removed the seal and screwed the glass in place.

First I removed the rear plastic panel around the window.

Then worked a flat tip out on the corners to get the seal out.





I then just grabbed a piece of Plexi-Glass we had some at our shop so it was free. I am not sure if Plexi is expensive or not so I am not even sure if this mod is worth it. Anyway I just traced with a black sharpie the outline of the window and added about a 1/2 and inch to all the side to compensate for the seal.

Then cut it out with a Angle Grinder (melting plastic burns wear protective gear)


I ripped the blue plastic off and this is what I am left with.

Mind you the window is clear lol


I then started working the window into the seal. It went pretty easy I prolly could have added some soap or what not but Plexi is a lot more flexible than glass so it kinda bent in pretty well.




Next came the slow process of working the glass and seal back into the jeep. With real glass you have to get string soapy water and everything else to get the window back in.

This was just a lil patience since the Plexi will flex and bend. It is Brittle in on the edges so be careful.



I went if from the side sticking the bottom in the groove then the top and slid it all the way flush the back of the window. Then just worked the seal in with a flat tip. The hardest part was the top corner but I had a buddy to help me get in. Helped to pry from both sides.

Hard corner


Finished although I want to leak test it. It will prolly leak water still since my Plexi is a lil thinner than the glass. If it leaks I plan to add a small groove of RTV just underneath the seal.

So for anyone that wants to do this It is pretty simple.

Finished
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 10:08 AM
  #2  
ol"blue's Avatar
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From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
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Nice job. You might try getting a length of small dia. vacuum hose and inserting it between the Plexi and the seal on the inside to make the seal expand more and give a more water-tight seal. JMO
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 11:47 AM
  #3  
nismo300zr2's Avatar
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: middle east
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.Oh thankgoodness
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awesome! At my 'normal' job I work with various thicknesses of plexi also. I've been wanting to do this for a while now, but in my case it would be on a car for purpose of weight reduction.

In your case or any other off-roaders attempting this, I'd just be really careful when washing the pane down, esp after slinging some sand/mud. The stuff scratches real easy and will even haze with certain chemicals as well.

Nice write up/documentation.
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