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CanadianEh
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: | 
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I want to build a new cab with windows for my Argo 8x8 but was wondering if anyone had suggestions for window material. My existing cab (version 1) uses plexiglass, but I find that it is brittle (cracked in corners) and scratches easily when going through dense brush. Anyone try Lexan ? The plexiglass I used was 3/16 Plexiglass MC.
Maybe nothing will withstand scatches.
Any experience out there ?
Thanx. |
Attex Bob
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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CanadianEh: If you use lexan you won't get the stress cracks in the corners like the plexi. In my opinion you will get the same amount of scratching though. IF you just look at lexan wrong it will scratch!!!! Your kinda caught between a rock and a hard place on this one. I like laminated glass, but it is really heavy. But I can't stand looking though scratches either. They make another type of plastic that I was told that is way more scratch resistant, I believe they called it Marlyn (sp?) or something like that. I would try and see if you can get some of that. Good luck on your project. |
newmax
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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i HAVE MADE MY WHOLE CAB OUT OF LEXAN. They seel different grades of lexan that is scratc resistant. It is very rugged and won't break. |
Mike Bossart (Mbossart)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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We used 3/8" Lexan for our windshields. It does scratch just as easy as Plexiglas but it won't crack and break like Plexiglas does. It will also add a level of safety if you ride extreme. I have two friends that have each rolled their Bigfoot's. The Lexan windshield kept the buggy off of the occupants on both accidents. Without it the buggy would have landed squarely on the passengers. |
CanadianEh
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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Thanx for the feedback.
Lexan (polycarbonate) certainly looks like the way to go. I did some research and found that there are 3 brand names out there. Lexan, Hyzod, and Tuffac. As far as scratch resistance is concerned you can get what they call an "Abbrasion Resistant" coating on some sheets. Lexan MR-10, Hyzod AR, and Tuffac CM are the three version. WOW talk about expensive thought. I priced the stuff today, the lowest price I found was $10 per square foot. They claim that the coating will resist scratches just as well as tempered glass, for half the weight! (but double the price). |
Harry Dusseau (Dirtyharry)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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I had considered enclosing my MAX II with a cab, like The Chariot from the old Lost in Space show. I originally planned on using either plexiglas or Lexan, but I heard from many souces that both would quickly become fogged over with a bazillion scrathes in the type of terrain I ride in. The custom sizes required made auto-type safety glass cost prohibitive as well. I wound up just wearing heavier clothes in winter and a rainsuit in the wet stuff and riding in the open air.
I suppose one day I'll break down and buy a windshield & canvas top from R.I. I guess the folks at Recreatives must not care for Lexan either, as their windshields are made from safety glass. It also helps that the stuff spiderwebs, instead of shattering into razorsharp shards if struck hard enough. Wish it weren't so expensive. |
matt435
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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CanadianEh, I am in the plastics buisness. I buy plastics for a living. The best choice is the hyzoid AR. Note you can get this product in one sided or double sided AR. I would get the double sided. Due to the fact when mud getts on the back side it will scratch when you clean it off leaving you in the same boat. If you need help finding it give me a e-mail. I will help. Matt |
liflod (Liflod)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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I have a factory windshield on my ATTEX. I have ridden it once without it and will never do that again! It is some type of plexiglass and it does have some scratches on it, but having a little blurred vision is much better than having tree branches and briers causing me bodily harm. |
CanadianEh
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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That's awesome Matt, I did come to the conclusion that Hyzod AR was the best choice, I'll definitely be in touch.
Hey Harry, I don't know what type of driving you do, but I know that the places I ride, a canvas top with aluminum tubing would never have survived a hunting weekend. If you do trails, and open fields then no problem. My existing cab is steel tubing with plywood and plexiglass and it's badly battle scarred. |
jerry
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:32 pm: |
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I have a fiberglass cab on my argo conquest. I installed 1/4" plexiglass in the sides and back and plan on installing the Hyzod AR for the front windshield. This will save me a lot of cash over having the Hyzod all the way around. I don't really care if the sides get scratched up, as long as they allow light in. Same with the back. If they get too scratched, I'll simply replace the plexi and still be money ahead. I have had my cab on for two years now without a front windshield. It's nice on hot days to have it open. When I do install the front, It will be removeable with a holding rack on the inside roof of the cab. |
Rene P Guay
New member
Username: Mainemtnman
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 03:45 am: |
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Jerry, where did you get your fiberglass cab? I'm looking for a hard top/cab for my argo, but I'm having no luck finding a company that makes them. |
Kenneth Schroeder
Member
Username: Ken_glen2
Post Number: 32
Registered: 11-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 02:44 pm: |
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Rene. I used the top of ford ranger truck cap.
It is gust the rite whith and it is lite. My argo is to hot to close it in. Ken. |
Shop Talk: Tech Tips and Q&A section