Thanks mine is a lot easier its the rear glass not the side... good post though very informative with the pics. When I start doing mine will do the same.

Finished product.

Nice job ranger,I had one shatter on my bestop, how is the 1/8 inch holding up? Also curious where you found the tinted lexon, home depot has 18x24 sheets for around $25, but clear only. Thanks

Quote from: ranger88den on September 25, 2011, 06:43:46 AM

Finished product.

Nice job ranger,I had one shatter on my bestop, how is the 1/8 inch holding up? Also curious where you found the tinted lexon, home depot has 18x24 sheets for around $25, but clear only. Thanks

Not good I'm afraid.  The plastic pulled away from the top.  Seems the Plastic was too slick for the windowweld but I probably should have tried to form the plastic to the convex shape as suggested.  I'm going to try another route where I won't have to worry about breaking or scratching and it can be bolted in as the original.  1/8" aluminum diamond plate.  It'll look like a little panelwagen.

Quote from: Jebers53 on December 09, 2011, 01:12:16 PM

Quote from: ranger88den on September 25, 2011, 06:43:46 AM

Finished product.

Nice job ranger,I had one shatter on my bestop, how is the 1/8 inch holding up? Also curious where you found the tinted lexon, home depot has 18x24 sheets for around $25, but clear only. Thanks

Not good I'm afraid.  The plastic pulled away from the top.  Seems the Plastic was too slick for the windowweld but I probably should have tried to form the plastic to the convex shape as suggested.  I'm going to try another route where I won't have to worry about breaking or scratching and it can be bolted in as the original.  1/8" aluminum diamond plate.  It'll look like a little panelwagen.

Hmm, that might look awesome specially on my black on black.  Auto zone had some window weld "ribbon" soft gasket like material, do you have any experience with that material? I have a friendly local auto glass shop I will check on what they might have also.

Update- replacement glass would be $300+duhh! I noticed the 3m window weld asks for a primer to be applied on "glass" before the urethane window weld. Maybe that was your top release problem? I'm going to a plastic supply house tomorrow ( 1/8,3/16,1/4 choices) and see what they would advise re : thickness and fastening. Will pass on results.

I was a ASE Master Auto Body tech (gave up renewal in
2002). Not bragging, just tossing some credibility.

Urethane adhesives should always have a primer matched
to that particular adhesive ie Sika, 3M, etc.

In addition with Plexy I'd take 600 grit sandpaper and lightly
rough up the bond area. Use masking tape to avoid damaging
adjoining Plexy. After sanding, use a good solvent like 99%
alcohol to wipe the bond area (careful and use only a bit).
Allow to dry completely and then use your primer, then urethane.

Yeah,  I probably should have read the directions  , you know what they say about hindsight.  Oh well, live and learn.

Plastic shop is using " good" window as template, same thickness as glass,cut and drill holes, lexan.  Sundance, what would you recommend for installation? Window weld? Window weld ribbon? Just bead silicon and see if the 4 corners seal the perimeter? Thanks

Update:
Rough cut diamond plate but have to drill holes for screws, roll to conform to top and fit to opening.

I ended up using window weld ribbon (with the primer) holding up good so far, even after some sub zero nights and Arizona temps. That diamond plate looks great, please pics.

I ended up using window weld ribbon (with the primer) holding up good so far, even after some sub zero nights and Arizona temps. That diamond plate looks great, please pics.

Glad it worked out for you and good to know.  I saved my plastic windows so if the diamond plate project goes south, I'll try them again.  I'm pretty slow with my projects so it'll probably be awhile but will post pics upon completion.

Getting close.  The top is in my van.  I have threaded rod & turnbuckles holding it's shape.

I found a old rally top that is missing the windows for fairly cheap. I was thinking of a wood panel like your diamond plate, reminiscent of an old 40'-50's style delivery truck but have it say "4x4 extreme delivery service" or some such bs, stained and epoxy sealed it should last as long as the anything else on the truck.... LOL

I found a old rally top that is missing the windows for fairly cheap. I was thinking of a wood panel like your diamond plate, reminiscent of an old 40'-50's style delivery truck but have it say "4x4 extreme delivery service" or some such bs, stained and epoxy sealed it should last as long as the anything else on the truck.... LOL

I was thinking the same thing today while driving to get some material, kinda like an old wood sided station wagon.  Maybe some thin marine plywood & urethane.

I was at the wood working shop the other day and noticed they had small wood lettering and was checking them out, stain and/or paint them, have someone airbrush a skull with crossed rods w/pistons....I have some marine grade epoxy for clear coating wood decks that would be perfect for keeping it looking excellent for a long time.