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Template for Plexiglass (Acrylic) Sliding Window Covers
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indytriple
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 5:08 pm    Post subject: Template for Plexiglass (Acrylic) Sliding Window Covers Reply with quote

A few months ago I stumbled onto a French site (maybe via The Samba?) that had templates and pictures for how to make plexiglass (acrylic) sliding window covers for a Vanagon Westy. The covers were to keep rain out while parked or camping while still allowing air to flow.

The site, is gone, but you can still access a Google cache of the original site, but alas, no images or pictures.

Did anyone out there happen to save the templates for this?

If you translate the cached site to English it gives the following details:

"This "window" is actually a piece of "Plexiglas" thin (14 "X 17") which the 4 corners are cut according to the following measures against it. Insert it into the top rail of the window ... it is gently curved to insert then into the bottom rail. Just turn the piece so that the cutout is the largest facing the front of the vehicle and the small, backward. Obviously, once the Plexiglas in place, we can close the window."

I liked the way that they had cut particular-sized curves out of the corners for a perfect fit. Someone definitely put some thought into it. I could start chopping up a 14X17 piece of plexiglass, but that stuff ain't cheap. I'd rather do it perfectly the first time with a template.

Anyone else see this or do this mod?
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Last edited by indytriple on Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:43 pm; edited 1 time in total
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foodeater
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You could just use a piece of cardboard to make you template, then transfer that to your acrylic sheet.
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indytriple
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

foodeater wrote:
You could just use a piece of cardboard to make you template, then transfer that to your acrylic sheet.


Good idea. That's what I plan on doing with some flexy card stock paper, but I figured I might as well at least ask before I reinvent the wheel.

I'll post the dimensions and shape here if I recreate it myself. Looked like a really useful mod for when you want the windows open but it's raining.
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dubbified
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:41 pm    Post subject: Re: Template for Plexiglass (Acrylic) Sliding Window Covers Reply with quote

This sounds interesting.. curious if someone has a picture.

Last edited by dubbified on Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:35 am; edited 1 time in total
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indytriple
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PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Keeping my fingers crossed for some pics.
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Last edited by indytriple on Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:47 pm; edited 1 time in total
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ragnarhairybreeks
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

is this the kind of thing you are looking for? Made from a scrap bit of Lexan, 1/8" X 7 1/2" X 17 1/2". Corners on the forward edge cut out to approx. 1" radius. The dimensions were pretty well dictated by the size of the scrap bit I had on hand.



Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


hope this helps

alistair
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indytriple
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ragnarhairybreeks wrote:
is this the kind of thing you are looking for? Made from a scrap bit of Lexan, 1/8" X 7 1/2" X 17 1/2". Corners on the forward edge cut out to approx. 1" radius. The dimensions were pretty well dictated by the size of the scrap bit I had on hand.



Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


hope this helps

alistair


Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Thanks a bunch. The French one was larger 14X17 (probably to work with the window all of the way open), and I'm pretty sure that all four corners were cut out in a small radius to make the plexiglass overlap the window and window seal a bit to really keep water off as it rains or sheets down.

I went to Home Depot the other day, and I perused their plexiglass/acrylic supply. I may go back tomorrow and take a shot at this. As mentioned earlier, I'll post final measurements/pics/templates once I'm done.
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Last edited by indytriple on Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:57 pm; edited 1 time in total
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ragnarhairybreeks
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll cut out the other corners too, seems apparent once I looked again at the pics. A larger one would have been nice, but I only had a small bit of Lexan. BTW, Lexan is nice for this application, takes a heck of a lot of bending to break that stuff.

alistair
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Perales
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 8:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ragnarhairybreeks wrote:
BTW, Lexan is nice for this application, takes a heck of a lot of bending to break that stuff.

And it's bullet proof Twisted Evil
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indytriple
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did this project, and I'm very happy with the result. We just ran a gravel road bicycle race in the Hoosier National forest, and it rained for two days straight. They worked like a charm. Never leaked even one drop despite heavy rain and high winds. I had them in when I was cooking on the stove and when we were running the Mr. Heater propane heater.

Here's my supply list:

-(2) Plaskolite Optix 18"x24" Acrylic Sheets (.093" Thickness)
-Acrylic Cutting Tool
-Dremel Tool w/Sanding Attachment
-A Yardstick and 2 C-Clamps
-A Table or Workbench

Total cost for the acrylic and the cutting tool (Home Depot) - $32.54
Yes, it's a little expensive, but it's worth every penny when you're camping in the rain and you need 'em.

I first cut the sheets down to 14"x17". I then measured 2 1/4" in from each corner and cut the corners off. I rounded off the corners and any rough edges with the Dremel tool. There are lots of good videos on cutting acrylic on the interwebs if you've never worked with the stuff before.

I'm storing them in between the bed cushions up top. It's out of the way, and they can't get scratched there. I leave then near the edge so that I can reach in between the cushions and get them with or without the top up.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Last edited by indytriple on Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
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kamzcab86
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dangit! I need to stop clicking on these types of threads... thanks to all these neat ideas, my project list keeps growing instead of shrinking! Mad Laughing

indytriple wrote:

I first cut the sheets down to 14"x17". I then measured 2 1/4" in from each corner and cut the corners off. There are lots of good videos on cutting acrylic on the interwebs if you've never worked with the stuff before.


I don't know about HD, but Lowe's will cut acrylic sheets for you (maybe not the corners in this project, but they'll cut a larger piece into the square dimensions you need).
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vanis13
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 7:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

indytriple wrote:
Total cost for the acrylic and the cutting tool (Home Depot) - $32.54


Lexan (and non-lexan to a point) cuts extremely easily with a table saw - push slow enough so it does not chip/push fast enough so you are cutting rather than melting. Jig saw/sawsall works OK too if you keep it from vibrating. The score/snap technique is sometimes difficult with Lexan. a torch cleans up / smooths the edges very well.

HD/Lowes do carry lexan if you want no hassle but it is relatively expensive.

To save several $ find a "plastic supply" in the yellow pages and check their scrap pile. Mine sells scraps at $2-$3/LB so a couple sheets like this are about $5
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berkeleyjack
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PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

For folks out on the West Coast, you could go to TAP Plastic and get them to cut plastic to your specifications pretty cheap.

http://www.tapplastics.com/

I've worked with them before on some custom lighting projects, and they do work while you wait and are reasonably priced.
Lots of options for color, thickness, etc. Everything from opaque white/black to bright neon colors.

Or if you don't want to pay to have them cut it, they have good prices on uncut sheets of plastic as well.
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dubbified
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PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I dig this idea.

Rain comes to mind.. keeping it out with something this easy is a great idea!!!
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highaltidude
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Camping in Colorado means afternoon thunder storms.....
I've got a rainfly for the pop-top....
But no way to vent the inside and stay dry.....

I followed the OP's instructions and now have two covers for my sliding windows.
Smile

Chuck
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