Acrylic windshiled crack repair

[Moody Blue]

1971 runabout with a two piece formed acrylic windshield has developed two cracks. I suspect stresses from snow loading is the cause because this boat is 41 years old and the cracks just formed this past winter. The cracks are about 4" long and located in the curved portion of the windshield.

I want to repair them so that the cracks don't spread any further. Anyone able to offer suggestions?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

Go to a glass shop and ask if they have acrylic windshield resin

They might be able to use the resin and stop the crack......... slight chance

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

Alternatively, if you end up having to replace it think about going with polycarbonate. You can hit it with a hammer...just be careful to only use a soft cloth to clean it as it scratches easily.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

If it's plexiglass you can use a hypodermic needle and inject Acetone into the crack to chemically weld it. Takes about 3 hours. Make sure to tape off the the windshield so no "Run Off" gets on it. Really have to be careful and meticulous.
This might be of interest...

http://www.glen-l.com/weblettr/webletters-5/wl43-windshield1.html

 

[oops!]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

yeah.... i agreee....there is no way to bring those old plexi windsheilds back....

if you do a search here....you will find several plexi bending threads.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

Yea..Instead of using Acetone .. use MEK Solvent ..

Acetone melts it.. MEK is more of a melt/bond solvent.

YD.

 

[oops!]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

if you want to chemical weld it......methyl chloride is the tool the plastics guys use for that job.

but watch out........methyl chloride's MSDS reads like a sentence form judge hang-em-all

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Acrylic windshiled crack repair

Lots of good info but no idea where I'd find those chemicals though. Chemically bonding the material back together sounds like the way to go.