Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

[majstersztyk]

hello everyone

Can someone help me finding DIY articles how to make vinyl windows with zippers, used on fishing boats. -like how to attach vinyl canvas to the frame, or install zippers (and which zippers),

Application: little different that for most of the members in this forum- I own 4" chopped roof VW beetle baja-(i know little politically incorrect), and since its off road i don't care about cutting glass- want to go plastic. Also i am fairly familiar with usage of sawing machines and did some vinyl awning work in the past.

Is there any boater member willing to share some insight info about topic and give me some starting point?

thanx
M

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

www.sailrite.com

Check out this place they have everything you need.

What year bug? Got any pics?

 

[majstersztyk]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

thanx great site

yes i will post pics in second...

 

[majstersztyk]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

heres pict

i will use glass or plexi windshield, but all the sides and back will be vinyl
im still wondering how to fit canvas into window channels..any hints?

ps: this car does not look like much, but it is lots of work

brand new chassis no rust
brand new trans
just rebuilded, ported and polished 1641 head, runs like a champ
msd
all new plumbing lines calipers, cylinders,bearings etc

...as you see experimented with rustolenium paint, with polishing i see potentials

...good luck M

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

Chop looks good. I'm not sure about fitting it in the channels, I'll have to think about that one.

You leaving the front together and running boards?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

i will use glass or plexi windshield, but all the sides and back will be vinyl
im still wondering how to fit canvas into window channels..any hints?

Ayuh,... How about some Detail pictures,..??

Snaps, or velcro are options...

Vinyl windows work best with fabric borders...

 

[majstersztyk]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

i dont know. look that was the donor a year ago before frame rusted and collapsed on my.

i have roof rack front and bAck cages and lots more

but i like this curved front.

probably i will just trim the front and raise it since front raiser installed.

if ever gone more serious can remove frond fenders in no time.

previous kit had goofy character it was impossible to be pissed off in that car everybody was smiley at you...and i wand that rod mystical style.

also prevoiuus kit was raising the car up- made it airborne unstable at 60mph- look at the front fenders they almost like opposite angle to the wing put on hondas....(the ones installed correctly- have seen both)...
which means it accelerates lift of the car

now the steel fenders have hot rod character, i dont mind that and finally i can be moody in the car.

 

[majstersztyk]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

Ayuh,... How about some Detail pictures,..??

Snaps, or velcro are options...

Vinyl windows work best with fabric borders...

i totally missed your post last evening.

...i will saw in fabric perimeter.

i might attach fabric to perimeter of the window channel the way that limousine canvas roofs are attached. metal rod 1/16 x 1/2"- drill holes in continuous bead along channel perimeter. Form the metal rod with torch to the shape. Also sandwich some kind of sealer materials strip so its more water resistant. It should not be too much work 1 evening.

thanx for help and
good luck


ps: here are more pics of motor build
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=367931&highlight=

 

[5150abf]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

I made a camper top for my boat starting with a bimini top and a boat cover from work, I got some really thick window plastic from Wal-Mart for a good price, our cover maker wanted like $9 a foot for the stuff they use on our boats, Waly worls was $4.50 a yard.

The corners are zippered as are the front and rear doors so you cna put down just what you need, one side 2 sides ect or close her up and fire the heater when it is really crappy.

Doing the zippers is the hardest part by far especially working with 2 peices because they need to be lined up almost perfectly wnere they go so you have to use lots and lots of pins.

You are right on with how to attach the canvas, I made an ice hut too and rolled a narrow peice of aluminum into the edge, drilled and screwed it to the hut so your idea shoul work really well.

I would make your canvas way to big or possible cover the whole window then pin in the window and zpper andsew it then trim when you are done.

I got my zippers on Ebay and sewed the whole thing on my wifes Brother sewing machine.

Your project looks interesting, I will keep an eye on it.

 

[majstersztyk]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

Good to hear that you have tried similar method
In fact i did pass by "true value" hardware store and saw thick plastic which i will probably end up using, since its very cheap.

I will get zippers and i have a strong tread at home.
I hope my sawing machine will be able to digest plastic canvas.

Thanx for help to all members..will report results.
M

 

[Bondo]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

In fact i did pass by "true value" hardware store and saw thick plastic which i will probably end up using, since its very cheap.

I will get zippers and i have a strong tread at home.
I hope my sawing machine will be able to digest plastic canvas.

Ayuh,.... Have a Look here for Great stuff, at decent pricing....

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Vinyl zipped windows DIY? (for offroad vahicle)

fabric depot also has the thick plastic one can use for windows, believe its used for things like covering outdoor chair cusions