Would you remove scratches from a Lexan window?

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Funny story about polycarbonate (which I used to manufacture during the summer between schoolyears). A piece was picked up by a wind gust at my home this week. It flew THROUGH the safety glass on my Jeep Cherokee (the guy just replaced the Jeep's glass this afternoon).

Damage to Jeep? $220 new windshield, which had a 7" triangular hole smashed through it. Damage to polycarbonate? Zero. We used to do lots of fun tests with the material at Cy/Ro where we made it. REALLY cool stuff to play with.

Oh...and another example of Kleenex. When I was in South America, EVERY four-wheel drive vehicle was called a "Jeep."

[Barry Paul]

I'd refinish it...also [gasp] I'd just go ahead and buy the LP scratch shield for use with my non-LP visor mask. A little trimming (since LP has the biggest shield) and badda-bing you have yourself your very own scratch shield!!!

All you need now is about half an hour and some special tools to change the visor.

[Barry Paul]

In actuality the scratch shield from LP is a reasonably thin straight piece of clear plastic that manages to not really affect the clarity of your visor. It bends and is easily cut with scissors or an exacto knife.

It is a reasonable thin piece of polycarbonate plastic with a anti scratch coating not much good against points impact but prevents micro scratching when cleaning with a towel/cloth.

[Allen Evans]

Better yet, while it's still in the acetone bath.

-B

(laughing) Brad, that's just touch irresponsible of you!

Allen

[bigdawg2121]

All you need now is about half an hour and some special tools to change the visor.

Huh? Special tools and half an hour to change the scratch shield? I never said anything to the tune of modifying a main visor.

[Inquartata]

I'd like a list of the tools and an estimate of the time needed to replace the Lexan with wire mesh.

[Barry Paul]

Huh? Special tools and half an hour to change the scratch shield? I never said anything to the tune of modifying a main visor.

To change the leon Paul visor or outer scratch layer you have to undo the 10 screws from the outside using a screwdiver. For other masks there are different fixing methods which have to be attacked from the inside with odd sized spanners/tools and in one case the metal forehead stop has to be bent to get to the nuts. Best estimate is about half an hour but with practice and the corect tools no doubt it could be quicker.

[Mauler]

course it's safe.

If the lexan is not softening enough it sometimes helps to warm it with a blowtorch immediately after removing it from the acetone bath

Hey, I tried doing that because my old PDA phone's screen didn't quite match the protective screen I picked up for it. On a positive note, I now have a phone that's much more up-to-date. User's Manual with the new one still doen't state anywhere that such attempts at modding invalidates warranty, though.

[Barry Paul]

well if they don't you can always soak the lexan in acetone to soften it up a bit.

Not sure if this is a joke. I really do not think putting a polycarbonate visor anywhere near acatone is a good idea. If you did it on our visor any guarentee or warrenty would be void. Just don't do it.

[keith]

Not sure if this is a joke. I really do not think putting a polycarbonate visor anywhere near acatone is a good idea. If you did it on our visor any guarentee or warrenty would be void. Just don't do it.

Well of course it's a joke, everyone knows that polycarbonate is pretty resistant to acetone - what you'd really need is a chloroform bath warmed to 61 Celsius.

Don't forget that this works best in an enclosed space.

[Barry Paul]

Well of course it's a joke, everyone knows that polycarbonate is pretty resistant to acetone - what you'd really need is a chloroform bath warmed to 61 Celsius.

Don't forget that this works best in an enclosed space.

Sorry but not Funny! some one out there might just try it.

[keith]

Sorry but not Funny! some one out there might just try it.

.....just doing my bit to help natural selection along, not that it needs much help.

[Inquartata]

Sorry but not Funny! some one out there might just try it.

That would just mean one less stupid Lexan mask in the world.

And then that person would have to buy another one from you. Think of it as marketing.

[fencerbill]

That would just mean one less stupid Lexan mask in the world.

One less stupid Lexan mask or one less stupid Lexan mask wearer?

[bigdawg2121]

Ahhh...agreed on the wicked amount of time it takes to replace mask plates. Although I also only have 8 or 10 (don't remember which) screws to remove to replace the plate it was a little tricky getting the LP scratch shield sized properly and fixed properly. I'd say the average time is much closer to 10-15.