Plexiglass rear window replacement

Taking a change on a short distance haul of a heavy bulky load cost me a smashed left rear window on my 2008 SR5 Tacoma.

Finding completely rediculous the $1000+ that the Toyota dealer wanted for replacing the whole rear window assembly (about half at windshield replacement specialists) I set out to make one out of tinted plexiglass. I measured precisely using X-Y coodinates the existing good window, I then made an Autocad drawing which I printed, pasted onto the plexiglass panel and cut using a band saw.

I then glued the plexiglass onto the remains of the old window and except for the application of the caulking at which I'm not so good, it looks fine...all for less than $50. Drop me a word for the drawing and details

 

Came out great! Coworker did the same window on his '05, but it didn't come out that nice.

 

Looks good, But why not go a step further and get the plexi INSIDE the window seal(life factory)? Wouldn't need any caulking, and you would not see any of the exposed plexiglass edges

 

DId you seal it?

 

Of course, my first intention was to completely remove the old glass and insert the "plexiglass" in the groove....but that is mission impossible. The glass adheres so hard to the rubber that I really can't see how removing it all could be done.

I Used the Mulco Flextra to "glue" the plexiglass onto the old glass and polyurethane for the fine sealing job.

I wrote plexiglass but the actual product is : Evonik industries ACRYLITE FF bought at the local hardware store.

 

DoorDing, athough not perfect, I'm leaving it as is. I'm sure it's watertight and the tint is just about right, so on to the next job...

 

Looks good! My only concern would be leaking, but it sounds like you've got that covered!

 

not my cup of tea but only because i'm sure that will be a huge deduction when "and if" you ever try and sell the truck

although, if you're happy with and it and plan to drive another 10 years than nice work!

 

LR = Limited Resistance
ACRYLITE FF sheet only resists the action of this Exposure — Length of exposure,
stresses induced substances for short periods at room temperatures.

 

QCHawkks, my brother who is somewhat of a Hillbilly is slated to have this truck in a couple years at most. The plastic window won't bother him a bit.

 

Looks good!Can't believe a $1000 you were told for entire rear replacement.Something i never knew would be that costly!Wow!

 

how do i get a copy of ur drawing so i can cut out a window thanx

 

For those who would like to replace this window, here is a photo (pdf drawing file converted tp jpg) which provides all the X-Y coordinaltes required to reproduce a full scale tracing.

 

Did you use plexiglass or lexan, lexan is alot tougher and runs around 165.00 per sheet, i think plexiglass will start bowing out after it gets the heat build up in the cab

 

Hi Kotah, here is what I wrote on a 2015 post:

"I wrote plexiglass but the actual product is : Evonik industries ACRYLITE FF bought at the local hardware store."

It's been 2 and half years and the window is holding up fine.