Sidescreen repair

[Richardtr3a]

My front fixed panel in the TR3A Sidescreens has become cloudy and caused me a problem yesterday. Is there a way to clear it or where can I buy some new material and replace it myself. I don't think that there is a repair specialist near me , Lewes Sussex , and regular trimmers are not keen to get involved. I can see why.

I think that I also need the springs which hold the clips in the bracket on the door ??

Any advice 

Thanks Richard & B

[Martin TR3a]

There are products sold to polish out clouding on motorbike windscreens and car light lenses. Worth a go?

I'm missing one spring on one of my sidescreen dzus fasteners. Still holds the sidescreen nice and tight. I do need to store the fastener carefully when I remove the sidescreen though!

Edited October 7 by Martin TR3a

[iain]

5 hours ago, Richardtr3a said:

My front fixed panel in the TR3A Sidescreens has become cloudy and caused me a problem yesterday. Is there a way to clear it or where can I buy some new material and replace it myself. I don't think that there is a repair specialist near me , Lewes Sussex , and regular trimmers are not keen to get involved. I can see why.

I think that I also need the springs which hold the clips in the bracket on the door ??

Any advice 

Thanks Richard & B

Novus polish does a good job 

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwi8h5qXupKQAxU9pFAGHUzlM8QYACICCAEQGRoCZGc&co=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9JLHBhC-ARIsAK4PhcqQEYonbfgT0WWoVb3_GMYF4gV6Lag4MfHx_JRcbVoTd9iRrhyarnUaAlXsEALw_wcB&sph=&cce=2&sig=AOD64_2HrXPl3XFOdcE77F3drawxwXpdgw&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiypZKXupKQAxW0Z0EAHdpMMOgQwg8oAHoECAkQDQ&adurl=
 

great on Hardtop rear windows too.

Iain

[Lebro]

 

Below copied from a while ago on here, describing how I replaced the front plastic on one of my sidescreens:

Anyway, I had some clear polycarbonate sheet of the correct thickness in my shed (luckily), so set about removing the broken plastic by cutting all the stitches with a scalpel, then easing the rear sliding window out (you have to bend it to do this which is a bit nerve wracking) it comes out of the top channel first.

Then prise the window channels out of the slots to release the front plastic.

 

Cut out new panel using scissors, & the old plastic as a template, then fitted new plastic into the frame, re-seated the channels, & (nervously) re-fitted the rear screen.

All that was left to do was to stich the front edge to the fabric.

It is near impossible to push a needle through the polycarbonate, so decided to use a "Dremel" (actually Lidl equivalent)

with a 0.8mm drill to pre drill all the required holes. this did not take as long as you might think, I drilled about 6 holes, following the existing stitching holes, then followed up with needle & thread (button thread), then a few more holes etc.

got to the bottom, then went all the way back up again to fill in the gaps.

Whole job took no longer than 2 hrs, so if your front plastic is in need of replacing it is not that big a deal !

 

Bob.

[trchris]

Toothpaste works used it many times on plastic headlights that have gone dull and on rear windows in soft tops….and leaves a brighter smile 😃 

Chris

[Richardtr3a]

I have some T Cut original out in the garage. I think that I might try that tomorrow. I am also keen on toothpaste but there is none in the garage ??

Richard & B

[Martin TR3a]

I have an old electric toothbrush in the garage that I dip in diesel to clean my bike chains 🙃

[harlequin]

I tried all sorts of products to clean my sidescreen windows without success, they were just too far gone and rather brittle. So I replaced them which is a nice little project for a rainy afternoon, I got the new windows from Rimmers https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-559748.

Use a heated needle to go through the new window.

George 

Edited October 8 by harlequin

[david ferry]

This is what I've used for years on all manner of plastic screens - racecars etc Greygate plastic polish

David

[Richardtr3a]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice and instructions. 

I had the sidescreen in the house and I was ready to investigate more polish. At first there was no change to the orange colour and then I noticed that the rear arm was no longer welded to the frame. It was loose but in place. I had noticed some movement when driving and I was thinking about extra springs on the Dzus fasteners.

I think that this means stripping down to a bare frame and welding the frame. I need to get it in the correct position so the hard top will have to be in place and then the sidescreen can be positioned correctly. I could leave it alone and carry on driving ?

Is there any simple answer ??

Richard & B

[Richardtr3a]

I have just received a quote for the full repair to the sidescreen. It is from a local Sussex car trimming company who do Jaguars etc. It is very expensive. So now I am asking for any advice on the possibility of carefully removing the cover and getting a local welder to repair the frame.  But then I will have to replace the cover.  Is this possible at home ??

Thanks Richard & B 

[Richardtr3a]

I have an update on my sidescreen which is currently living in my Passat

There is a local car trimmer who will  strip down the frame and weld it. Then he will make  a new cover and fit the new windows . I have just had a fixed window and a sliding unit delivered from Rimmers. 

Now I need some very clear instructions on how the fit the sliding one.  I am planning to give him hard copy instructions. So please send me some instructions on bending it. Is heat, hot water etc considered suitable.

Please let me know. He has to finish the present work before he starts on mine.

Thanks Richard 

[harlequin]

When I did mine last year there was enough slop and flex to just pop it in. I don't suppose a little bit of heat will hurt but I would be very careful not to over do it, otherwise it may become clouded. Maybe just leave the window in the airing cupboard over night.

I positioned the window at the middle of the frame where there's a bit more flex in the frame.

George 

Edited October 31 by harlequin

[Lebro]

+1, do it in the center area, & just gently bend the screen till it's short enough to pop into the guides.

Bob

[Trev Good]

When I did my sidescreens, I used hot water!

[iain]

8 hours ago, Lebro said:

+1, do it in the center area, & just gently bend the screen till it's short enough to pop into the guides.

Bob

+1