school me on lexan or plexiglas sheet

[Brian P]

Hi all.
Looking to cover my domed trailer lid with something, My wife and I have considered lexan or plexiglas, Do any of you know much about either?
I plan to rivet it to the lit and seal all the seams, One reason for going this route is, I would like a one piece top, Most of the steel sheet locally seems to be 4x8' sheets, I need a 50x72" piece, I'm thinking a 1/8" thick at most.

Here is what I hope to cover.

I did a quick google search and polycabonate*sp would be in the $300 range and WAY to much money, Which would bring me back to metal.
Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Herzog]

Lexan is polycarbonate. Call up Summit Machine - they can get a hold of polycarbonate for you. Last time I ordered they had the better prices... nowhere near $300 for a sheet. That's a ridiculous price.

Plexyglas will crack and break into sharp pieces. Polycarbonate is much more flexible and safer.

 

[Spork]

My first though is 1/8" gets brittle after a while in the elements. I would stick to metal.

 

[Herzog]

My first though is 1/8" gets brittle after a while in the elements. I would stick to metal.

I think you can uv treat it or paint it with uv resistant paint pretty well.

 

[Caleb]

I think aluminum would be better. It may have to be ordered but I'm sure you can get a sheet that size. Back when I was shrimping, we used to order in odd sized sheets all the time.

 

[Brian P]

Thanks all.
I've been talking with my wife, I may go with stainless steel if I can get the correct size, There is a company(who's name escapes me at the moment) who cut me a specific size for a work bench for my wife that was only $50.00.
If that doesnt pan out I will revisit this, Sorry for flip flopping here, I only have a month to finish this trailer before its maiden voyage.
Thanks again

 

[SLC97SR5]

I would reccomend stainless or aluminum sheet. It is much easier to work with (drilling, cutting) and could be re-worked with a hammer should it get damaged.

If you do go the lexan/polycarbonate route remember to us a good HSS drill bit and only water or air for cooling, oils can cause crazing.

 

[Jesser04]

What about canvas? I bet sugar house awning could make you a custom cover. I know the covers they made for my boat are 100% waterproof.

 

[Tsleight]

I have a full 4X8 sheet of acrylic with a white sheet bonded in the middle. You can have it if you want. I work for 3-form and this is an overrun that we were tossing out. Call Tom at 801-699-5553

 

[I Lean]

I would reccomend stainless or aluminum sheet. It is much easier to work with (drilling, cutting) and could be re-worked with a hammer should it get damaged.

If you do go the lexan/polycarbonate route remember to us a good HSS drill bit and only water or air for cooling, oils can cause crazing.

I don't know that I'd agree with SS or AL being easier to work with than polycarb....it's softer, almost like working with some sort of plastic.

 

[Wasatch Quad]

Polycarbonate will be the way to go, but make sure you get some that is meant for outdoors and can withstand constant UV exposure. I think the canvas "boat top" would be awesome though.

 

[MikeGyver]

lol yeah polycarbonate isn't going to be $30...

I would use 3M VHB tape (ebay) long before I ever used rivits, even for aluminum sheet.

 

[Brian P]

I have a full 4X8 sheet of acrylic with a white sheet bonded in the middle. You can have it if you want. I work for 3-form and this is an overrun that we were tossing out. Call Tom at 801-699-5553

Thanks for the generous offer, But its not quite the size I need.

I would use 3M VHB tape (ebay) long before I ever used rivits, even for aluminum sheet.
10-01-2010 09:30 PM

I will look into the tape.
Thanks

 

[TEAM FRED]

Call me monday if you don't have somthing worked out I can price stainless or aluminum cut to that size.
801-643-0869

 

[rockreligious]

I sell poly, plexi and other acryl and plastics at my glass shop, there are all different kinds of thicknesses and qualities, the cheaper ones would become brittle and the expensive ones would be too expensive, I would do aluminum.

 

[Brian P]

Thanks again for the offers and suggestions, I have some stainless steel in the works, Should be ready Fri.
Funny thing about the 3M VHB tape, I have a partial roll in my garage, Not nearly enough, But I at least know where to get some.
FWIW the company I am using is SSAMI, I have dealt with them before and have been happy with the outcome.
I am getting the lid finished off so hopefully by Fri I will be able to slap some stainless on it, If not, Then hopefully this weekend.

 

[MikeGyver]

Here's a good VHB video; there are some good related videos too.
I just bought some a couple weeks ago, it's pretty impressive stuff.
[YOUTUBE]7OtrDvDvF5I[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Brian P]

Nice! Thanks for the show