HMMWV replacement windows...glass or polycarbonate?

[Mogman]

Here's an interesting article about laminated vs tempered glass windows in vehicles:

Laminated Vs. Tempered Side Windows in Vehicles | Glass.com

Recently, laminated side windows have caused drivers to get trapped inside their vehicles after a crash. Learn the pros and cons of laminated side windows.

info.glass.com

Good point, BUT you better have a tool specifically designed in your hand when you crash or you will unlikely be able to break the tempered glass, also I doubt the article was about vehicles that had simple sliding windows, I always figured the doors would simply pop off in a serious crash anyway.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Good point, BUT you better have a tool specifically designed in your hand when you crash or you will unlikely be able to break the tempered glass, also I doubt the article was about vehicles that had simple sliding windows, I always figured the doors would simply pop off in a serious crash anyway.

Or a utility knife to cut through the soft top lol!

 

[Action]

Good point, BUT you better have a tool specifically designed in your hand when you crash or you will unlikely be able to break the tempered glass, also I doubt the article was about vehicles that had simple sliding windows, I always figured the doors would simply pop off in a serious crash anyway.

You can take your shirt off and wrap around your hand to break tempered glass. The tempering makes it break into lots and lots of tiny pieces.
if you try to get out through a laminated windshield, you will likely have to knock the entire window out. Laminated sticks together when broken.

 

[papakb]

Most EMTs and fire departments just use an automatic center punch to break out tempered glass. A cheap trick they learned from car thieves.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

I'm currently waiting on quotes for the glass from 2 local glass shops.

In the mean time I will also need the gaskets. I can't find them anywhere, not even at Mac Motors. I found some generic rubber U-channel on McMaster Carr:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

I'm not sure what size I will need, but I should be able to figure it out when my doors show up. If anyone has dimensions on the factory gaskets that would be helpful.

 

[papakb]

What thickness glass did you ask for quotes for? Just buy the channel of the same thiclness.

What thickness was your original glass? Go for the same thickness as your original or you might find the new stuff doesn't fit your frames.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

What thickness glass did you ask for quotes for? Just buy the channel of the same thiclness.

What thickness was your original glass? Go for the same thickness as your original or you might find the new stuff doesn't fit your frames.

3/8, but what about the other dimensions like overall thickness and width?

 

[Mogman]

What thickness glass did you ask for quotes for? Just buy the channel of the same thiclness.

What thickness was your original glass? Go for the same thickness as your original or you might find the new stuff doesn't fit your frames.

I think he was talking about getting some "universal" channel and needs the actual frame dimensions, he should wait until he gets his doors, that way he will actually see what he is dealing with, the actual glass dimensions are not "even" IIRC, as to say I think one dimension was something like 14-1/16" not 14"

 

[Action]

I think he was talking about getting some "universal" channel and needs the actual frame dimensions, he should wait until he gets his doors, that way he will actually see what he is dealing with, the actual glass dimensions are not "even" IIRC, as to say I think one dimension was something like 14-1/16" not 14"

You are correct about the odd size. I think i have a loose one. I will look tomorrow.
The factory seal is thin on the glass edge. If you get generic, you will need to adjust window size.

 

[Mogman]

I'm currently waiting on quotes for the glass from 2 local glass shops.

In the mean time I will also need the gaskets. I can't find them anywhere, not even at Mac Motors. I found some generic rubber U-channel on McMaster Carr:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

I'm not sure what size I will need, but I should be able to figure it out when my doors show up. If anyone has dimensions on the factory gaskets that would be helpful.

You may be thinking you need to replace the window seal when just about everyone re-uses the original, If for some reason you think that will help the rattling or the fact you need to wear a slicker suit when it rains you will be wrong..

 

[papakb]

What's wrong with using a little silicon sealer around the glass?

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Previous threads on this forum are saying 14 1/8 x 20 1/16

 

[Mogman]

Reach out to @86humv

No go there...

 

[TOBASH]

As a temporary solution to cover the defect and create a functional closed window just go to Home Despot or Lowers and buy plexiglass and cut to size.
It will last long enough for you to get correct glass

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

If anyone is interested, I got one of the quotes back from a glass shop. They quoted $95.70/ea for laminated glass, or $47.12 for tempered glass. Still waiting on a quote from another vendor. You guys think laminated is worth twice the money?

 

[TOBASH]

If anyone is interested, I got one of the quotes back from a glass shop. They quoted $95.70/ea for laminated glass, or $47.12 for tempered glass. Still waiting on a quote from another vendor. You guys think laminated is worth twice the money?

Laminated is safer.

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Laminated is safer.

Is it though? Most standard auto windows are tempered. They are easier to break in an emergency.

 

[Coug]

our doors aren't as difficult to remove during an emergency as your average automobile door is (and if the accident is bad enough to cause the body to crumple, the door is't going to be stuck shut), and the windows aren't really large enough to drag someone out of if there is an emergency anyway, so I'd say that being able to break them during an emergency isn't as big of a deal as it is for a civilian car.

 

[Mogman]

I would not use laminated in side windows unless that was all I could get, tempered would be best and I would certainly not pay more for laminated if I had the choice.
The flip side of laminate is de-laminate

 

[Autonomy_Lost]

Everyone makes good points. I think either would be suitable, so I'm leaning toward tempered at half the price. I'm not exactly made of money lol.