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Window refinishing
Window refinishing
I was wondering if anyone had ever used a product called Micro Mesh or something similar to refinish windows on an airplane. I have been researching it and it seems to be a product that, given a little work, would forestall replacing the windows in my C150. The military makes use of it and so do the major airlines so it seems to be a reputable product.
If you have ever refinished an acrylic window with any product I would like to hear about the results before I try it. Thanks in advance,
Reece Daniel
N3854J
- reecedaniel
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Re: Window refinishing
I've never used it but have heard of the product. I believe the primary use is to buff out scratches not to polish an entire window.....
My guess is that it will take a lot of elbow grease to do a window and the results may be less than satisfactory.....XFY6W
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Re: Window refinishing
Thanks for the reply. In talking to the company that sells the stuff they say that it can be used to rejuvinate an entire window but of course they are trying to sell a product. I am thinking of trying it on my back window just to see if it works. If not, I need to replace the window anyway. I was hoping that someone had already tried it but it looks as if I'll have to be the first one in the water.
I'll post the results here after I give it a try.
Reece
- reecedaniel
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Re: Window refinishing
Micro mesh is basically a collection of progressively finer grit abrasive papers and polish.
You can achieve the same thing with wet sanding starting with 400 grit or even 320 depending on the depth of the scratches you're trying to remove. once you're down to 1200 or 1600 grit swicth to buffing compond, followed by polish, followed by plexiglas cleaner/polish or pledge.
note: because what you'r doing is removing material, the optics of the plexiglass will change so it's not great.
Also it will do nothing for the typical "fogging" that comes with age with plexiglass. fogging is internal and no amount or type of surface treatment will fix it.
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Re: Window refinishing
Scott,
Thanks for the information. I have just about decided to go ahead and replace the rear window and the side windows. My windshield is new and will be okay.
Reece
- reecedaniel
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Re: Window refinishing
It's possible to make the side windows from a sheet of plexiglas. Remove the old windows, trace the outline on the protective film on the plexiglas and cut them out with a very fine blade in a saber saw. Smooth the edges and install. Ask your locl A&P for details.
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Re: Window refinishing
It is possible to "make your own", however, it is stepping into the unauthorized parts catagory. I have been over this with the Feds many times and it is a liability and safety issue in their eyes. The best pricing that I have found for replacement windows,that require very little trimming,is from Great Lakes Aero Products.(www.glapinc.com)
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Re: Window refinishing
Doesn't making the plexiglas windows fall into the owner made parts category?
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Re: Window refinishing
Don,
In looking at the FAR's it seems to me that the side windows would certainly fall into the owner made parts category. I don't know what a sheet of acrylic costs but the side windows can be bought for about $45.00 each if they are clear.
I have fabricated other parts for my airplane when it was economical to do so and when I couldn't locate a reasonably priced part. The funny part is that I can't use my A&P rating to do something that any aircraft owner can. Strange,right?
In any event, I think I am going to opt for replacing the three bad windows as part of a complete overhaul of the interior. That is, as soon as I pay off this year's annual which has turned into a horror story so far as costs are concerned. I should have a basically new airplane with my recently overhauled engine (2hrs SMOH) all my annual updates and repairs and then the interior. It will be nice to get back in the air again.
Reece
- reecedaniel
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Re: Window refinishing
Hi Reece,
$ 45 sounds pretty reasonable, probably not worth the aggrivation of making them yourself. I'd suggest the tinted windows. You will find that you almost never look out the rear side or rear window and the tinting will help reduce the heat load in the cabin...
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Re: Window refinishing
Don,
Thanks again. I think I am going to go ahead and make the side windows just for the experience. I found a reasonable supplier for .100 acrylic that is aircraft grade. I am actually going to go with the clear on the side windows to match my windshield, plus I like the added visibility to look for other traffic a sightseeing. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Reece
- reecedaniel
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