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"van panels" to replace side windows?

  • P.Y.
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09 Aug 2010 23:12 #4158 by P.Y.
For the London to Cape Town World Cup Rallycar project: Is there anyone who does a panel that replaces the side-window glass...not so much a weight-saving thing here but just something that might add a touch more security.
The driver would prefer the "van look" as the reduced glass area might mean slightly cooler air inside! Any suggestions?

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10 Aug 2010 06:53 #4161 by mlines
I don't know of any "off the shelf" panels. I know KAP Suzuki sell Jimnys that have been converted to "VAN" and I suspect they have simply cut out a sheet of steel and welded it into the window opening.

Martin

Martin

2003 M13 early KAP build.
3" Trailmaster lift with 1.5 Spacers on front
Customised winch bumper and roll cage
235/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns on 16" Rims, 4:1 Rocklobster, Rear ARB locker and on-board air
Corrected arms all-round, rear disks, Recaro seats and harnesses

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10 Aug 2010 08:50 #4164 by ooky_123
What martin says really .... take out the glass and tac a bit of sheet metal to the opening.

Former owner of Little "Ooky", who has now started a new life in Shetland

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  • Adamski
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15 Aug 2010 17:58 #4238 by Adamski
Replied by Adamski on topic Re:"van panels" to replace side windows?
Im going to be doing this to mine in a couple of weeks. Basically im going to get a sheet of adhesive vinyl (the type car decals are made out off) which I have matched to the colour of the car and cut it to the same shape as the windows and then stick it on. See a photoshop of how mine will look when I have fitted the vinyl on the rear windows:



Is this what you are hoping to achieve with yours?

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  • darthloachie
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16 Aug 2010 10:11 #4249 by darthloachie
Replied by darthloachie on topic Re:"van panels" to replace side windows?
if you get one way vinyl you will still be able to see out through it

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  • Adamski
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16 Aug 2010 17:16 #4255 by Adamski
Replied by Adamski on topic Re:
darthloachie wrote:

if you get one way vinyl you will still be able to see out through it


The stuff im using is opaque so you wont be able to see in or out. If you did still want to see out im sure you could get some blue window tint material, but it would look less like a van because the colour would differ to the car body. I've spent ages with sample books trying to get my vinyl the same colour as the car and i've found the closest match.

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  • darthloachie
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16 Aug 2010 19:44 - 16 Aug 2010 19:46 #4257 by darthloachie
Replied by darthloachie on topic Re:
have a look at the demongraphics website
The simpsons ice cream van has a good colour match in what they call vision vinyl

Attachments:
Last edit: 16 Aug 2010 19:46 by darthloachie.

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  • Adamski
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16 Aug 2010 19:55 #4259 by Adamski
Replied by Adamski on topic Re:
darthloachie wrote:

have a look at the demongraphics website
The simpsons ice cream van has a good colour match in what they call vision vinyl


Ahh yeah, that is vehicle wrap stuff which is a bit different. Very cool though, its great how you can see out so well but can hardly see in.

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  • P.Y.
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20 Aug 2010 17:15 #4326 by P.Y.
Replied by P.Y. on topic Re:"van panels" to replace side windows?
...that side on shot of the blue Jimny looks good, bet it was a tricky job matching the paint to the sticker-ink, but if thats not a photoshop picture then it looks good. The problem must be in getting the match right, even tougher if the car is red.

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  • Adamski
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21 Aug 2010 10:28 #4332 by Adamski
Replied by Adamski on topic Re:
P.Y. wrote:

...that side on shot of the blue Jimny looks good, bet it was a tricky job matching the paint to the sticker-ink, but if thats not a photoshop picture then it looks good. The problem must be in getting the match right, even tougher if the car is red.


Unfortunately that picture is photoshoped. I ordered a load of vinyl samples from my supplier and have managed to find a colour very similar. It wont be 100% the same colour but somewhere close. If you wanted to match it to your red Jimny, its just a case of playing around with samples until you get a close match. When i've done mine (hopefully within the next 2-3weeks) i'll post some pictures up on here.

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  • P.Y.
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21 Aug 2010 13:41 #4334 by P.Y.
Replied by P.Y. on topic Re:"van panels" to replace side windows?
What is the best material to replace the glass? Any views out there? Has anyone used perspex or other type of plastic?

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21 Aug 2010 14:05 #4335 by mlines
My guess is that there is probably quite a bit of body flex. So whatever you use would have to be able to remain secure and whole in rough conditions.

Martin

Martin

2003 M13 early KAP build.
3" Trailmaster lift with 1.5 Spacers on front
Customised winch bumper and roll cage
235/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns on 16" Rims, 4:1 Rocklobster, Rear ARB locker and on-board air
Corrected arms all-round, rear disks, Recaro seats and harnesses

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