battery/fuse box covers- DIY questions
11-03-2010, 04:38 PM
#1
battery/fuse box covers- DIY questions Going to try to make some covers this weekend myself.
I have the fuse boxes relocated (under original mounting location) in bumper. I want to make a cover for it to mount to the little metal piece that is sticking out and the front of the bumper.
Question 1- There is Lexan/plexi/etc at Home Depot.. Which is the best to use? The thickness they have is fine for what I need. They will be painted (powder coated down the road) and I want it to stick. Will I need to sand first?
Question 2- What is the easiest way to cut it? First thought was a sawzall and then follow it up with a dremel.
I will do the same for the battery and the computer as well. Just looking for some insight.
I will be doing another project in a few weeks using lexan/plexi to make covers for my new projectors!
I have the fuse boxes relocated (under original mounting location) in bumper. I want to make a cover for it to mount to the little metal piece that is sticking out and the front of the bumper.
Question 1- There is Lexan/plexi/etc at Home Depot.. Which is the best to use? The thickness they have is fine for what I need. They will be painted (powder coated down the road) and I want it to stick. Will I need to sand first?
Question 2- What is the easiest way to cut it? First thought was a sawzall and then follow it up with a dremel.
I will do the same for the battery and the computer as well. Just looking for some insight.
I will be doing another project in a few weeks using lexan/plexi to make covers for my new projectors!
11-03-2010, 10:32 PM
#2
Man! Sounds like you are having some fun!!! I don't have any advice but sounds like a good project! Good luck, post progress, and its good to know you're doing good.
11-04-2010, 09:59 AM
#5
Lexan/Plexi, being a 'plastic' type product, probably won't come out of a 400degree oven like it went in.
If I'm incorrect, let me know. But I don't think it'll take the heat required to do the powdercoat. I don't know their respective heat properties, but, ...
Google Search Results:
1. The mechanical properties are the main difference. Plexi-glass is fragile in nature with impact resistance. It tends to crack and chip easily. Lexan can be impacted continously with little or no wear / cracks chips or etc.
2. The cost Lexan is substantially more expensive.
3. If your using these as a temporary or pemanent fix use plexiglass for temporary items and Lexan for permanent repairs.
4. Lexan is commonly used in Industrial Applications while plexi-glass is more of an household item where little or no mechanical properties are required.
Lexan - trademark name for the material otherwise known as polycarbonate. Used to make bulletproof windows, it's tougher than plexiglass/acrylic and 2 or 3 times more expensive.
Plexiglass - trademark name for material otherwise known as acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate (or PMMA), or Lucite.
LEXAN® is a registered trademark for General Electric Company's brand of highly-durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass where strength justifies its cost.
Lexan is similar to polymethyl methacrylate (Plexiglas/Lucite/Perspex) — commonly described as Acrylic — in appearance, but is far more durable, often to the point of being described as "bulletproof".
Plexiglass vs. Lexan: Decoding the Brand Names
Typing “difference plexiglass lexan” into a search engine isn’t much different than inquiring about the variations between polycarbonate and Plexiglass. Many people assume that the word “Lexan” is synonymous with “polycarbonate,” but this assumption is false. Lexan is in fact a brand name polycarbonate product, and, as many polycarbonate products, it’s virtually unbreakable. However, RS Supply stocks a similar, competitively priced product called Palsun that offers additional benefits. Unlike Lexan sheets, Palsun polycarbonate sheets are fully UV protected, which means the sheeting stays clear and beautiful for years.
Just as Lexan is a brand name of polycarbonate, so too is Plexiglass a brand name of acrylic. In the comparison of “difference Plexiglass Lexan,” the following facts emerge:
PLEXIGLASS:
-Plexiglass is fragile in nature with impact resistance
-Tends to chip/crack easily
-Scratches easily
-Will discolor from sunlight
-Use as temporary or household fix where little or no mechanical properties are required.
-Available in many colors and thicknessess
-Lighter weight than glass
LEXAN:
-Lexan can be impacted continuously with little or no chips/cracks
-Cost is more than plexiglass
-Lexan is more for use with permanent repairs
-Common in industrial application where mechanical properties are required
-Can scratch easily however a scratch resistant version is available
-Limited colors available
-Various thicknessess available
-Will discolor from sunlight
-Lighter weight than glass
-Certain thicknessess can be used for bullet resistant applications
If I'm incorrect, let me know. But I don't think it'll take the heat required to do the powdercoat. I don't know their respective heat properties, but, ...
Google Search Results:
1. The mechanical properties are the main difference. Plexi-glass is fragile in nature with impact resistance. It tends to crack and chip easily. Lexan can be impacted continously with little or no wear / cracks chips or etc.
2. The cost Lexan is substantially more expensive.
3. If your using these as a temporary or pemanent fix use plexiglass for temporary items and Lexan for permanent repairs.
4. Lexan is commonly used in Industrial Applications while plexi-glass is more of an household item where little or no mechanical properties are required.
Lexan - trademark name for the material otherwise known as polycarbonate. Used to make bulletproof windows, it's tougher than plexiglass/acrylic and 2 or 3 times more expensive.
Plexiglass - trademark name for material otherwise known as acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate (or PMMA), or Lucite.
LEXAN® is a registered trademark for General Electric Company's brand of highly-durable polycarbonate resin thermoplastic intended to replace glass where strength justifies its cost.
Lexan is similar to polymethyl methacrylate (Plexiglas/Lucite/Perspex) — commonly described as Acrylic — in appearance, but is far more durable, often to the point of being described as "bulletproof".
Plexiglass vs. Lexan: Decoding the Brand Names
Typing “difference plexiglass lexan” into a search engine isn’t much different than inquiring about the variations between polycarbonate and Plexiglass. Many people assume that the word “Lexan” is synonymous with “polycarbonate,” but this assumption is false. Lexan is in fact a brand name polycarbonate product, and, as many polycarbonate products, it’s virtually unbreakable. However, RS Supply stocks a similar, competitively priced product called Palsun that offers additional benefits. Unlike Lexan sheets, Palsun polycarbonate sheets are fully UV protected, which means the sheeting stays clear and beautiful for years.
Just as Lexan is a brand name of polycarbonate, so too is Plexiglass a brand name of acrylic. In the comparison of “difference Plexiglass Lexan,” the following facts emerge:
- Acrylic is a UV protectant and is virtually unbreakable. It boasts superior scratch resistance. This product is more economical than its polycarbonate compatriot, but is not to be used in a capacity where impact resistance is necessary. Acrylic is found in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. RS Supply stocks multiple options.
- Palsun polycarbonate has UV protection as a valuable amenity, and it is easier to drill than acrylic, which can crack if not pre-drilled slowly. It offers superior impact resistance and is often used for windows, roof panels, storm shutters and more.
PLEXIGLASS:
-Plexiglass is fragile in nature with impact resistance
-Tends to chip/crack easily
-Scratches easily
-Will discolor from sunlight
-Use as temporary or household fix where little or no mechanical properties are required.
-Available in many colors and thicknessess
-Lighter weight than glass
LEXAN:-Lexan can be impacted continuously with little or no chips/cracks
-Cost is more than plexiglass
-Lexan is more for use with permanent repairs
-Common in industrial application where mechanical properties are required
-Can scratch easily however a scratch resistant version is available
-Limited colors available
-Various thicknessess available
-Will discolor from sunlight
-Lighter weight than glass
-Certain thicknessess can be used for bullet resistant applications
