Thread: Busted Rear Window

That was unlucky.

Today, at the LR Expo, I saw a D3/4 with a perspex overlay rear window protector - much like headlight protectors. I wondered if he towed a caravan or camper trailer.

I don't know why they don't make the rear window laminated glass like the front windscreen. I broke my rear window on the Oodnadatta Track a couple of months ago. I am still finding small pieces of glass in the car ! When I had the new screen fitted in Alice Springs, it was suggested that getting some tint on the window would hold it together and not make so much mess if it happened again.

Originally Posted by LRChris

I don't know why they don't make the rear window laminated glass like the front windscreen. I broke my rear window on the Oodnadatta Track a couple of months ago. I am still finding small pieces of glass in the car ! When I had the new screen fitted in Alice Springs, it was suggested that getting some tint on the window would hold it together and not make so much mess if it happened again.

Were you towing on the oodnadatta?

Window tint does work well in keeping the glass together. Saved my drivers door window from falling in completly

Originally Posted by LRChris

I don't know why they don't make the rear window laminated glass like the front windscreen. I broke my rear window on the Oodnadatta Track a couple of months ago. I am still finding small pieces of glass in the car ! When I had the new screen fitted in Alice Springs, it was suggested that getting some tint on the window would hold it together and not make so much mess if it happened again.

It’s a combination of cost and complexity of construction, Chris. The hotlines (demist) and antenna (if on the glass) are screen printed (ceramic paint) onto the glass and bonded/activated in the furnace as part of the bending and toughening process. It’s relatively simple (read: cheap) in comparison to putting wires in the vinyl interlayer of a laminated glass. Some exotic cars (top of the line Benzes, etc) did have laminated rear hotline screens, but it’s extremely rare nowadays. A replacement was over $1000 back in the 80’s. I shudder to think how much one would be in 2017 dollar$.......

For bush travels on my previous vehicle I had a 'Obie Outback' perspect rear window protector. It would seem he has sold his small business to a larger plastic manufacturer.
http://www.plasweld.com.au/rear-window-savers/
Mr. google can't find "Obie".
Photos look very similar to my protector. The rear of my old Cruiser was peppered with rock damage and never had a broken glass, so I assume it worked perfectly.

cheers n happy travels. Neil.

If you want to avoid rear window breakage along with stone damage to the rear of your vehicle get a 'Stone Stomper' these things really do work.
IMG_2118 2.jpg

Linds