Any ideas on how to fix warped transparent plastic window inserts?

I think you're whistling in the wind trying to straighten them.  I'd simply replace them with some suitable plastic strips.

Thank you gunrunnerjohn for your reply.  Any suggestions on where to purchase the plastic strips?  I ask because I am not sure if the plastic strips at Plastruct are the right ones.

Janet Mattern (TCA, LCCA, P&P, and GCMR member)

You may have to cut the strips out of say an 8x11 sheet. Easily done with a straight edge and knife. If you remove the damaged strip. Bring it to a hobby shop and match it up as far as thickness. A little thicker wouldn’t hurt. To glue it in place. You will get different opinions as to what works best as far as glue. I really like a product Micro Mark sells. Not cheap. It’s called PSA. You brush it on the car body and let it dry. It will setup tacky. Looks like white glue going on.  Then when you place the strip in place. Because the glue is already set up. Nothing oozes out around your windows when you press the strip in place.

I repainted a MTH car. Destroyed the window strip removing it. Cleaned off the factory glue. Used some clear plastic and the above mentioned glue.

I use old packaging for plastic windows, but you can buy sheets as Dave states.

I have used sheets from overhead projectors, and the canopy glue from models dries clear.

Even more fun:  Order some sushi take-out, and cut your strips from the clear container.  Advantage:  you enjoy the food and receive excellent window material in virtually unlimited quantities😉

On cars where the windows are not inserted, in other words the inside of the shell is a flat surface, I've cur plastic strips wide enough so I can attach them with tape instead of glue.  The extra width ensures the tape won't show thru the window.  Plus it can be removed without damage.  3/4" wide Scotch Magic Tape is what I use.

Try acetate sheets. You cut them to size and glue them on the inside of the cab. Works great.

Whatever plastic sheet you use to cut up and glue in, make sure that the plastic is stable to the glue.  I'd suggest the polycarbonate sheets from Clover House.

Airplane modelers use something called "canopy cement", or some such. Supposedly it does not leave a noticeable residue if some oozes out.

Really, depending on the mechanical strength required, plain white glue like Elmers is often strong enough and is pretty friendly.

In my prewar and some postwar passenger cars I’ve used strapping tape to replace missing and broken window films. The tape is translucent and the strapping feature gives the simulation of window blinds. Just another idea.

Clever idea, I'd have never thought about doing this.  I think I'd have to stick the tape to clear plastic so it wouldn't pick up a lot of extra "baggage" that would show up on the sticky side.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Clever idea, I'd have never thought about doing this.  I think I'd have to stick the tape to clear plastic so it wouldn't pick up a lot of extra "baggage" that would show up on the sticky side.

Thanks John.....honestly I found that the tape that is exposed to the open window section drys out from the air and doesn’t really pick up extra “baggage”. Besides what’s a few window smudges, it’s weathering.