Shattered rear window in van, low-cost options?

[Sunny Side Up]

Mister took the van out tonight and somehow the whole back window is shattered. We have no idea how it happened, but there are 2 big holes in it and the rest of the glass is crackled, ready to fall apart if someone sneezes. My best guess is that we put an office chair back there to bring to a friend and maybe it knocked into the window and stressed it, and then when he parked it came apart. It wasn't vandals or anything hitting it from outside.

But the how doesn't matter, it's the WHAT NOW? No, we don't have collision insurance and not much money at all for the repair.

So I'm asking you, my BYC buds, to help me plan what to do. I have to figure out something to do temporarily -- it's our only vehicle and Mister needs to take it out tomorrow afternoon for work -- and then what would be the least costly way to get it replaced. The vehicle is a 2003 Honda Odyssey van.

Thank you for your imput!

 

[chickened]

Check with your insurance it may cover it. Alot of glass installers advertise that they will pay your deductible to replace windows.

 

[hemet dennis]

Quote:
duct tape but then you will have to stay under 200 mph or it will come off

 

[bluesub]

My dear hubby backed my 2002 Honda Odyssey out of the garage while the rear hatch door was open - it got caught on the garage door, and shattered (somehow it was my fault...). Anyway - we just called and auto glass place that comes to you and it wasn't that expensive...

This site says $193-$211
http://www.emergencyglassrepair.com/honda

 

[bluesub]

Can you just take all the glass out and drive around without a window for awhile? At least you live in Florida...

 

[Beekissed]

I've used plastic and clear packing tape for just such as this....if you get the really clear and thick plastic, the cops can't tell from a distance. Make sure you wipe the surface you will be placing the tape against with a little rubbing alcohol first to remove oils and grime..the tape will stick better and last longer.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Oh, BYC gives the best advice, for keeping chickens and everything else! Please, keep the suggestions coming.

I doubt the insurance will cover ANYthing, we have the most minimal policy possible.

I am planning to get some clear plastic & packing or duct tape tomorrow for a temporary fix. I have to put something there, even though it's warm in Florida it's also very rainy.

I checked that emergency repair site and am waiting for a quote.

Any more great ideas?

 

[Spookwriter]

Flat glass? Knock the rest of it out and use a piece of Pexiglass.
Scratches easy, but the cheapest fix next to a plastic bag.

Lexan is one step up from pexiglass. That's what we used for the
race car windows.

 

[bluesub]

It's a curved piece of glass. I know because my windshield wiper was damaged and I keep trying to bend it to work...

Try this site too for quotes in your area.
http://www.glass.net/windshields/honda-odyssey

 

[Spookwriter]

BTW...if you go the pexiglass route you can put the fake
glass in the actual rubber yourself fairly easy.