Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
How bad is a big star in the front window? How bad is a big star in the front window?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Apr 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Belgium
Posts: 4
How bad is a big star in the front window?
Since a stone hit the front window of our landcruiser (hj61) two days back, we've got a big 'star' in the righthand corner (about 10 cm in diameter) and cracks of about 30 cm going towards the middle of the window. We're now in the south of Morocco heading for Maurtanie and some more serious pistes... Mechanics here tell us not to worry, the window is double, will crack a bit further, but to no harm, we should be abl to drive anothr year with it...
A new winow has to came from Casa, takes a coupl of days and 200 euro...
Is it worth waiting for? Or will we easily find second-hand or new windows for less in Nouakchot? Or should we just laugh about it and continue merrily?
Thanks for all advice,
Karolien
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
Just keep driving. They have some stuff here in the us to fill the crack and keep it from going farther, but don't worry about it. Fix it when you get home.

------------------
John
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Apr 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Posts: 259
Hi, Karolien

When you need to start using the windscreen wipers you may end up with a problem depending on how rough the surface of the window has become- but south of Morocco I don't suppose that will be an issue anyway.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

J

------------------
Johnefyn
__________________
Johnef
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
In modern cars the windscreen is structural (bonded in) and would cause a problem. You don't need to worry structurally although the cracks could create sharp little scales which fall onto your lap when you drive on corrugations (and you will)

BUT

The windscreen costs 200 euros, how much are you going to shell out in baksheesh?
Damage like that is the perfect excuse for a man in uniform to extort money from you.

Personally I would change the screen, keep the receipt and try to get the money back from the insurance when I return.

Good luck and have fun
Luke
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Apr 2005
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Hi Karolien,

I would have the screen repaired, just because a broken screen might weight on enjoying the trip.

Nouakchot has quite some Toyota spare parts, but it might not be cheaper.

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Apr 2005
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
I had a 10cm star in the screen of my Defender for two years and it was fine - and that included corrugations, dune fields etc as well as road work. (and a lot of offroad, 15000 miles/yr). Keep an eye on it but dont fret overmuch.
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 180
Hi,
Our Defender windscreen got cracked by a stone in Argentina in November '03. We'll get it repaired when we get back to the UK. It's a little cheaper than 200Euros to get it repaired, but it's not been a problem, so we thought we'd not tempt fate by putting in a nice new one...!

It's spread a bit, but can't be felt on the inside or outside of the glass.

Despite being a large and noticeable crack, it's never even been an opening gambit for extortion, though meybe we've been lucky with that.

If you do replace yours in deepest darkest, make sure the new one's OEM, or be very sure it's safety glass. Certainly with a flat sceen like the Defender, it's likely you'll be sold a nice piece of shop window glass or similar.

Rgds,

Michael
www.expeditionoverland.com
__________________
Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top