Exoterra Lid Replacement

Dog_Byte · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 01:01 AM

I'm just wondering if anyone has or can get me the measurments of the 18 x 18 Exoterra lid, I wanna get the glass cut but I want it fit as close to perfect as it can, the hitches are the big problem, so if you have an 18 x 18 with a custom lid, lemme knoW!

defaced · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 02:06 AM

The internal dims of the rim are 17"x17". The stock lid is 1/8" smaller than that.

Dog_Byte · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 03:20 AM

Basically could someone help me label this :P

bellerophon · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 03:22 AM

those tabs should cut right off with a razor blade if your not planning on using the screen anymore

defaced · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 03:39 AM

I'd take the tabs off too. Making notches like that in glass is not going to be fun, and you'll likely have to do it yourself. There's also a raised area where the door is that will interfere with the glass top so you'll have to make a cut out for that too.

These dims are spot on, so you'll probably want to cut your glass undersized by at least 1/16" so it'll fit properly.

Here's the print:

Rain_Frog · #6 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 03:55 PM

you might want to consider plexiglass, or contact FCA for a piece of acrylic.

zBrinks · #7 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 08:24 PM

I just get two pieces of glass cut (full coverage on the back, leave about 1/2 inch on the front, and set them over the screen.

Dog_Byte · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 12:55 AM

the only problem with the two peices of glass is I have a mist king system that needs to be mounted, so that wouldnt work for me.

So if I cut the 17" x 17" down by 1/16th of an inch and added those two front tabs in it should be pretty perfect right!

Thanx for all your help guys!

defaced · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 01:02 AM

You can cut a hole in the screen where the misting head needs to go. It'd be alot easier than trying to make a lid that complicated.

Yes, make the square about 1/16" undersized. With the tabs, make them larger by 1/16". This will give you a 1/16" clearance around the perimeter of the whole lid.

wildboxer · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 02:13 AM

I agree with cutting the plastic tabs off of the rim instead of cutting notches in the glass. The internal notches in the glass can stress the glass and cause it to crack.

I have the large Exo Terra, and what I noticed when I cut my glass was that the back corners have slightly rounded corners. If the glass is cut exactly square, it will not fit.