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| Talk to me about Lexan for windows https://mail.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=61903 |
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| Author: | Charrlie_S [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:14 am ] |
| Post subject: | Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Thinking of making some Lexan windows, for my car. Teach me. Are there different types? What thickness for rear window? For side windows? Any things I should Know? Thanks |
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| Author: | GTS225 [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
If this is a street car, I suggest you abandon the idea. While Lexan is doggone tough, it is easily scratched, so wipers would have it damaged in short order. It isn't extremely UV resistant, either. I have a pair of "wind wings" on my T-bucket that have been there for only a year, and they're already starting to cloud a little, and have cleaning scratches, too. If it's for a race car, then it may just be worth the additional care required. It will give you a weight reduction that might result in a slightly better ET, and I suspect most race cars are stored either inside, or in a trailer, so UV deterioration will be minimal. An added feature is that you can get tints, and colors, if you're so inclined. Roger |
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| Author: | CNC-Dude [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
If you get true Lexan and not just generic plastic sheeting, it is expensive. And its not really much lighter that actual window glass. It's harder to cut and shape than the generic sheet plastic also. If your car is required to have an inspection at race tracks, they typically observe NHRA requirements in these matters, so browse their rulebook for any call out on thickness. |
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| Author: | Greg Ondayko [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
I bought mine in sheets from summit. 1/8 for sides and back 3/16 for front. Keep glass for templates. Make templates from cardstock or heavy paper. Compound curved windows, front and rear windshields cut bigger than template and trial and error fit until its right. Really curvy glass might require prof. Help from a plastic bending facility.. i.e. mustang fastback, boxy camaro, 64-69 barracudas etc. Remove possibly 100# in the process. Get rid of regulators and window mech. Get rid of another 100#. Greg |
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| Author: | Greg Ondayko [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
I disagree with scott... its lighter.. A double pane safety windshield with the clear binder goo in the middle is heavier than 3/16 sheet. Safety side and rear windows replaced with 1/8 will be lighter. Add in 10# or more for all reveal mouldings, clips, screws, gaskets etc. Greg |
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| Author: | Charrlie_S [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 3:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
My thoughts are: 65 Valiant, front and rear glass already out, no problem to remove side glass. I think I would like to keep real glass in front, for better visibility of the tree at night. My 64 Valiant all glass is already out. Same on windshield. |
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| Author: | CNC-Dude [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
NHRA rules state no less than 1/8" thickness. It doesn't say windshield needs to be any thicker, just 1/8" for any. |
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| Author: | Dart270 [ Fri Feb 02, 2018 7:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Yes, keep the windshield glass for ease of cleaning/seeing. All the rest can be replaced. You save quite a lot if remove all mechanisms too. Glass is 2.7 g/cc and lexan is about 1-1.2 g/cc (can't recall exactly), plus the lexan will be thinner. I bought a 4X8 sheet of lexan from a plastics supply place and have done 1 car plus a few other windows and have a fair bit left. I bought a name brand, probably Dow or DuPont but can't recall and am not at home to check. Lou |
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| Author: | Greg Ondayko [ Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:26 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
I went 3/16 on windshield because 1/8 in a windshield needs bracing at speed and when towing on an open trailer. 3/16 is good without bracing etc. Greg |
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| Author: | Dart270 [ Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Most road race orgs require 3/16" for windshield. Lou |
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| Author: | Badvert65 [ Mon May 21, 2018 6:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Hey Charlie, I used 1/4" Lexan for my windows. I could have used thinner (3/16") and saved more weight, but I wanted something as close to the thickness of my factory glass as possible. I am only doing the side windows as they are flat, making them much easier to replicate. I used one window as the template. I had purchased pieces of Lexan in pre-cut sizes that are close to the size of the individual windows, just to make cutting more manageable. I taped two pieces together and laid a window on then and traced around the factory glass as close as possible. I used a 10 tooth/inch blade in a sabre saw (variable speed). If your blade moves too fast, the Lexan will melt. I cut close to, but outside, the line and then used various electric and manual sanders to get to the final shape. I didn't really need a perfect cut as my car has a frame around each window and that covers about a 1/4 inch of the edges. I am mounting my rear glass permanently up. I plan to make the front glass move up and down, I just haven't figured out the particulars of that just yet. As far as weight savings go, the cut Lexan window weighs in at 2.55 lbs. (per side), I used small aluminum straps to lock the window in place. The factory glass weighs in at 5.35 lbs. just for the glass alone. The regulator and glass mount comes in at 6 lbs. Total weight savings for each rear window comes in at 8.85 lbs. Based on the window size, I expect about twice that for the door windows. That comes in at around 50 lbs., which is great in race car terms. Using the 3/16" Lexan would save about 3-4 lbs. but I used the 1/4" as it fit the window channel perfectly (factory glass measured .22" thick"). The most difficult part of the entire job was just getting the factory glass and regulators out (without damage). I left all the factory window channels in place and can put things back to factory with minimal effort, but if you trim the window channels down, you could save a little more weight. -Matt |
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| Author: | Badvert65 [ Mon May 28, 2018 8:28 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Update on the front Lexan windows. The factory window and regulator come in at 15.51 pounds per door. The Lexan piece comes in at 3.92 pounds per door. This is with 1/4 inch thick Lexan, the 3/16 would be approximately 25% lighter. Hope this helps with your questions. -Matt |
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| Author: | Charrlie_S [ Mon May 28, 2018 9:19 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Yes, thank you. Going to be awhile before I get to doing it. |
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| Author: | Rick Covalt [ Mon May 28, 2018 2:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Lowes has real Lexan in stock in all different sizes. At least our Lowes does. |
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| Author: | emsvitil [ Mon May 28, 2018 2:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Talk to me about Lexan for windows |
Will the lexan scratch being rolled up and down? |
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