Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 2 2011, 11:54 PM

I am wondering about doing some lexan wing, rear, and side windows and maybe even windshields. (Yes, these will be race car only windows).

Anyone here ever worked with Lexan?

Do we have much of a market need for this? I'm not looking to do a ton, actually only want to do it for myself but thinking others may be interested.

Posted by: Jeff Hail May 3 2011, 12:42 AM

Ive worked with both Lexan and Makrolon. They are really just brand names for polycarbonate sheet and rod produced by Sabic and Bayer. Both have the same forming properties.

Whats the point of making them yourself when you can buy side and rear lites in Makrolon Polycarbonate (Perspex) pre-made for the 914 for around $100- $110 each? Your own setup cost would not really be cost effective even if you just had to make the templates alone. Lexan is really outdated now. It is great for impacts but poor on weathering (UV degradation) and flame retardent certification. The base resins used in Makrolon are superior for safety, hardness and clarity.

I like your avatar tag line. Yup... there is always more!

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 3 2011, 08:50 AM

So where do I go to find these guys that do it per spec? I want a windshield, one piece side window x 2, and a rear window.

I would rather by a nice product made by someone who does this regularly but it could be fun to learn.

Posted by: Hontec May 3 2011, 08:55 AM

Plastics4performance makes the best macrolon/lexan windows I have ever seen, thermoformed super fit windows, you can add just about anything you want, from sliders to naca ducts and they have the 914 in their program...... You won't find better ones then these.

www.plastics4performance.com

You can also order them from www.r-developments.com, Owner's name is Bas, he is the importer for these in europe, he will ship anywhere..tell him Randall sent you, I know him well...

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 3 2011, 09:29 AM

Thanks Randall

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 3 2011, 10:06 AM

Whole kit from these guys is $1075

http://www.proglasswindows.com/FormedWindows.html

Posted by: rohar May 3 2011, 10:13 AM

The rear window can definately be a DIY project. I've done it on a number of VWs. The rear window is flat so all that needs done is to cut a sheet to the right shape.

Simply take the old window out, duct tape the hell out of it (but not the edges). Then I double sided taped a piece of cardboard to one side just for added precaution and double sided taped the lexan to the other. I use seamstress tape. Lots of it. It's sticky enough to keep everything together, but fairly easy to remove.

CAREFULLY run a router with a collet (not a roller bit it'll break the glass) around the edge.

Pull it all apart and sand/torch the edges to smooth them out and install.

Then sell the old window on e-bay/craigslist to pay for the whole mess

Posted by: campbellcj May 3 2011, 10:12 PM

I did my own rear window. It was easy although I didn't take all that much time/care since the edges are not visible and it's a track car as well.

For curved pieces, especially a windshield, I would definitely go with a top-notch supplier. I've kept my OE windshield and simply removed the side glass altogether.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 3 2011, 10:25 PM

WHat does your car weight Chris?

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 May 3 2011, 10:27 PM

My goal is to get the racecar down below 1700 to 1600lbs and place the 100 to 200 in places I see fit down low. I'm not sure if I will be able to get that but I am going to try