Did anyone notice the Plexiglass side curtains?

A number of us have made plexiglas or lexan side windows.  I included some pop-out aircraft vents in mine.  The reason that no manufacturer is making them is that the variance between cars (even between the those from a single manufacturer) is enough that they all have to be custom-fitted.

They look like the ones in the CMC build manual.  Much better visibility than the VS ones that have canvas/vinyl edging band.

I've done a dozen or so sets to date of Marguard windows, you really need to car to make adjustments for a "somewhat" seal to the windshield frame...templates just wouldn't be accurate enough.

Mine, on my CMC, are full sized.  It still looks like you're looking out from a gun turret, but mine are MUCH bigger than Beck or VS, since I have only a slim rubber gasket around the edge and that's it.

Show a picture  please Gordon and then tell him how to do it. Mine sound just like yours and work fine. Please also explain how the leading edge can be tweaked in shape within the design to minimize agua entry up front.

 

> On Nov 4, 2015, at 5:44 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Thanks for all the pics.  I understand what you said about fit versus mass production.

Maybe I'll look into making a set.  Would be more visability than the canvas bordered side curtains.

 

craig

 

 

Yup, my side windows look exactly like those in Alan's pictures above.  And they've survived for over 16,000 miles at 70+ mph being trailered back and forth along the coast.  

 

Answering David's question, all of my convertible top and side window notes can be found here:

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com...e-top-in-a-speedster

 

Scroll down about half-way to get to the side window fab stuff.  

 

For the bottom leading edge of the plexiglass, where it meets the bottom corner of the windshield, the flat plexiglass tends to stick out a bit, so I gently heat that area with a heat gun (you'll need something more than a hair dryer) and bend it by hand til it conforms to the shape of the windshield/corner post.  Takes about five minutes per side.  The rubber weatherstrip just follows the curved shape and everything seals up fine.  I'll take a shot in a few minutes and post it.

 

I also run a piece of 3" wide clear film along the top of the door where the side window bottom rubber gasket rides to prevent abrasion of the paint.  If you find someone who installs this stuff (try asking at a local Mercedes dealer for who they use) they'll probably give you a couple of scrap pieces (especially if you drive there in your speedster).

 

Here you go:

 

They are a great winter project to make... ( here are some pics of my first set... To use with my hard top)

 

 

 

I carry a piece piece of U shaped trim foam which I put over the lip of the plexi- to close the gap by the windshield -  if it stars raining hard.... But I found out I like having a little gap to get fresh air and keep the cabin from fogging in cold/light rain conditions.  

 

You can blow up picture three to see the gap I have... Its +/- 1 to 2mm

 

 

 

I also installed a door foam  seal on the front door jam... VS does not in production, ( in my car they only installed on the rear door vertical jam and along the bottom)..

 

I noticed that water run off from the windows would come into the cabin via the fwd door jam because of the missing seal... 5/8ths D foam seal to match the other two already installed fixed this... Nice tight fit!

 

 

You have to be careful in what D molding is used especially in the door jamb and front bonnet. All D molding are not alike even though they appear to have the correct dimensions, you need a thin wall molding so that it compresses enough the be able to close the door. McMaster Carr has the correct type. I will bring a 100' shop roll I keep on hand and install it for anyone interested at Carlisle