Lexan Windshield??

I've now had two windshields in my Speedster break in the span of less than a year. No offense to VS, but I don't think their windshields are very good.

Who makes a lexan or non-breakable windshield for the vintage racer guys?

I don't really want to put glass back in, unless I have a more robust solution. At $325 a pop, it's starting to add up.

Nobody that I know of makes a Lexan Windshield for a Speedster.... maybe I can quide you though a windshields installation as I have done 14 Speedster windshields to date with only one self distruct that I truely believe was an act of God.

Alan

drclock at pa.net

Please tell us more Dr. Alan, as I will be installing my dash upholstery and the windshield this weekend. I really don't want to break the glass. Any advice from you would be welcome

Chuck

Ok... this is not to be something that you need to feel intiminated by. You can figure 2.5 - 3.5 hours, it's the little stuff that eats up the time, you can't be rushed or have a time deadline.. so plan accordingly or you'll have "snap crackle pop" and Cha Ching.

Get about 8'of rubber fender welting that has a 3/16-1/4"" bead on one edge, a tube of GM windshield adhesive, long 5/16" pop rivets. and clear silicone....that's it.

I'll post the whole proceedure tomorrow night if time allows.
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BTW, I am looking for an old rusted and or pitted right side (passenger side) windshield post so that I can make up a set of dummy posts w/o the female threaded stem for marking the exact post placement on the cowl.

Alan, Let me know where to send it.--Bruce

Guys I have checked into the Speedster Lexan windshields. You're looking around $700 + to have custom made. One problem most states DMV's will not accept lexan/ polycarbinate windshields.

Bruce,
Two emails I sent bounced back from the address you have here, shoot me an email to drclock at pa.net

Tnx,

Alan

For whats its worth, I made mine out of Lexan it cost about 65 dollars for the material. I used my broken glass for the shape and a heat gun to mold it, then I used the frame and hair dryer for the final fit. It has been in for over 4 years. I use Novus to clean and polish it.

Jill,
Howsit drivin into the sunset?

Not bad at all, it has a little tint in it. I really don't notice any problems.

The usual problem for Lexan is that it scatches easily. You can get Lexan with a silicone coating called Marguard, but it's more expensive, and will scratch eventually, and maybe even fog, due to the sun's rays.

Acrylic is better as it is much harder and therefore more scratch resistant. It is brittle however, and must be heated to be bent, though once bent, it holds it's shape well.

Jill, did you mold it on the inside or outside of the original windshield?

Any instructions of a more specific nature would be appreciated.

Thanks...

Brian

I did it to the outside, with clamps and heat gun, slow to keep distortion out. I use 1/4 lexan ( lexan is just a trade name ). After I get a good fit I put the winshield in the frame and use a hairdryer for final fit. I have been making windshields and side windows for race cars for years. Just got tired of broken windshieds on the speedster. So I gave it a try. I'm very happy with it.

Alan, I'm sending the posts out Tuesday.

Thank you !

I often thought that a rear Carrera style decklid made of Lexan (Ferrari style..??) would look good on an outlaw with a very sharp looking engine bay. Or smoked Lexan with a gleaming engine below.

How about it TC?

Can't speak for TC, but I like that idea.

I've posted my method of madness for windshield installations under
Technical General.