New windows

I was thinking of molding or carving something like what Boris had that mates the side window up to the windshield. that's really the weak point in the design, because the window is flat, but the windshield frame is a compound curve.

Hi Lane--on the poly windows; Did the push on trims grab well enough so that adhesive (glue) was not necessary?

Were the Snapvents glued---or how were they attached?

If I used 3/16" material would it fit ok up under the sewn canvas
spaces that the orig. windows fit into? Also if I went with the thicker polycarbonate would that eliminate the need for the bar support going accross the window? Last---how did tou attach that bar support?

You have lived with your poly windows for a year now---if you were starting over, knowing what you know now, what changes would you make?

Alan loaned me his cardboard forms at Carlisle last year and they are just about perfect for my car. I'll be returning them to Alan at Carlisle thiis year so if anyone is interested you'd better get a bottle of Oban for him when you see him at Carlisle this year.


Lane---thanks for any help and advice you can share.

Jack-

http://www.mcmaster.com/#edge-seals/=5ja9yz

You don't need to glue this stuff on. I made a nice set of these for my JPS. Shoot me an email if you have any questions.

Exactly, the trim is push on. I take it off to fine tune things once in a while.

The vents are NOT fastened in any way. You have to bend them a bit to get them in, but that tension is what holds them in place. As for any changes after a year - I've tweaked how they are held in place at the top as high speeds caused them to be sucked out. The only other improvement would be to develop some sort of gel seal at the front. Leon Chupp has done some work that I home to build on. Making a flat plane seal up perfectly against a compound curve is tricky, and I'm not quite (almost, though) there yet. If you don't have some in by Carlisle, we can go over the fine points then.

Give me a call if you want to discuss prior to May.

I was eying these wind wings/air deflectors called "Vent Window Breezies" on SAMBA. At $15/pair shipped the price is right. Ashame no clear though. Now for the racoon tail on the antenna! A nudie steering wheel spinner might be nice too (a Nardi nudie?).

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=349653

Not sure what you used for SS screws but noticed ACE has button head (rounded top) SS screws that you install with a hex/allen wrench. I bought some 6mm for engine sealing tin.

I got sucked into buying a pair they are so small they belong on a "Barbi Jeep" .....

I was looking at these plexy windows, and there was always a problem - they were shut, if you wanted/had to use your arms for anything (pay toll, parking, etc) you had to open the door.


Then I recalled my Mooney flying days, and remembered the 'Storm-windows' (or in Piper aircraft, the 'window vents').


I think this could be a very good way to make a retro (even racy) looking window with some more weather-retardant effect.


There are even wind scoops for the piper-style vent.


Probably there could be done by a seasoned small-airport, general aviation mechanic/enthusiast...

Note that above, #2 and #3 differ in the attachment and in a small rubber seal.

Here's an image of the non-bar support, and the vent-scoop working (on the first image, post above, you can see it when not taking in air).

I thought something like that would be great, but I didn't know how to fabricate it. I wonder if it could be purchased as a unit that just had to be fitted to the flat window. One downside it that it would have more of a negative affect on visibility than the round vent does.

They sell them in aircraft supplies stores (Piper vent/Mooney storm window), although one would have to do something to the window itself (a sort of "shelf" for the window to fit and be slush/water tight).

Probably, as I said, general aviation airport/mechanics should have a pretty strong idea on how to get these things cheap, and probably custom made.

Man Pedro, how much do you drive with the windows on? And how many toll booths do you stop at. Get EZ Pass and problem solved. ;)
My side windows are so small that I can see where anything could be done to that level without compromising what little structural integrity they already have. No doubt that if someone ever did come up with a sliding version (ala fibersteel) they'd sell some, but these cars are not designed to be driven for long trips or in bad weather. Note: I said "designed" but that doesn't mean they can't be or aren't driven that way.

"...that doesn't mean they can't be or aren't driven that way."

Yeah, like home from Carlisle in '08. Yeesh!