window for hard top -what are the options?

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:28 pm

what are the options for hard top windows ,i have phoned around but the only option is to wait from japan

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:36 pm

Lexan if you dont mind the racecar look.

Dann

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:38 pm

where and what cost is a lexan window dann?

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 6:45 pm

150 odd to get 3mm lexan cut to size. This is what bullet proof glass is made of. Its also what racecars use for windows as its very lightweight. Id suggest you bolt it in, using the factory bolt locations, just be careful as it scratches easily, and dont get thinners on it

Dann

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 6:59 pm

have you or someone else done this??

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:03 pm

Every carbon hardtop. Among all the proper racers in a No-Wing class. (Winged MX5s run no hardtop glass for more wind over the wing and therefor downforce).

Dann

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 7:06 pm

Im considering cutting one for my hardtop (it is a glass free car, except obviously a windscreen for rego purposes). you need to cut off all the old urethane that was used to glue down the glass window. Then you can glue a lexan one on, and use the bolt holes the hardtop has to keep it in place as the glue dries.

I might tell you, this wont look showcar good, get a good look at a carbon top. It can be done really quite nice, but will never have the fit and finish of a factory fitted glass window. It is LIGHT though.

Dann

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 9:45 pm

is a lexan hard to get the shape right

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 10:06 pm

It is quite flexible. It wont bend a lot sharper than whats needed for a hardtop, but it will. Its not like perspex where you need a heat gun for bending it.

Dann

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 10:47 pm

Lenses for headlamps are nearly always PC ( used to be glass) which is GE's brand name Lexan. In a headlamp lense these are injection moulded and they are hard coated otherwise they deteriorate quite quickly . PC is noted for its impact resistance. If there is a shape in a window ie not flat then I do not know how you would shape it - you would at the least need a mould. Perspex is acrylic commonly used in tail lamp lense. I reckon the right product is the one to buy ie one that fits properly and is the right material and right processing.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:26 pm

Morlock, you shape it by bending it, its flexible.

Dann

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:29 pm

understand what morlock saying but the originals hard to get

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:02 am

And super expensive too. And heavy...

Dann

funmx5 · Postby **funmx5** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:13 am

im hearing you Dann.......

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:19 am

My plan is this.

Get lexan cut to size
Drill bolt holes (use nice anodised anti theft torx bolts)
Leave the protective sticky plastic on the lexan it comes with
Urethane the lexan in like a window, using the bolts to keep it in place while drying, this is actually glueing the protective layer not the lexan itself
Peel the window off the plastic, leaving the plastic protective layer glued to the car
Cut the plastic layer so its just the edge remaining

This will leave a non stick surface that will seal up against the lexan so I can unbolt it for the track but seal for the street.

Dann