Are they useable in a road car that is still your only form of transport? Do they scratch easy? Any other comments....?
Is it not actually Polycarbonate that would be used and not perspex? They would be better in terms that they couldnt be smashed by someone. Is there ever any problems wih the windows drumming by vibrating?? I always suspected there may be?
Yes - i think you are right Andy. But they are generally reffered to as Perspex i think. I know it's possible to get thicker plastic (he he) windows to fit in original winder mechs and rubbers...
Yeah, windows to the same thickness as the originals would be ideal. There is a place up here that does glass n perspex n stuff, keep meanin to go in and ask about polycarb, see what they say. I know perspex scratch's easy, and poly carb doesnt (r/c model bodies are often lexan/polycarb and it dont scratch too easy - infact is it not even bulletproof? ? Still wonder about the drumming though, they must vibrate a bit surely?
The people you want to speak to are Plastics4performance http://www.plastics4performance.co.uk they make three kinds; "Our polycarbonate and perspex windows are manufactured to latest RAC Blue Book specifications from 4mm thick perspex, hi-impact plastic or polycarbonate. Slider kits incorporate machined rails, and non-rust nylon fixings. There is a choice of CLEAR in perspex and polycarbonate, and LIGHT BRONZE tint in polycarbonate only" when I spoke to them last, they said one was stronger, but scratched more than the others. Can't remember which
Lexan is one of the more scratch proof brands of plastic. I know rallycross guys who used to use this for front screens (not legal for the road tho) and even used a wiper on it with no problems. Generally plastics will rattle more and are more likely to leak. Don't do it if you do a lot of mileage in the car. Mike
i was thinking about this for my mk2 how nice is this what price would you say a mk2 is ? Medium eg Nova, Escort, Sunbeam, Chevette Large Saloons & 4 Door eg Sierra, BMW, Manta Edited by: AxlFoley
make your own click i got a sheet of 3mm (same thickness as rear glass) from a glass supplier for about 60, that was enough for 2 sets of the rear 3 windows, i traced around the original glass and fitted the lexan in the original seals, the lexan weighs half as much as the glass did, no flapping about on the motorway as i've not used really thin stuff and it's well secured by the rubber, it does scratch easily so be careful when washing the car but it's so cheap i'll just make a new piece if it gets too bad. I plan to do the fronts soon, front glass is 4mm so going to get a sheet of 4mm lexan and use the original window runners to hold it in, then just need to figure out a way to hold it up in place, i'll buy a set of the sliders and fit those to allow some air in, but will need to make sure they can be locked closed from the inside so the car is reasonably secure.
I had 3mm plexi-glass on my mk2, bought a big sheet from B&Q approx 30. Def use the original rubbers in order to absorb the vibrations In my current car i'm using poly-carb which is extremely strong and flexible, but it does cost approx 60 sheet!! and it does scratch easy!! Edited by: infinity
Steve R, you can secure the fronts by cutting up a spare set of rubbers and using the top of the rubber at the bottom, them seal it all in with sealant. That's how i'm going to do mine. Infinity, your mk1 windows are so thin that they look more like cling film!! Also PM trendy tramp, he sorted out a 10% discount with plastics4performance a while ago, don't know if it is still valid thou. I am just having some made out of 4mm polycarb by a local plastic firm for 165 all in, inc 1 slider for the drivers window, could have done it cheaper if i brought the plastic and cut it myself but couldn't be arsed, which is unusual for me cos' i am tight.
My friend smacked his Mkiiescort into a barrel on the prom rally, navigators window cracked, but it if was glass it would have gone all over the nav. If you do your rear window, dont forget in winter you will not be able to demist it with out wiping it! In my car i shall stick with the glass, its easy to clean, isnt scratched, and im not after .01 of a second between controls on a road rally!
i made my own they work in the runners and everything in my mk1,, dont scratch too easily too, and because they are quite thick they dont rattle
what about insurance? because i would think it is harder for someone to break into the car from the outside in the case of a crash to help you?
*about* half the weight of glass, possibley less than half. But just think how high up the weight is too...
My rear plastic sides vibrate sometimes - no rubbers. (They're heavy!!!) They're of a bigger area to screw straight to frames. Same with rear window - no seal & no wiper. Also leak during heavy rain but, hey, it's a trackday car.
