Hey everyone. Been lurkin on here for awhile. First time poster. Bought a 53 customline a while back. Pretty mild custom. 3 1/2 inch chop in rear. 3 1/4 in front. Lowered on blocks in rear and cut coils in front. Mostly shaved. Still has the 8ba and the ford o matic and stock rear end. Drove it around a few times since I bought it but not so much fun because of the plexigl*** windshield. It was pretty clear when I bought it but after it sitting outside for a while it's like looking through frosted gl***. I read a few threads on lexan windshields. Got a lot of mixed answers. Some say absolutely never ever and some been running it for years. I don't have the big bucks for custom gl*** right now so I wanted to get some more insight and advice on lexan. I'll post pics soon. Thanks guys
Good for race cars, not so good for drivers.... No matter how you care for it, eventually the plastic will start 'checking'. If it's doing this, there's no help for it. You can help it some if it's just surface scratching by using a high quality plastic polish to clean it like Meguire's (which can be hard to find; try motorcycle dealers or aircraft supplies) with a soft terry or microfiber cloth, using conventional cleaners will quickly damage it. But at some point you'll need to bite the bullet and have some gl*** cut...
There is a reason all cars come off the ***embly line with DOT approved safety gl***. I wouldn't chance what could happen if that lexan cracked while going down the road. A face full of shattered plastic would not be very cool . But those is just my feelings. Don
Don, lexan is actually pretty tough; they use it for bulletproof windows in secure locations (thicker than what he has, of course). I've had a couple of lexan motorcycle windshields and they'll take a real beating before breaking. But if you use the wrong cleaning methods/products on it, it can become impossible to see through real fast.
Having worked on several large transport type aircraft, all of which come with Lexan windshields, I can tell you that I would not expect it to shatter as your driving around. If you get Lexan with Mar-Gard it will stay clear for longer. But not forever. I had a Lexan windshield in my Bonneville coups. It lasted for 20+ years in that use. Good for a couple of years in a 747. So you pays your money and you takes your choice.
If you can store the car inside, or at least in shade, it will help. Lexan is way tougher than plexigl***.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that Lexan is the material of choice for aircraft canopies and windshields...
Thanks for the replies. Yeah after reading a few threads on lexan it seems to be pretty durable. Definitely going to have gl*** made for it once I can swing it but for now just looking for something temporary so I can drive it to work a couple days outta the week or grab some coffee on a Sunday morning. Also to replace the plexi which I know will shatter
We use it on our robots. (but I have plexigl*** on the sides of my Chevy II, it's lasted a couple years with no issues)
Lexan is stronger than plexigl*** in that it likely won't break but is less resistant to scratching. You can cut a strip of Lexan and tie it into a knot. I found Lexan easy to work with to make a curved windshield for my boat after a wave broke the plexigl*** windshield.,,,amazing that a boat floats when it filled to the gunnels with water.
Yikes ! That's a serious wave. What thickness did you use for the lexan? From what I read 3/16 is just right. Also how did you curve it? I heard you can put a piece in a brake and bend it 90 degrees without it breaking so a small curve doesn't seem too troublesome
the problem is that it won't hold a bend unless you bend it a lot, or use heat (which is also tricky). But if the bends are not too tight, you can just flex it into place and secure it.
Gotcha. Well I guess the advantage I have is that I have a perfect rigid template since the plexi is already cut and curved to shape
You might want to check the CA vehicle code. I'm pretty sure it specifies "safety glazing" for windshields. Not sure if Lexan gets a p***. If it doesn't the CHP are prolific when it comes to writing vehicle infractions.
I used sheetmetal screws to hold my windshield in and that took care of the curve. Then I put the trim on over the screw heads. As you probably already know. Lexan is a trademark of the General Electric Company. You are looking for Polycarbonate sheet. With mar-gard. takes longer to get frosty that way. Maybe you could find a way to incorporate tear offs for your windshield. Like the dirt racers.
Tear offs....that's a really interesting idea..that could work really well. And as for covering the screws I still have the windshield rubber so I could use that or install it like a normal gl*** windshield
I don't know what it's like where you are. But when I wanted polycarbonate I looked for a Plastic Fab Shop near here and bought some left over pieces they had laying around. lot's cheaper than buying a whole sheet. Living in the High Desert you get some blowing sand. At least I have at El Mirage. It's tough on plastic.
Just read the home depot tile saw thread. Seems easy enough. Would just be an expensive mistake if it cracks.
Yeah I might have to do that. We get crazy dirt storms so being selective about the days I drive it and covering it is a must. Really going to look into getting tear offs also. Sounds like the best way to preserve the polycarbonate until I can get some new gl*** and not have to sweat it
I've taken acrylic and hit it with a hammer on a steel bench and it shatters. Same with polycarbonate and nothing. But.. have dropped poly on it's edge and it can crack/chip. It's definitely not "unbreakable" especially at 3/16-1/4". Also poly can be heated to bend but it attracts moisture and can bubble when heated. Works on race situations, etc but I would not use it in a road car and I doubt it would be legal anywhere.
Do it right or don't do it at all. Lexan is for aircraft, wind screens on bikes and storm doors. Aircraft don't drive down two lane highways, and wind screens are easily replaced on bikes. Eventually it will get scratched meaning you can see through it during the day but at night the glare from oncoming headlights will blind you. Besides after fooling around with the lexan you could be almost there with a proper windshield as far as cost and most definitely effort. Part of this hobby is fixing the previous owners F-Ups and misguided mods or finishing half done projects.....It's just part of it. Fix it right and be done.
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