Anyone here use plexi-gl*** for your side windows? I was thinking about using colored plexi-gl*** for the side windows on my '56 Chevy g***er project since two are gone and one of the two remaining is broken. I know I've seen a few old pictures with what looks like green or blue plexi-gl*** used for side windows. Is anyone on here using it for their side windows and if so what thickness and were did you get it? Or is this just a stupid idea?
I use it on my coupe. Most plastic stores carry it or can get it. 1/8th" seems to hold up well. -Jason
Couple things: 1. Your gl*** was 1/4 inch thick, so you may want the same for fit 2. Plexigl*** is probably going to be lexan (trade name) or polycarbonate (generic name). Lexan is more scratch resistant. Why not just get real gl***? Your side gl*** is all flat gl*** and should not be too much cost.
The reason I was thinking plex or lexan is that I think it would be cheaper then gl*** and I'm looking for the blue or green tint like some of the older drag cars had and I don't know if I can find that color film to tint gl***. Maybe it makes more sense to try to find decent used gl*** and try to find a way to tint it.
You might want to call the cop shop first, In ca it is illegal to run anything but safetygl***. not that I do. I have it in my windshield right now till I finish the metalwork, then I will have gl*** cut.
When using Lexan, do not get any paint thinner or other hot type solvent on it. It will shatter immediately!!! Kinda cool if you have a leftover piece.
I used plexi on my car, just a temporary thing for the side widows until I got real gl***. That was years ago, I'm still using them. I used 3/16" because 1/4" wouldn't fit in my window channels. The standard grade plexi has a large tolerance on the thickness (+/- .030), meaning some of the 1/4" pieces were almost 1/32 thicker than 1/4". I have to use fancy plastic polish to keep them up, or else they get that scratchy plastic look real easy.
the cost factor could be more for the lexan than the flat gl***.lexan would be best out of the non gl*** materials,but still scratches and is subseptible to certain chemicals. and if its a 56 cheby; the gl*** shops have patterns also its flat gl***. you can make the patterns yourself. there are also kits available. of course if its about saving weight.lexan is the way to go
If you're going with Plexi or Lexan windows, you HAVE to go with a two piece slider, ala "Two Lane Blacktop" If you don't it means you have a small *****.
www.progl***windows.com. Was checking with them on front and rear lexan for my 55 also they sell sheets for side panels
rosie55 I'm going to contact them about side lexan windows, thanks. Is lexan anymore difficult to cut then plex? If I go with gl*** does anyone know were I can get some tint that is light blue or green? That two piece slider idea might be kind of cool, does anyone have a picture?
I have seen colored window tint, I think it was in JC Whitney, or one of those minitruck catalogs. They had all kinds of colors blue, green, red, amber, shouldn't be too hard to track some down. Good luck.
63CadGuy I dont belive it is any harder to cut. I E mailed the company and they are really helpful, they also have tinted but im not sure if it just smoked or colors. I guess it is suppose to be 3 times stronger also than gl***. Good luck
Thanks for the info, I will try to search out JC Whitney for the tint. Rosie55 I e-mailed the company for pricing on precut side windows, we'll see what they have to say. Thanks all for the info.
You can get large remnant pieces of lexan on ebay for a reduced cost. They have it in a lot of thicknesses and I have seen some with a green tint on there. I purchased lexan for my whole car four side gl***es and two windshield pieces for under $100. Get the lexan with a coating called MR10 it is a scratch resistant coating applied by the manufacturer, or simply put on some tint to help protect it.
I actually used clear plexi and put some of that yellow window tinting film you can buy at Auto Zone.
Rosie55, that company e-mailed me back and they have precut green tinted lexan for a '56 chevy for $180 for all 4 side windows. Fastcat, I'll check eBay, thanks. Nads,does Autozone have any other tint colors?