Didn't get a lot done this week (Out of town). We installed temporary windshield for the trip to Paso. Also put the decklid back on so we don't gey pulled over. Probably wont have the b-post done before the trip so the car's gonna be pretty rough ie: Bare metal, lots of tack welds, unfilled piecuts. Pretty Frankenstein, but some out there apprieciate that look. I do! Hopefully it wont last too long. See y'all next weekend in Paso. -stick Windshield.
what did u use for a temo widsheild? plexi glass?? i have to make sumtin for my car so i can go to billet proof the same way.
Plexi. It was a****** to cut! So I made "RoadApple" do it. He cracked it. Score it on both sides and snap it like glass. Round parts we used a jigsaw in and out so it doesn't fuse back together. Does anyone know a better way? PLEASE! Good luck. -stick
I used a band saw to cut my "temporary" front windshield. There weren't any problems with it fusing back with that type of saw. By the way, keep those plexi windows, you can just bring them to a glass shop later. They can use the plexi for a pattern to make your real glass. I'll look for your Merc in Paso, the "builders" like and appreciate seeing in progress chops.
The best way to cut lexan or plexi at home is to buy some styrofoam, the cheap white stuff, as thick as your jigsawblade is long. Set the lexan or plexi on top and cut. The blade goes right through the styrofoam like it's not there, but it supports the cut. I've done some tight cuts like this for replacement letters on signs.
lookin' good Bumpstick! and yes, good tip james. also it looks like in the pictures your roof is getting fairly solid, but you guys chopping tops for the first time, avoid the temptation to drive the car before the roof is solidly welded, things can and will move around, tacks can break and all your carefull aligning will have to be redone. believe me I know when I chopped my truck I cut it on Saturday, got it all tacked together Sunday and needed it to get to work on Monday, by Friday I had broken several tacks and the lid developed a little sag that would have been a lot easier to finish had it not been there the following Saturday! notice how I never said anything about safety Paul
You also should be using a wood blade in your jigsaw. Put the saw on a slow speed (my saw ranges from 1 to 8 - I use about a 3 setting) and don't force the saw when making the cut. Just let the blade do the work. I have cut some really intricate shapes out of plexi/lexan for signs as well, everything from waves to flames and even a couple of geese.... I usually mask the substrate and draw my pattern, then cut it out on saw-horses with a carpet under the plexi/lexan so I will not damage the surface. Cutting this material throws plastic "sawdust" everywhere so when you are sliding it around you run the risk of scratching it. After I am done cutting I dress the edges of the plexi/lexan with a******** file and then peel off the mask. Or you could just peel the mask away from the edges until it is installed. Of course the masking tape I use is 14 inches wide so I can cover lots of ground, but if you had to I suppose you could use 1 inch wide tape and overlap it a hundred times. (Story of my life - 14" hardware, lol). Word of advise - don't wash your new "windshield" with regular soap and water - no detergents. Don't use paper towels either. I think I'd use a wet chamois and keep it clean when washing the surface. And Rain-x or something for prevention. This could all amount to***** concidering that you've already got the thing installed and it is "temporary", but at least I tried...
My had had plexi rear quarter windows in his 2-1/2" chopped 55 chevy two door hanydyman wagon. He was never able to keep em from cracking. I hope you can, because that car looks awesome.
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