Lexan Windshield Replacement

Michael Pliska · 07-16-2009, 12:06 PM

I have just discovered that the 25 year-old windshield in my Super Gas car has a bunch of tiny bubbles in it, which only show up when sunlight hits it at a certain angle. The car is a '73 Vega. Any tips or recommendations on replacement? I plan to get some abraison resistant polycarbonate, just a flat sheet and plan to form it, using the old one as a template. Mine is currently 1/8", plan to replace it with same unless anyone has suggestions otherwise. My car will never be a mega-mph unit, probably max out around the low 150's.

The local plastic shop wants $155 for a sheet that size (24" x 55"). Is this a good deal?

Regards,

H.A.A.C. Racing · 07-16-2009, 12:20 PM

everything sounds good with your post, only other good option is factory glass, if your not into that, your idea is the way to go.

frank v · 07-16-2009, 02:02 PM

try Percy's, they might have a windshield for that car .

lazrcng · 07-16-2009, 06:22 PM

Call Dave Ruff at Clear One Racing Products and save yourself the work. Dave can give you part numbers to buy through Summit. He can also form one off your old window.

Contact Information
Telephone:	614-235-3663
Toll Free:	1-866-7CLEAR1 (1-866-725-3271)
Fax:	614-235-3669
E-Mail:	ruff@clear1racing.com
US Mail	PO Box 9268 Columbus, OH 43209
Business Hours: Phone hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Monday thru Friday. Fax orders may be received 24 hours at (614)235-3669.

Michael Pliska · 07-17-2009, 12:03 PM

Oops, I was measuring a side & rear window, and made the assumption they were the same thickness (could not see the edge of the windshield due to trim). Turns out mine was 1/4" thick!!! I got a 1/8" sheet, and measured it out and it is only 0.115" at the thickest spots. Hopefully the plastics place will let me exchange it (the guy on the phone said it should be no problem), will probably bump to nominal 3/16" thick. Has anyone run 1/8" before as a windshield, without any supplemental bracing? I held the sheet in place, and it seemed a little flimsy. Hopefully the 3/16" piece will work better. I'll just be glad to finally have scratch-resistant coating, so I won't have to polish my windshield every other race!

Regards,

reknapp52 · 07-18-2009, 08:46 PM

The 1/8" Lexan should be more than adequate for a Vega windshield. Mine is 1/8" and has been in use since 1989.

Michael Pliska · 07-18-2009, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the input. I ended up going with 3/16", I figured I was already saving a fair amount of weight compared to the 1/4" one! I ran a couple passes in the car today, was amazed at how clear the new windshield is! At 140 mph there was zero noticeable deflection. Until I change my carb and intake I probably won't go much over 142 or so.

Regards,

07-16-2009, 12:06 PM	#1
Michael Pliska Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Happy Valley, OR Posts: 260 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lexan Windshield Replacement I have just discovered that the 25 year-old windshield in my Super Gas car has a bunch of tiny bubbles in it, which only show up when sunlight hits it at a certain angle. The car is a '73 Vega. Any tips or recommendations on replacement? I plan to get some abraison resistant polycarbonate, just a flat sheet and plan to form it, using the old one as a template. Mine is currently 1/8", plan to replace it with same unless anyone has suggestions otherwise. My car will never be a mega-mph unit, probably max out around the low 150's. The local plastic shop wants $155 for a sheet that size (24" x 55"). Is this a good deal? Regards, __________________ Michael Pliska 643 S/G

07-16-2009, 12:20 PM	#2
H.A.A.C. Racing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 319 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement everything sounds good with your post, only other good option is factory glass, if your not into that, your idea is the way to go.

07-16-2009, 02:02 PM	#3
frank v Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ny Posts: 286 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement try Percy's, they might have a windshield for that car . __________________ s/g 1620

07-17-2009, 12:03 PM	#5
Michael Pliska Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Happy Valley, OR Posts: 260 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement Oops, I was measuring a side & rear window, and made the assumption they were the same thickness (could not see the edge of the windshield due to trim). Turns out mine was 1/4" thick!!! I got a 1/8" sheet, and measured it out and it is only 0.115" at the thickest spots. Hopefully the plastics place will let me exchange it (the guy on the phone said it should be no problem), will probably bump to nominal 3/16" thick. Has anyone run 1/8" before as a windshield, without any supplemental bracing? I held the sheet in place, and it seemed a little flimsy. Hopefully the 3/16" piece will work better. I'll just be glad to finally have scratch-resistant coating, so I won't have to polish my windshield every other race! Regards, __________________ Michael Pliska 643 S/G

07-18-2009, 08:46 PM	#6
reknapp52 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cascade, CO Posts: 48 Likes: 22 Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement The 1/8" Lexan should be more than adequate for a Vega windshield. Mine is 1/8" and has been in use since 1989.

07-18-2009, 08:51 PM	#7
Michael Pliska Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Happy Valley, OR Posts: 260 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement Thanks for the input. I ended up going with 3/16", I figured I was already saving a fair amount of weight compared to the 1/4" one! I ran a couple passes in the car today, was amazed at how clear the new windshield is! At 140 mph there was zero noticeable deflection. Until I change my carb and intake I probably won't go much over 142 or so. Regards, __________________ Michael Pliska 643 S/G