He would have to cut out the seat section that is molded into the body, I think.
The famous 'stiff ride' question...
- Thread starter Kurt64
- Start date
He would have to cut out the seat section that is molded into the body, I think.
A buddy did that with a dune buggy...2 tickets and a failed inspection later he opted for new glass. Hotrods may be more lenient some places but here in PA, lexan and/or polycarbonate are a no-no. I am a CNC machinist so that would be an excellent option if I could get away with it.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this idea? I can't seem to get a good answer from my buddies that inspect vehicles...
Island Girl
Well-Known Member
I think you'll find that most states spell out that all vehicle windows must be laminated glass.
If you stress polycarbonate or other clear plastics enough to break, they often do so, rather explosively, with lots of razor sharp, tiny, impossible to find when covered with blood, shards.
Standing up to bullet impact is a lot different than standing up to a wreck.
I wouldn't use a plastic windshield, finding a shop to do laminated glass shouldn't be that hard if you're in the states, especially if it doesn't have to have curves cut, like over the cowl.
If you stress polycarbonate or other clear plastics enough to break, they often do so, rather explosively, with lots of razor sharp, tiny, impossible to find when covered with blood, shards.
Standing up to bullet impact is a lot different than standing up to a wreck.
I wouldn't use a plastic windshield, finding a shop to do laminated glass shouldn't be that hard if you're in the states, especially if it doesn't have to have curves cut, like over the cowl.
Here's the seats I use: Very comfy. Leave off the arms and base, and bolt them to a wood box with the desired tilt.
I changed to a Lexan windshield a few years ago: Big redo of the old bucket Mine is 1/4", but I have a full frame around it. Without the frame you'd want thicker so it won't bend so much.
I changed to a Lexan windshield a few years ago: Big redo of the old bucket Mine is 1/4", but I have a full frame around it. Without the frame you'd want thicker so it won't bend so much.
choppedtop
Well-Known Member
Just about all, if not all motorcycle windshields are made of Lexan. They do have a hard coat surface so to help protect them from scratching so easily. Lexan will bend 180 degrees each way several times before breaking. It does need a frame around it unless thick. I know of quite a few custom cars around here with Lexan windshields. Legal, I don't have a clue.
Island Girl
Well-Known Member
Hey now, I resemble that remark. Lol
Been riding motorcycles all my life...
Organ Donor here too . . . . .
Indycars
Well-Known Member
Kurt64, you probably realize this, but drilling Lexan is different that metal. As you get deeper into
the Lexan it will grab the drill bit more and more until it breaks. This is a problem with the smaller
bits like 1/8 inch that would be used for the pilot holes. I would suggest starting with a 3/16 inch bit
and pull out often to remove any material from the drill bit.
Been a machinist for 30+ years...I know all the "tricks". Dawn dish soap works very well for drilling and tapping lexan and acrylic. Tapping fluids usually cause micro fractures which lead to early failure.
Island Girl
Well-Known Member
Bingo on the water and dish soap.
There are also specially designed drills for plastics, getting the size(s) you need might be a good investment, if you're spending a considerable amount of $$$ for a Lexan/polycarbonate windshield . . .
I bought mine from McMaster, but most plastics places have them as well.
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This question gets a little off track but are inspection stickers allowed to be posted on the vehicle other than on the windshield (like motorcycle inspection plates)? I would think that removing an old sticker would damage the lexan.
Indycars
Well-Known Member
Hey great, thanks for the tip!!!
fletcherson
Well-Known Member
Mine has a short wind screen below my line of sight... I like the look. It may be a future mod, but not a priority at all. I don’t think of it as a windshield, more like a bug screen... my bike has a shield and it’s below my line of sight too, but does a good job of deflecting and redirecting bugs, rain, etc... In the process of re building mine, moving the pedals, changing the steering, designing and building a seat, shifter, controls, etc to make it somewhat comfortable for me, I learned that to sit low, requires more length than a standard tub allows... I had to compromise seat height to allow enough room to drive it and use the controls, clutch, brakes, etc... my seat riser ended up being 6” give or take... everything is a trade off in these things, it seems.
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