Lexcen Polycarb window info

[McLEVIN]

Im after info on how to install polycarb (Lexcen) windows on the 86 3door.

im looking at getting some made up so is there anything in need to know or do i just get the glazier to cut to the same shape as the orig windows

also what thickness are you people running, most ive looked are 4mm


cheers


chris

[Sam-Q]

an acrylic window might be a better bet as it's harder and hence more scratch resistant. It will still scratch like crazy though.

[ehendrikd]

I bought mine from MCNSPORT (http://www.mcnsport.com/shop/part.php?car=15&category=Aero+Kit&part=2687), pre-cut and delivered from Ireland was far cheaper than any quotes I received locally.

[Sam-Q]

mcn have always made good products

[LittleRedSpirit]

It appears their race spec extractors have the wrong pipes connected.

http://www.mcnsport.com/shop/part.php?car=15&category=Exhaust&part=2686

[timbo]

It appears their race spec extractors have the wrong pipes connected.

http://www.mcnsport.com/shop/part.php?car=15&category=Exhaust&part=2686

Classic.

[McLEVIN]

thanks guys

little red spirit not sure what your point is but thanks anyway

sam i was under the impression lexcen/polycarb/acryclic where all the same.

also ehendrikd (http://www.ae86drivingclub.com.au/forums/member.php/1199-ehendrikd) how'd you go installing it, do you use aluminium strips for the hatch?

[ehendrikd]

They are yet to be installed, however when they are I will be using the aluminum strips to reinforce it.

[slydar]

i wouldnt use acrylic. its a lot more fragile.

most people settle on 3mm for the sides but 5mm for the rear. the rear will still need to be braced.

you can install them any number of ways. drilled and screwed or just glued in and using the orginally clips.

the shape depends on which way you're going to fix them and if you gonna use the orginal window moulds.

[marvis]

What sort of weight would be saved for a coupe just doing the rear quarters and rear window?

[timbo]

Quite a bit I would imagine. Glass is heavy, a hatch with out glass weighs next to nothing and the rear glass in a coupe is probably 2/3's the size of hatch glass.

[blinded]

Density of glass: 2500 kg/m3
Density of Lexan: 1200 kg/m3

[turn69up]

go to bunnings they sell big sheets of polycarbonate/lexon and just cut it ur self thats what im doing when i get a bit more cash, also agreed u dont want acrylic

[slydar]

its a worhty saving for sure.

also it lowers the CG of the car. as do a light weight bonnet etc. double bonus.

[timbo]

It would be worth it but not very legal. You could get away with side glass but not the rear, as previously stated it would need to be strapped in.

[meadan]

Mine has one window from bunnings sheet. Not sure what material as the previous owner did it when he had to smash the window to unlock the car.
But it looks like glass,doesnt scratch as bad as everyone says and is cool to bend for party tricks.

I have made a few 4mm ABS plastic ones for some race cars though. Not sure how they would go sitting in the sun for a whole day, but the plastic doesnt crack very easily.

[Sam-Q]

would a plastics supplier be cheaper than bunnings?

matt: wow I am going to have to ask them about that

[McLEVIN]

I asked our department of transport and they didn't have any problems with rear. But every state is different

[assassin10000]

I've got a lexan rear, the sun caused it to bow inward. After about a year or so when the UV/Sunlight permanently set it I took it out and flipped it around so it no longer was sunk in when sitting. Gets sucked in when driving (vacuum affect) with windows down though, but it pops back out as soon as I stop.

Andrew

[marvis]

How is the rear mounted/braced?

[timbo]

From what I've seen it's just two aluminium straps fixed to the outside of the hatch.

edit: I find it hard to believe that it would be legal because you do not have a rear demister.

[meadan]

Im pretty sure legally you only need a front demister of some sort.

ADR8 covers this though.

I think if someone did some testing on materials and supplied pre made windows with a test report you could manage to get plastic windows engineered. But yeah, too much effort....

[assassin10000]

Mine's just using the stock window gasket. No reinforcements, been that way since Feb '06.


Andrew

[McLEVIN]

Oh thanks I forgot about the stock gasket...that was another thing I wanted to know. Good to know it works.

2 aluminum strips obviously would stop the bowing etc

[ae86 slide]

Mine's just using the stock window gasket. No reinforcements, been that way since Feb '06.


Andrew

And that's your rear hatch? No bracing required?

[assassin10000]

I've never had an issue at all. Not even at speed with the windows down on track doing 95mph sideways into turns...

It gets 'sucked' inwards when driving with the windows down as the interior of the car becomes a much lower pressure area. It stays neutral with the windows up.

Andrew