• Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Topic: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Quick question.  We only have our windshield left to do and we are constructing it from 3/8" Lexan.  The questions I have is can we drill through the front bars to attach the Lexan to the cage or does that fail tech due to that being a structural component.  The other option we have is to tack weld some bolt studs to the front of the bars OR just run foam tape on the front of the bars and zip-tie it down at about 20 locations.  Any help or advice would be appreciated!

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  • From: Elmhurst, IL
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Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

are you drilling into the tube?  I would say no because you are drilling holes into your tube. if it isn't a convertible that your removed the whole window frame I would probably attach it to the window frame.  If not weld some tabs or some metal or something to the cage to mount it to.

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Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

On the CORVETTUTU I built a frame out of 1/2 box and  drilled  the  Lexan and the  then welded that to the front hoop of cage.

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  • Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Thanks guys.  It is a convertible and the windshield frame in long gone.  I heard from Nick at Lemons HQ and he said a "reasonable amount" of small holes (10/32 or so) would be fine.  We may go the route mentioned above of making a frame then attaching the frame to the cage.  The fewer the holes in my cage the better I feel

  • From: Seacoast NH
  • Registered: 2013-01-01
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Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Am I the only one thinking that 3/8 lexan will be a bear to bend, and way overkill if used with window bars?

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  • Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Yeah.....  after looking at the actual piece, I could probably get away with 3/16" or 1/4" since the impact rating is still pretty substantial. Seeing that 3/8" was like looking at a convenience store clerk after midnight.

  • Registered: 2014-05-14
  • Posts: 14

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

did I miss something?  I thought Lexan was a NO NO!

Jerry

8 Reply by gump (edited by gump 2014-10-22 07:12 PM)

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Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

3.J.1 Windshields.   A sturdy, driver-protecting windshield is required; we strongly recommend OE-type. Real polycarbonate or strong, securely mounted steel mesh is also acceptable. Acrylic and all other non-polycarbonate plastics are not allowed.  All non-OE windshields must be thick enough and suitably braced to resist a heavy object striking the windshield at speed.

It is my understanding that Lexan is a brand name for a type of polycarbonate.

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  • Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Correct.  A little safer than some older OE windshields if you ask me.  Its good enough for Grand Prix, LeMans and Concept...

  • Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Another question that the rules don't specify.  The rule states "a driver protecting windshield" but does that windshield have to go across the entire original location?  Reason being is that I can find a 24" x 48" piece of 1/4" Lexan for a third of the price of a 24"x96".  We purposely built our roll cage with a third front bar bent the same as the other two that is attached from the dash bar to the roof loop.  Any input on this aspect?

  • From: Houston, TX
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Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

350zTheDude wrote:

Thanks guys.  It is a convertible and the windshield frame in long gone.  I heard from Nick at Lemons HQ and he said a "reasonable amount" of small holes (10/32 or so) would be fine.  We may go the route mentioned above of making a frame then attaching the frame to the cage.  The fewer the holes in my cage the better I feel

No offense to Nick, but I wouldn't drill any holes in your cage until you hear an answer from John Pagel.

And I agree, 3/8" is way overkill. I know I've seen an argument on this forum before about whether 3/16" or 1/4" is sufficient, but that's another thing you can ask John. (pagel at 24hoursoflemons dot com)

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  • Registered: 2014-03-28
  • Posts: 25

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Email sent!  Thanks!

  • From: Carlisle, PA
  • Registered: 2010-09-08
  • Posts: 193

Re: Lexan Windshield and front bars

Ours is 3/16, and we welded tabs to the cage and mounted it to them.  Also added a support to the inside of lexan in the center and screwed it to that too to keep it from bowing at all.

Ryan

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