Tell me the the issues with a Lexan rear window?

rdane · rdane's Garage

I had a lexan window at one time and decided is was too flimsy for a street car. After I returned it I found out there were different thicknesses and different ways to seal them up.

I need it to be water tight.

If you would, please tell me how you did yours and who to buy from.

rexav8r · 04-29-2007, 03:32 AM

There's a good friend back here in the Dayton area, Jeff Batten, that has a machine shop of sorts.

He actually has Eric McKenna's rear window, 2 rear qtr windows and may have his door windows. He's planning to use them as a pattern. He started this project quite some time ago, but has been busy. I'm not sure where he is with it right now. I'll try to find out, as I've been wanting to do the same thing.

Send Eric a PM. I think he was wanting to talk to Jeff anyway.

andyjboy · 04-29-2007, 03:35 AM

As far as I know they're available in 1/8 in or 3/16 in thicknesses.

This is something I plan to do in future for my 911R-inspired car & will probably buy from Spektr Products:

http://www.spektrproducts.com/Forms/shopping/%2Aws4d-db-query.ws4d?ws4d_nav=true&Condition=is&[eProducts]StoreFrontID=11&Condition=is&[eProducts]Category=Porsche&Condition=is&[eProducts]SubCategory=911/C2/C4/993&Condition=and&Condition=keyword%20search&[eproducts]Key=&SortBy=[eProducts]Sell_Price1;9&RecordsPerPage=10&Condition=and&Condition=is&[eProducts]OK2Publish=True&Database=eProducts&BreakTable=10&Page=3&LinkField=[eProducts]DescriptionShrt&Results=results.html&Results-1-Record=results(S).html&Results-Table=results333A.table&Table-Color-Even=

boba · 04-29-2007, 06:41 AM

Dane,
You can also check'
www.racingshields.com

Bob

mjshira · 04-29-2007, 06:54 AM

given where you live and the issues with getting these to not leak and that great interior you have I would pass. the lbs saved by going this way won't be felt unless you are driving the car at the limit and are a really good driver at the track, etc. also don't forget if you do this your noise level will go up in a dramatic way.

rdane · rdane's Garage

I had the 1/8 thickness from Spektr when I was doing the body work and decided to pass. It was just not something I thought would work in a street car. I was thinking something similar to what Jack Olsen has used in BBII which is a flush fit frame. The frame with 3/16" might work out well. GT Racing offers a glue in window and frame. I think the weight difference is 16#. Which is a lot coming off that area of the car.

I'd still like to get my car under 2200# in track trim.

Jack care to comment on how you did your rear window and give us a couple of close up pictures?

Cookie Porsche · 04-29-2007, 10:10 AM

We make them ourselves.

I use 4mm lexan and have them watercut. The template was initially made from normal cardboard.

We use a raised 'flush' frame made from GRP and then use a black silicone sealant to weatherproof the window.

A trick is to spray a 1" black lip inside the window before fitting it. This looks good and hides the frame / silicone on the underside.

Rivets keep the window in place.

Problems with lexan is the dis-colouration after a short while in the sun and the fact that it easily distords if not fitted tight.

BUT - the weight saving is great.

Regards, Tom

randywebb · 04-29-2007, 10:44 AM

- discoloration from UV
- scratches
- leaks maybe
- no wires, so hard to defog
- Noise level -- ?? James can you post more on this?

The "abrasion-resistant hard coating" on the Spectre's is fairly new I think.

Jack has said he would not do it on a street car - he has lexan on his SoCal track car.

andyjboy · 04-30-2007, 12:51 PM

I'm pretty sure that GT Racing get their windows from Spektr.

Spektr offer a flush-frame fit 3/16" rear window:

http://www.spektrproducts.com/descriptions/rear.html

mjshira · 04-30-2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
- discoloration from UV
- scratches
- leaks maybe
- no wires, so hard to defog
- Noise level -- ?? James can you post more on this?

The "abrasion-resistant hard coating" on the Spectre's is fairly new I think.

Jack has said he would not do it on a street car - he has lexan on his SoCal track car.

I have heard that having this installed allows more noise into the cabin of the car. if you think it through this makes sense. its not as heavy as glass, etc. I wouldn't run one on the street but that is just me.