Installing Lexan Windshield

[Tom Oxner]

I purchased a Lexan windshield from a fellow pelican. I tried to install it today and could not get it to fit in the opening in the body. I finally measured the lexan windshield and it is 1/2" taller than the OE windshield. With the OE rubber gasket, there is no way that it will fit. Is this normal for lexan windshields? Thanks,

Tom

[John Rogers]

The lexan windshields I remember seeing usually were set on the metal edge of the body and held on place with either pop rivets or sheet metal screws and the holes were a tad large so that it could move as the body/lexan heated up and cooled down. I don't remember seeing any that had a seal? Of course this also meant that in the rain, some came it.......

Here is a link to a site (Mazda but all are about the same) on how to do the install.

http://www.rx7club.com/rotary-drag-racing-167/diy-lexan-install-852554/

[Cory M]

When I bought a Lexan windshield from "Shields" they had an option for factory size or oversize. Oversize is probably better if you are doing a flush-mount and trimming to fit. Sounds like you got an oversized one.

[Jeff Alton]

I bought a factory sized rear for our 996 race car and it is not that accurate.... Going to just make my own, again. We buy the Marguard Lexan in a full 4x8 sheet. Not inexpensive but the yeild is pretty good for rear windows, rear 1/4 windows and if you need them door windows..... The Margaurd is incredibely durable....

For a windsheild though I would buy a formed one to keep optical clarity.

cheers

[cstreit]

Most Lexan is sold oversize, a fact which many vendors do not disclose clearly.

[Tom Oxner]

So the lexan windshield does not install with the OE rubber gasket? I will need to build a metal frame to bolt into the windshield void and then bolt the lexan windshield to the metal frame. The lexan windshield that I have is larger than stock, but not large enough to fill the void. Adding the aluminum frame for the windshield certainly reduces the weight saving of installing the lexan windshield. Thanks for your help.

Tom

[RichardNew]

It's a race car part. You really thought it would fit?

Richard Newton
Car Tech Stuff

[John Rogers]

I am not sure what sort of race shops are within driving distance of where you live but I bet any of them would have experience with Lexan windshields? NASCAR, VARA, HSR, SCCA shops all do that sort of work.

Something else to consider, I remember years ago in 2002 or something that a early Datsun sedan had one blow inside at the CA Speedway as it flexed a lot and had no braces behind it. After that HSR West started requiring at least two metal supports to prevent the windshield from flexing inward. Check your organization to see what they say.

[Tom Oxner]

Thanks for the information. I should have asked you guys before I bought the windshield. You are right Richard, it was very naive of me to think a race car part would fit w/o modification. John, thanks for the additional information. Most of the race shops in Arkansas deal with dirt track racers-I will check to see if any of them have experience with lexan windshields.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and information. You guys are a great resource for those of us who are less experienced.

Tom

[Kevin Stewart]

If you decide to cut the mar stuff it has to be 80 degrees. any cooler it spiders later on , Kevin

[Deadeye]

Tom, I had to trim mine to fit as well. I made a paper pattern from the old one and trimmed as needed. I use the rubber gasket and 6 steel clips for security. It flexes quite a bit over 120 mph.

[dgmark]

I purchasd my windshield sized to the rubber gaskit from Chris. It fit perfectly.

[cstreit]

You can trim it and use the rubber gasket.