By Chris Tropea
Jul 3, 2024
|
Safety,
Polycarbonate,
Windshield
Why replace the glass windshield on our 1965 Mustang racer–or any race car, for that matter–with one made from polycarbonate?
For starters, it’s much lighter than the OE glass windshield and, in some cases, it can actually be safer than running with glass.
Just like our LS-powered Nissan 350Z, this one comes from SHIELDS® Windshields.
Presented by CRC Industries.
3/11/22 1:22 p.m.
Have contact info for the place you bought the windshield?
3/11/22 1:47 p.m.
Found it?
https://www.racingshields.com
3/11/22 2:06 p.m.
In reply to JohnnyBquick :
Correct.
5/10/23 9:35 a.m.
Can I just put a sheet of polycarbonate on my bare windshield in the hot summer sun and have it conform to that shape? Then install it?
Jaguar XJS polycarbonate windshields are kinda scarce.
5/10/23 10:10 a.m.
Just some additional FYIs.
Never use acrylic sheet instead of Lexan, as it can shatter like glass when struck., while Lexan just bends. Another thing is that Lexan expands and contracts with temperature - by a fair amount. I did the math on the Lexan rear window for "Kimini" - roughly 36" wide - and found that from 40-120 degrees, the Lexan expanded nearly 1/4" over its length. Take that into account for the mounting method - I drilled oversized mounting holes. Also be aware that Lexan is fairly soft and easily scratches. Though it is available with scratch-resistant coatings, I wouldn't recommend windshield wipers unless it'll be regularly replaced.
5/10/23 10:18 a.m.
kb58. How to best clean off dirt/bugs without scratching? I think even cleaning it with papertowls and glass cleaner left some new scratches on mine :-)
Had to do this track side last month due to leaving my damn hood pins unlocked and no glass places available to help out. Guess I am just going to keep rocking it as-is.
5/10/23 10:53 a.m.
I just used a sheet and cut it to fit and then fastened it starting in the middle and worked my way out. It will bend enough to fit (even without pre forming it).
5/10/23 10:54 a.m.
There is special cleaner for polycarbonate. Typically you use the special cleaner and a microfiber towel.
5/10/23 11:33 a.m.
Agree on the microfiber, as paper towels are too abrasive.
7/27/23 10:46 a.m.
This stuff (Clear View) is the best: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/fb/cleaning_windshield/avlgc.php
They also sell a protectant/polish to put on after you clean:https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/avlcvcc.php
But anything made for plastic will work. Meguiar's Plastx, or Plexus are another common two.
Use a microfiber towel, and it works best if you rub in one direction to get the micro-scratches all lined up (I pick vertical).
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