Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

I have just discovered that the 25 year-old windshield in my Super Gas car has a bunch of tiny bubbles in it, which only show up when sunlight hits it at a certain angle. The car is a '73 Vega. Any tips or recommendations on replacement? I plan to get some abraison resistant polycarbonate, just a flat sheet and plan to form it, using the old one as a template. Mine is currently 1/8", plan to replace it with same unless anyone has suggestions otherwise. My car will never be a mega-mph unit, probably max out around the low 150's.

The local plastic shop wants $155 for a sheet that size (24" x 55"). Is this a good deal?

Regards,

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

everything sounds good with your post, only other good option is factory glass, if your not into that, your idea is the way to go.

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

try Percy's, they might have a windshield for that car .

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

Call Dave Ruff at Clear One Racing Products and save yourself the work. Dave can give you part numbers to buy through Summit. He can also form one off your old window.

<TABLE width=450 align=center border=1><CAPTION>Contact Information </CAPTION><TBODY><TR><TD>Telephone:</TD><TD>614-235-3663</TD></TR><TR><TD>Toll Free: </TD><TD>1-866-7CLEAR1 (1-866-725-3271) </TD></TR><TR><TD>Fax:</TD><TD>614-235-3669</TD></TR><TR><TD>E-Mail:</TD><TD>ruff@clear1racing.com</TD></TR><TR><TD>US Mail</TD><TD>PO Box 9268
Columbus, OH 43209
</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>Business Hours: Phone hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Monday thru Friday. Fax orders may be received 24 hours at (614)235-3669.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

Oops, I was measuring a side & rear window, and made the assumption they were the same thickness (could not see the edge of the windshield due to trim). Turns out mine was 1/4" thick!!! I got a 1/8" sheet, and measured it out and it is only 0.115" at the thickest spots. Hopefully the plastics place will let me exchange it (the guy on the phone said it should be no problem), will probably bump to nominal 3/16" thick. Has anyone run 1/8" before as a windshield, without any supplemental bracing? I held the sheet in place, and it seemed a little flimsy. Hopefully the 3/16" piece will work better. I'll just be glad to finally have scratch-resistant coating, so I won't have to polish my windshield every other race!

Regards,

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

The 1/8" Lexan should be more than adequate for a Vega windshield. Mine is 1/8" and has been in use since 1989.

Re: Lexan Windshield Replacement
 

Thanks for the input. I ended up going with 3/16", I figured I was already saving a fair amount of weight compared to the 1/4" one! I ran a couple passes in the car today, was amazed at how clear the new windshield is! At 140 mph there was zero noticeable deflection. Until I change my carb and intake I probably won't go much over 142 or so.

Regards,