bison118 Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 Thinking of removing windows and using polycarbonate or plexiglass in an 86' gl hatch. Has anyone done this before? Sounds like a good project since the hatch only has a few windows as of right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX2FFU Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 I am gonna do this on my legacy too. It will only have 3 windows and I needed a new windshield anyway. A sheet of 1/8 or 1/4 in polycarb is cheaper than new window glass anyway. Here is some info on both. They both have advantages and disadvantages for use as car windows. Key characteristics/differences, Acrylic(Plexiglass) compared to Polycarbonate (Lexan): More likely to chip, less impact resistance then Polycarbonate. (still 10-24 times more resistant than glass) Less likely to scratch. More of a consumer (household) level and is easier to find at hardware stores. Does NOT yellow after time. Better clarity and can be restored to optical clarity. Key characteristics/differences, Polycarbonate (Lexan) compared to Acrylic(Plexiglass): Impact/chip resistance is much higher with Polycarbonate. (about 30 times more resistant than glass) More likely to scratch. Substantially more expensive. (roughly 2 to 3 times) Used for more industry applications Bulletproof when thick enough. More bendable. More formable. Yellows over time due to ultraviolet rays Easier to work with (cut, less likely to break) Poorer clarity, diffuses light, can lighten I was gonna use the polycarb and then have it covered in clear rockblocker to help wih scratches and yellowing. Other than that Poly is better for me but way more expensive.... I have worked with both and have broken wayyyy more plexiglass than lexan. To me the ease of forming and cutting of the polycarb offsets the cost of screwing up the plexi by breaking it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bison118 Posted October 19, 2010 Author Share Posted October 19, 2010 thx for the info .. Looking at poly carbonate and it looks like they sell it with UV protection. Adhesive would you use silicone or something like liquid nail? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 May i ask why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bison118 Posted October 19, 2010 Author Share Posted October 19, 2010 Figured its cheaper then buying 5 windows and the are lighter than glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX2FFU Posted October 19, 2010 Share Posted October 19, 2010 thx for the info .. Looking at poly carbonate and it looks like they sell it with UV protection. Adhesive would you use silicone or something like liquid nail? It needs bolted/rivited into place IMHO. I would use silicone to seal ti. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegacyBrad Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 I would use windshield adhesive myself. Very strong adhesive. Just let is cure in the sun for the proper amount of time. http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Marine/Home/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECIE20S4K7_nid=Z777MMR7KSbeQH8HT14PGTgl Also, this is a very good read and relative to you interests: http://distributionbizwiz.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/hints-for-replacing-sealing-acrylic-boat-windows/ Post pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jboymechanic Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Don't use any amonia based glass cleaner on either material. I do plastic and chemical compatibility studies at work all the time and amonia will stress crack and pock mark both those materials. Just a heads up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mutantfab Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Rolled a pickup truck. Jacked the cab back in to place, trimmed and installed pexiglass for the back window. Rolled said truck again, pexiglass blew apart into massive dagger like shards of glass. If I was not wearing a seatbelt and had been throw into it I believe I would not be here today. Never again!!!! Very dangerous in a roll over. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX2FFU Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Thats another good reason to use polycarb. It does not chip break like plexi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomcrooner Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Um, not to rain on anyone's parade, but its illegal because in an accident it will bust into large pieces and hack you to death. Automotive safety glass comes in two forms, laminated in the windshield, so that you wont fly through it if you aren't wearing your seatbelt, and tempered in the majority of side and rear windows if not laminated in older cars. this is so the glass breaks into small pieces, yeah it will still cut you but not kill you. I was an autoglass tech and glazier for 14 years, you have to respect it, i have seen a few people get butchered. No joke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeoneTurbo Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 I would not use it for front or side windows, maybe for rear and quarter windows. Especially if you're also running the applicable vehicle on public roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX2FFU Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 My car will never see the road. Thats why i'm using lexan. I'm running a windshild just to keep the rain or mud out of my face when offroading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeoneTurbo Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 You could use a transparent self-adhesive foil on the inside to make it safer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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