scoobwrx94import

ill get pics up morn mate my windows arent perfect but if it works then it will do for me

MadUsa1

How much weight can be saved by fitting polycarbonate or Perspex??

scoobwrx94import

alot tak ure window out and weight it then weight poly

MadUsa1

what are we talking, 2kg per window saving?

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Any pics yet

scoobwrx94import

pics wont upload keeps comin up we little crosses

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Use photobucket to upload pics. Just upload to photobucket and copy/paste the IMG code.

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Send them to me il upload them

scoobwrx94import

wats ure email mate

Miketemplar

Not perspex, polycarbonate is what you are looking for and it's my ad on Ebay! Perspex is a trade name for acrylic, which although being much tougher than glass will still crack and in the event of a big impact will shatter.
Polycarbonate is almost unbreakable, could seriously save your life, but is slightly more prone to scratching although a scratch resistant option is available at extra cost.
For a number of years I've been moulding (thermoforming) this stuff, and even have a couple of solutions to the dreaded "shake" on frameless door windows.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Is this you ???

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111001616678?redirect=mobile

If so, what would you charge for the windows (to a fellow member :-) ) without the rear screen.

mrmadcap

I presume that in order to have plastic windows the car has to have an approved cage because the glass windows provide structural rigidity on a normal road car, is this correct???

nick!

iTrader: (4)

Just ordered a set from Mike, very helpful guy!

Miketemplar

Whoever told you that?
If you run a cage then you can also remove the crash bar in the door (which weighs a ton) and if you are running sliders you can dispense with the winders and channels, which saves about 20kg per door!
The doorglasses are in no way structural, you are probably much safer behind a sheet of polycarb.

mrmadcap

I don't think you are correct, you will need a full cage if you are removing the glass and replacing with plastic. Look at the links below.


Pay special attention to FMVSS 216 -- This legislation implemented a standard for roof rigidity in case of a rollover.


http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-dr...auto-glass.htm

There is more information here about glass being part of a vehicles rigidity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windshield

There is more information here:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the...ield-glass.htm

You better get your cage installed with your plastic windows or it will crumple like a Coke can.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

The windscreen maybe but that's never replaced for poly. The doors on an impreza are pillarless so impossible for it to contribute to the structure of the car. I think you've read into it a little too much. Sometimes its better to use your common sense instead of google buddy....

mrmadcap

Do you not think that if it was feasable manufacturers would use a lighter material just to reduce fuel consumption and improve economy?

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Your barking up the wrong tree buddy.
Glass is a far better sound barrier than polycarbonate, interior db level is a huge factor. Glass is also more scratch resistant and less likely to flex or bend at high speed.

Please explain how glass in a pillerless window provides structual rigidity. I can't work your thinking out chap.
Aeroplane windows are made from polycarbonate, can't remember seeing a cage on my flight to alicante last year. LOL. ......

mrmadcap

Referring more to the rear window which someone has already discussed replacing with perspex.

All the examples I've seen have got more tubes than a scaffold truck.

Miketemplar

I love it when someone says that!!
You are allowed by law (under construction and use regulations) to run acrylic windows in your motor vehicle, and if you read the self same articles you quoted above you will not find anywhere a statement that says you cannot, or even should not!
I have read all of it, and I suggest you do too.
It says an awful lot without be specific, in truth if you run polycarbonate windows you would be safer than if you run with glass. I would agree about the technology concerning bonded windscreens but I am not advocating fitting plastic windscreens although at least one leading manufacturer is currently experimenting with this idea.
My statement concerned bodyglass replacement, and if you ask yourself how is a doorglass structural when it explodes upon impact, is only held along one edge, and may be raised or lowered, I think you will see what I am saying.
My work is concerned with the production and sale of specialist glazings for the vehicle industry, as well as the fitting, so I have to be aware of all aspects of this subject.
Thanks for hearing me out.

bigarf

iTrader: (67)

now thats funny.

si 42

iTrader: (1)

also interested in this would you do anything for a newage wagon

Miketemplar

Hi,
Not sure if you are asking for all the side windows on a new age wagon? Or a saloon, with a second question regarding a wagon? I run a windscreen business so have all the patterns to hand, and can do them all but have a lot of questions before I can give you a quote. Please think about, clear or tinted (grey or bronze), hard coat scratch resistant, do you want sliders, 4 or 5mm doors? Best give me a bell to clarify anything, 07889122784.
Cheers!