Hybrid View
-
04-06-2009 04:07 PM #1
On the rear of the opening, there is just enough room to attach a peice of #16 ga. sheet metal to the tubes, that won't actually show from the outside, with 3 self tapping screws (it will be hidden from view by the top material when viewed from the outside). I would weld two short 3/16" threaded studs that stick out toward the inside of the passenger compartment to the side of the 16 ga. That way, I can first set the lexan in the cab, then open the door and get in, then slide the lexan into the channel at the front and over the two studs at the rear, and put a couple of wingnuts onto the studs to hold the lexan in place. I would possibly have some foam rubber glued to the bottom edge of the lexan to fill the gap at the bottom and keep a bit more wind out. This would probably be as awkward as a monkey making love to a football, but it would only be done at the beginning and end of each day (and during pee breaks). Again, when the trip is over, it can all be removed leaving only 3 small threaded holes in the frame tubes.Old guy hot rodder
-
04-06-2009 04:42 PM #2
Brian, it sounds like you have a good plan.
One additional thought. Lexan is a trade name of a type of polycarbonate plastic. As such, it's not "the only" type. What you want to use is a "hardened" surface product. You will find it to be well worth the expense. We run a door slammer race car with polycarbonate "hardened surface" windows and they look like new after several years of removing class sponsor decals and wiping off bracket ET times.
After looking at your CAD designs and finish of your roadster, I know you want it to "look nice".
-
04-06-2009 05:02 PM #3
Brian,
My first thought when I saw your initial thought was "What about emergency entry?" Side curtains, and even slider lexan windows on Jeeps & other soft tops, can easily be removed to get to people trapped inside in an emergency. I wonder about your solid lexan panels that you set into place and lock down after you are inside - what about in an accident where you may need help from someone outside?
I saw last night on fb about John. The world sure lost a great one. I'm going to miss his humor, advice, and perspective from another portion of the world. Rest in Peace Johnboy.
John Norton aka johnboy