Thread: hot rod without heater??
Results 1 to 15 of 32
Threaded View
-
07-21-2005 06:29 AM #23
When it gets really chilly out these quarter windows make a really big difference.
What they accomplish is to deflect the air that curves around the windwings and wants to enter the cockpit behind the occupants.
Made of Lexan they are an easy project.
Cut to shape after making a cardboard template.
Drill them to match the #10 FH sheet metal screws that bolt the lower top iron to the oak bow.
Countersink to match unless you want to use the rounded head sheet metal screws.
(A sharp many tooth - I use a 60 tooth - carbide blade in a table saw works well for the straight cuts.
Be sure to hold the Lexan down on the table so it doesn't flap.
If it flaps you'll get some breakage near the edge.
Curves can be cut with a fine tooth sabre saw.
Sand the edges with 240 grit wet/dry using water and finish up with some 400.
Doesn't take long and makes the Lexan look like genuine glass.
Break the sharp edges slightly while sanding.
(Don't worry about having the oak in the bow deteriorate or wear out after a few install/removal cycles.
If the screw hole did get a little rough you can harden up the wood by applying a couple drops of cyano-acrylate glue; Super Jet by Goldberg is a good one, it's the watery stuff and not the gel and you can get it at hobby shops. The airplane guys use it in their building. (Be sure to let it cure before installing the screw.
(In fact, if you have deteriorated wood in an oak bow hole or body wood hole you can repair it by sanding a little pile of sawdust off a piece of wood - oak or pine, either seems to work well.
Pack the screw hole with sawdust, add a drop or two of the Super Jet wetting the sawdust completely. (You'll see a wisp of smoke come up, but no big deal, just don't breath it.)
Let it cure then pilot drill the wood for the screw.)
Sheet metal screws are the way to go and I gave up on wood screws for any kind of woodwork other than decorative long ago.
Use 1/4" Lexan for both windwings and quarter windows.
I tried 1/8" in the quarter windows, but it hummed and fluttered in the wind.
Lexan is a trade name for polycarbonate and the poly is what you'll find at places like Home Depot.
Do not use plexiglass.
Plexi scratches easily and it ain't all that strong.
Lexan is way strong and is what is used in jet fighter canopies and windshields in other aircraft.
The windwings in my roadster have been there for about 8 years and over 30,000 miles.
I wash them with a sponge and car wash soap when I wash the car.
They are unscratched except for one deep scratch that some clown put in it with a key or other sharp object.
Testing for glass I guess.
Only other caution is to note that Lexan has an ultraviolet coating on one side.
That goes toward the sun and helps to keep the Lexan from UV damage.
It is surprising how much difference these little quarter windows make in cold weather.
Do a little planning ahead and you can set up a side window that overlaps the quarter window.
Bein a roadster you're still gonna have air leaks, but the hurricane bit will be gone....
C9





LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
Either return this forum to what was or get the HELL OUT!
Dead!