Carbon Fiber Hatch----but....What type of window material to use?

[steve shadows]

So I have had this thing sitting in my garage for about a month and it's just driving me nuts.

Who has had a CF hatch, where did you get your plexiglass or lexan material and how did you choose to fabricate your rear window?

I do not want to keep the stock one, that is out of the question and because I rarely drive the car around at any length on the street anymore and am tryingt to make my 415 whp on pump gas feel more like 500+ I am going to weight savings and lower center of gravity.

Anyways I am open to any tips, links to buy a piece large enough to cut out the rear window from and also local stores (in Los Angeles area or anywhere close) etc so I can get this finished have been waiting for LS auto to get back to me and I'm thinking Ill try to make it myself

[Matej]

Buy one of these.
LS Auto Lexan Rear Hatch Windows for 240sx and 350Z!!! (http://www.ziptied.com/forums/index.php?topic=11628.0)

[FRpilot]

ls automotive sells a precut lexan one with hardware for about $200.. or you can try to buy/make your own.


LS Automotive - (http://www.lsauto.com/default.asp)

Edit: you beat me to it

[steve shadows]

If you read my post I say that I am tired of waiting for LS Auto to get back to me...

They dont have them in stock and have not replyed back to me regarding when they will make one.

Thanks though...

So back on topic, the DIY lighter window - I know not everyone on the board who has had a CF hatch has purchased the LS one.

[lflkajfj12123]

Buy one of these.
LS Auto Lexan Rear Hatch Windows for 240sx and 350Z!!! (http://www.ziptied.com/forums/index.php?topic=11628.0)

[quote author=$Lindz$ $Bro$ link=topic=11628.msg209820#msg209820 date=1169003112]
These lexan rear windows are precut and drilled, and come with all hardware for easy installation.

Works with factory or aftermarket hatches.


Price: $xxx.00 Plus $60.00 S&H

http://www.lsauto.com/pix/350zlexankit.jpg

240SX stock hatch weight - 52lbs (no wiper)
Seibon hatch and lexan - 20lbs!!! (no wiper)

rear lexan weight - 9lbs
Seibon fiberglass/carbon weight - 11lbs


350Z stock glass weight - 14.5lbs
350Z lexan weight - 7lbs


For all questions email [email protected]


*coupe rear windows are not available yet




Endorsed by Formula D driver Chris Forsberg

http://www.magnaflow.com/05news/gifs/driftalliance/chrisforsberg.jpg

http://www.motorex.net/_motorex/n_images/forsberg/pic13.jpg


Tony Angelo also says he likes these things and they are "radi-CAL".(?)
http://www.magnaflow.com/05news/gifs/driftalliance/tonyangelo.jpg


yeah not gonna post the cost but you get the idea

[ericcastro]

We use the stuff in the film industry if I recal right.
Im not 100percent, the grips use the shit to protect cameras and us camera guys during shots where guns are pointed at camera.
They get big sheets.

So call a movie lighting house and ask one of the agents there were they get there lexan.
Sorry I dont know more, but its not really something in my department.

[C. Senor]

usually larger window replacement shops carry big pieces of pexi-glass. i know when someone broke the rear window of the shell on our truck and we didnt feel like paying 5 bills for a replacement, we went to a window replacement shop and they basically cut a window out of a big sheet of pexi. you might try calling a few shops around your area.

[xs240]

Buy one of these.
LS Auto Lexan Rear Hatch Windows for 240sx and 350Z!!! (http://www.ziptied.com/forums/index.php?topic=11628.0)

I can't visit this site, it says you have to register but registration is disabled

[smelly240]

Thats because its ziptied - duh

[xs240]

Well then... how can we visit that link heh.

[SILVIA_KIDs14.5]

you may be better off with someone who's already proven in the race industry don't know much bout LS auto but peak performance has the product and is already in the drift circuit for years not to mention has great products here's the link
Peak Performance - Lexan Windows (http://www.peak-performance.net/content/category/17/128/132/)
good luck steve

If you read my post I say that I am tired of waiting for LS Auto to get back to me...

They dont have them in stock and have not replyed back to me regarding when they will make one.

Thanks though...

So back on topic, the DIY lighter window - I know not everyone on the board who has had a CF hatch has purchased the LS one.

[Brian]

Hey Steve,
LS makes some.
Have you thought about asking them?

:)

[Om1kron]

just get a carbon fiber plug made and rely on your side mirrors only... you're not down steve!

[spirit]

Steve, there is a local shop (well local to me anyways) that sells all types of plastic. I don't know the address but here it is on google maps, South E street right where the street turns:
Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=34.065357,-117.293778&spn=0.003168,0.003921&t=h&z=18)

Place name I think is: S&W plastics

[slider2828]

Check out tap plastic.... if it is near you. They can definitely get it and pre-cut to your measurements....

[projectRDM]

A local guy used a sheet of acrylic that he bought from a hardware store, it's not too hard to cut but the thinner stuff does flex so he put strips of aluminum down the length to help stiffen it. I figure just find a retailer with a big enough sheet and cut it to fit, you can use a jigsaw just like you would plexiglass, then use a torch to smooth the rough edges.

[ZilviaKid]

fuck even using a window. just leave it open. think of the weight savings!

[94_240sx]

Good luck getting ahold of Kevin from LS Auto. Phone is not available and he only contacts you through emails and his replies are super slow since he's busy. I think he's somewhere in Florida right now.

[xs240]

fuck even using a window. just leave it open. think of the weight savings!
think of the turbulence and lack of downforce lol

[wow-thats-a-cool-car]

Ya why don't you just put like a window next one it
o wait that would look lame

random question?
why aren't Plexiglas windows street legal?

[Maximamike]

The Dentsport car has a plexi rear window. I'm pretty sure Bill prolly made it so shoot him a message.

[slider2828]

They aren't street legal because they scratch very easily and you can't buff it out.

[GSXRJJordan]

I know you can buy big enough sheets, but cutting it's a total bitch. Whenever I've needed Lexan or Plexiglass for projects I've had a pro use their special cutter (like a scribe, cuts a "v" in the plastic, then makes a clean break). Using a jig-saw can cause spidering, not to mention the edges look like ass.

Then just be very careful drilling the rivet holes (no pressure, or you'll spider it), and rivet that bitch in there.

[steve shadows]

any references on places to buy a sheet big enough?

Hopefully LS Auto gets back to me- I really would rather spend time sourcing R compounds and planning a 2.2 liter for next year...;):bow:

[GSXRJJordan]

Haha it's not going to be cheap, regardless. A sheet that big will probably cost $100.

I've gotten 2x4 sheets from OSH before, but I think you'll need a 4x4 sheet to start with - plastic shops might sell it to you. Solter Plastics [ home ] (http://www.solterplastics.com/) is in LA and looks perfect, Plasidyne Engineering & Manufacturing (http://www.plasidyne.com/) looks similar and is more local to ya. I just google'd "plastics long beach,ca" and looked for places that deal with sheets, not just finished molds/products.

[Matej]

Just use clear vinyl or scotch tape for now, super lightweight!

[ZilviaKid]

Just use clear vinyl or scotch tape for now, super lightweight!
how about ceran wrap? fuck yeah!

[Mirage]

Most Home Depot's, and I'd imagine Lowes, should have varying sizes/thickness's up to 4x8 sheets of usually GE branded lexan in stock, also with the accompanying jigsaw blades and adhesives.

I bet Grainger/MSC/Mcmaster-carr all carry some form of it as well.

[steve shadows]

Thanks for the serious replys.

I did vist Lowes but the do not have the right sizes, i guess I can check by Home Depot

[backroadtouge]

Most Home Depot's, and I'd imagine Lowes, should have varying sizes/thickness's up to 4x8 sheets of usually GE branded lexan in stock, also with the accompanying jigsaw blades and adhesives.

I bet Grainger/MSC/Mcmaster-carr all carry some form of it as well.



this is what we did for my frinds cf hatch and windows... we put down adhesive weatherstripping and screwed the lexan in with washers, worked great! :s101:

[s14freak]

I work for a sign company here in SC. You can get clear lexan, acrylic or plexiglas from any sign supply company. Try Sign Supply USA. I don't know if theres one near you, but they're all over the place and thats where we get most of our stuff. you can cut it with a circular saw, but you need a blade that has an ass of really small teeth. It cits smooth edges, then you can round the corners with a good jigsaw blade, again alot of really small teeth, then use clear silicone and rivets to hold it in. We did this on a buddies camaro drag car down here. Came out pretty good. Dont have any pics though, and the car has since been sold. Hope this helps.

[bardabe]

Home Depot has them steve, i bought some Lexan there not too long ago for a customer's car. i forgot how much it was but home depot has the huge sheets. 4ftX 8ft.

[xs240]

They aren't street legal because they scratch very easily and you can't buff it out.

are there any solutions other than oem glass that wont scratch or whatever?

[steve shadows]

Home Depot has them steve, i bought some Lexan there not too long ago for a customer's car. i forgot how much it was but home depot has the huge sheets. 4ftX 8ft.

Sweet, well I know what I will be doing Friday -

Also I have some super sharp shears that cut metal really smooth, I think theese should work for lexan too



It's a race to the bottom - I am @ 2400 lbs right now with the stock hatch - want to get this thing down to 2250 LBS curb weight (still need to remove some more interior and add another super light racing seat) -

Next month i will be going for 475 whp dyno pull on the DD on mix -91+111 fuel

(That's about 550 whp on a dyno Jet so - about 4whp HP / LB for the car )

[C. Senor]

^can i just say holy shit?!

[steve shadows]

I want it to be close to 3.8 WHP/ LB and then Ill be happy.

All while spooling up decently fast of course - no need for anything over 3076R size for that. - OH BUT! next summer want to get a Stroker motor in the car so I can reach the 3.8 whp / LB goal.

[racepar1]

The problem is that the rear glass is so damn big that it will be really hard to find a piece of lexan for it. Try all the lowes and home depot's, if not you need to find an industrial plastic/metal supplier. You want the UV resistant non-marring stuff, which also happens to be the most expensive.

[fromxtor]

I have the LS deal on my car, the lexan they are selling is GE "for high performance applications" brand.

[SochBAT]

Do not do plexi. Friend did it on his coupe (wtf why?) Spider cracks where he bolted it in. After telling him it was the stupidest idea ever, we used weather striping and bent aluminum around the edges to keep it 'clean'. Didn't work. Flexed like a bitch, created a dickload more spider cracks and gets scratched fast as hell.

Lexan from HomeDepot/Lowes.

[steve shadows]

Ok I am propsing a proposition -

If someone would like to make a smooth- very minimally scratched Lexan Window for the rear of the hatch and deliver it to my house on a weekend - like Saturday in the socal are I will pay them 175 dollars.

It needs to be smooth and a perfect fit with minimal scratching.

Build me a Lexan Hatch and I pay you Cash (http://zilvia.net/f/wanted-buy/231422-lexan-s13-hatech-rear-window-make-me-one-i-will-pay-you-cash.html#post2531737)


Please PM me for details.

[GSXRJJordan]

Haha, not a bad way to do it Steve!

Good luck :)

[420sx]

They aren't street legal because they scratch very easily and you can't buff it out.

spray good clearcoat on it

[slideways2004]

spray good clearcoat on it

it doesn't stick too well. and you can't really sand the lexan

[eastcoastS14]

friend had the glass in his front door broken at a party and they bought replacement plastic at home depot....it was pretty cheap like not more than $15...it came in a big ass piece and he was able to cut it to size himself with a box cutter...

[LongGrain]

They aren't street legal because they scratch very easily and you can't buff it out.

that is NOT true at all.

lexan/plexiglass windows are not street legal because when they shatter they break into sharp jagged shards, which can be very dangerous.

automotive glass shatters into cubes that dont cut you..