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Perspex Trimming/Fitting advice Please!
BigDawgV8 - 15/3/09 at 09:36 AM

Hi All,

I'm planning to fit a hard-top to one of my projects and have starting thinking about side/rear screens.

Ideally I'd like to use something like perspex unless anyone can recommend something else?

As far as perspex goes what is the best way to drill/fix it?
I have access to a band-saw and tape so cutting shouldn't (?!) be too much of a problem!

As usual all help much appreciated.

Cheers

Martin

[Edited on 15/3/09 by BigDawgV8]

Mix - 15/3/09 at 09:37 AM

Hi

Perspex is quite a rigid and brittle material, a better choice would be lexan.

Regards Mick

BigDawgV8 - 15/3/09 at 09:40 AM

Thanks Mick,

How does that compare cost-wise and can anyone recommend a supplier?

Cheers

Martin

Antnicuk - 15/3/09 at 10:59 AM

I'm going to order some from Ebay, they sell it iin different thickness and sizes.

As said above, this is beter than perspex and safer


Ebay for Lexan

[Edited on 15-3-09 by Antnicuk]

Humbug - 15/3/09 at 11:00 AM

Yes - Lexan is better than perspex. I got some of mine from the local glazing company - if the size you need can fit into their offcusts they should let you have it cheap. Another time I got some from here online.
I originally had ali sidescreens with Lexan windows on them - just drilled through and fixed with small dome headed bolts and nylocs. If you are planning to fix it to a hard top you might get away with just adhesive; alternatively silicon sealant and rivets/bolts as above.

BenB - 15/3/09 at 11:17 AM

I used polycarbonate sheeting. Worked well. You need to drill / cut fairly slowly or it'll melt and gum up the drill bit / blade.

redscamp - 15/3/09 at 11:18 AM

Perspex = Acrylic (brittle)
Lexan = Polycarbonate (indistuctable)

MAKE SURE YOU THE UV COATED VERSION
or it will turn yellow in sunlight

mangogrooveworkshop - 15/3/09 at 12:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by redscamp
Perspex = Acrylic (brittle)
Lexan = Polycarbonate (indistuctable)

MAKE SURE YOU THE UV COATED VERSION
or it will turn yellow in sunlight


Its called MARGUARD and has green righting on it if they dont have that use the exell

Lexan Exell D sheet is a transparent polycarbonate with proprietary UV protection, offering excellent weathering resistance, impact resistance and formability for skylights, covered walkways, roof lights, roof domes and barrel vaults. Lexan Exell D can safely be used outside and will not yellow from exposure to UV light.

Lexan Exell D sheet is also ideal for machine guards, boat and car windows, and other glazing applications

[Edited on 15-3-09 by mangogrooveworkshop]

mangogrooveworkshop - 15/3/09 at 12:16 PM

http://polycarbonate-tubes-rods.com/polycarbonate-lexan-mr5.htm

MakeEverything - 15/3/09 at 02:41 PM

I used 6mm perspex for the side and rear windows of a mini i restored and turned into a track day car and i cut it with a sabre saw. Its ok as long as you have fine teeth on the blade, and take it slowly. Its tough as well, when you go for the thicker models, but poly would probably be better. I would bond it with black PU or black mastic, then rivet into place depending on the project and if you can hide the mastic bonding.

Meeerrrk - 15/3/09 at 05:41 PM

how could you form/bend perspex/lexen?

Mix - 16/3/09 at 08:56 AM

Hi

Both lexan and perspex are thermoplastic, ie if you heat them they will bend and the bend will set on cooling. Lexan will bend in one plane cold more so than perspex, which as I said earlier , is brittle. Vacuum forming is also possible with both.

Regards Mick