Wingnut
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 posted on 14/10/04 at 08:27 AM |
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Perspex (?) windows
I need to make a flat, bulkhead window for my mid-engined project. The window will be internal, between engine bay & cabin.
Can anyone reccomend a supplier and a product who could cut me a window from perspex, or plastic?
Ideally it would be about 5-6 mm thick & wouldn't go 'milky' or scratch too easily.
I've tried the DIY stores & they only sell really brittle cheap stuff, my local glazing supplier only sells 8' X 4' sheets at
about 200 quid!
Any help greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
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locoboy
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 08:37 AM |
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go to your local sign makers they often have stuff like that and obviously have the tools and skills to cut it to shape for you.
ATB
Locoboy
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 09:39 AM |
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Wingnut,
Had you considered the tendency of perspex, lexan, etc. to go soft at quite low temperatures? It's just that engine compartments get quite
hot...
... personally, I'd prefer metal between me and the hot, oily, petroly bits! 
rgds,
David
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Wingnut
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 10:01 AM |
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David,
Thanks for the tip, but the window is essential! I agree with what you say about the heat & also the noise, so the window will be 'double
glazed'.
regards,
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pbura
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 10:39 AM |
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Polycarbonate is the same material used in eyeglasses, and should last forever with decent care. Plexiglass/perspex scratches easily and will look
ratty in a couple of years.
I was going to buy polycarbonate from a sign supplier friend for some storm windows for a sunporch. However, his stuff was not UV-resistant, and
internet prices were lower than his cost. Bad news was that the (greenhouse) supplier I dealt with had a $500 minimum order.
Syd's source sounds good, but if that fails try calling the manufacturer (Dow Corning in the US, probably there also because of the branding)
and ask about stocking distributors in your area. Maybe you'll be able to cadge a quarter sheet off one, or one of their customers.
Pete
Pete
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 10:41 AM |
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in an engine fire, its gonna come right tho at you if your trapped in the car.....
atb
steve
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Peteff
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 11:22 AM |
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Better safe than sorry eh!
Always look on the bright side of life. At least you'll be able to see how close the flames are if you're still conscious Steve. How have
people in plastic pigs have coped with that worry all these years?. They must be nervous wrecks every time they go out. 
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 11:29 AM |
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You have to have your brain removed to travel in a Plastic Pig...
DJ
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 12:44 PM |
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americans call the bulkhead between engine and passenger compartment a firewall for a reason....
I survived an accident at 19 during whichI was doused in petrol by a ruptured tank and spent 3 months off work. Perhaps thats why I view car safety a
bit more seriously than others....
whats a plastic pig? reliant?
[Edited on 14/10/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 12:53 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by stephen_gusterson
whats a plastic pig? reliant?
Yep - Reliant Robin.
David
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 03:54 PM |
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well, have to hold my hand up, ive been in one and driven one.
My long deceased FIL couldnt drive for crap. But he did have a bike license from the war or summat like that. So, he had a reliant regal (ala del boy)
van. Its a common misconception that del boy drives a robin - its the earlier regal. My FIL had one in white. He used to regularly take me to the bus
station to get rid of me late at night when I was visiting his daughter. Incredible experince. (the car im talking about) You hit all the bumps cos
all 3 wheels are across the car track. It booms like crazy. You hear every tappet action.
He had several. On one occasion a breeze block fell off a lorry, and took the whole front off the car. He picked up my SIL from her work place with
half a car!
I drove his later robin. It broke down after a few 100 yards cos the luggage elastics that were holding the fuel tank up (a mod by my FIL) fell off,
allowing the tank to tilt all the fuel to one side.
an experience.
atb
steve
[Edited on 14/10/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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subk2002
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| posted on 14/10/04 at 03:55 PM |
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Lexan is the stuff you want.
I use it at my work, what size are you looking for i might be able to help
Drew
P.S thats what my screen is made of
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Wingnut
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| posted on 15/10/04 at 09:21 AM |
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Wow, thanks everyone for all the info, am very grateful.
I'm off later today to visit a local sign shop & see what they have. I guess some type of poly is the way to go.
Drew, tyhanks for your kind offer, If I get stuck I'll drop you a mail.
Regards to all,
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subk2002
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| posted on 15/10/04 at 03:39 PM |
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No bother
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Rob Lane
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| posted on 17/10/04 at 08:37 AM |
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Definitely go for polycarbonate and not the perspex stuff sold at DIY shops. I used some of that on my semi prototype sidescreens. It scratches far
too easily, even a soft cloth leaves fine scratch marks.
I would think it would be cheaper to get a piece of toughened glass cut.
Once travelled behind a plastic pig on a freezing cold morning. He lost it on a bend and skidded steadily into a tree, large bang and front of car
disintegrated into a zillion pieces, just left him sitting there in fresh air, in shock. Freezing cold must have stressed fibreglass.
Another occasion one lost it coming towards me and flipped it on verge. Windscreen popped out and car came to rest upright with fibreglass cracked all
over. Driver jumped out quick, picked up screen, threw it in car and drove off at a furious pace.
Can only assume it wasn't taxed or insured, as he was in a panic when we stopped to help.
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