Plexi-windshield

elvspec · #1 03-12-2007, 11:51 PM

I'm getting ready to shape a new plexi-glass windshield for my 20CC's giant console. Does anyone have any tips to offer before I ruin a perfectly good piece of plexi-glass. Thanks in advance.

hvaldezz · #2 03-13-2007, 12:27 AM

Get a pro to do it? That's the way I'm going.

NoBones · #3 03-13-2007, 01:23 AM

Make a cardboard template to size then cut your plastic.
Mark with chalk where you want the wrap around.
You need a real good heat gun, not a cheapie.
Go to Grainger to get one of the better ones.
Work the heat back and forth not to long in one place or it will distort the plastic. work both sides of the plastic equally. It will slowly give way and you will be able to
shape it. After you have it fit with at least a 1/4 gap
on the sides and front which allows you to put rubber grommets between the console and plastic. To get the edges
of the plastic smooth wet sand the edge to a nice finish.
Now take a propane torch and lighty go around the edge to smooth out completely. Practice on some scrap first. It is really not hard to do.
See ya, Ken

thehermit · #4 03-13-2007, 09:24 AM

Ken,
Your description makes me want to try it myself as well. Do you need to account for any loss on the corners? If you plan 1/4 seperation and then bend do you loose some? Also do you use someting for a "brake" of sorts? Thanks

NoBones · #5 03-13-2007, 09:47 AM

While your plastic is in the workable stage you have about
30 seconds before it starts to form, just reheat the area again before it sets. In this time frame the reheat only takes a minute to make the plastic workable again.
Do 1 side first, that will help you on the other side for the 1/4 inch gap. When you are heating the plastic making the 90 degree bend a wood saw horse works fine.
See ya, Ken

FELLOW-SHIP · #6 03-13-2007, 10:03 AM

One thing for sure I don’t have the technique down. I did a web search about 3 weeks ago and learned all about it so I could do a small job with 90 degree angles on a 12” piece of lexan (much stronger and will not break) they said I could put it in the oven, well I could not bend it fast enough at first so I had to put it back in again and then it bubbled up I ended up throwing it away. Now I am considering Plan B. If you do it your self I would buy extra same thickness pieces and practice on them before I tried on your window shield. For me I would pay for someone who does it for a living from now on between buying the material + heat gun + the high degree of MY possibility of screwing up. It probably would be cheaper to get a pro to do it for me. But if you try yourself Lexan is the best material.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

elvspec · #7 03-13-2007, 11:38 PM

Thanks for all the advice. Probably the best being get pro to do it, but of course that would be too easy. The windshield is only going to be around 12" tall so I may be able to pull it off. I'm planning on trying a piece of plexi first since I can get it cheap and if that works out give Lexan a shot.
Ken those are some good points, especially the sanding portion.
Thanks again.

FELLOW-SHIP · #8 03-14-2007, 10:25 AM

Ha Beau

I looked on E Bay and you can find stock there pretty cheep. My bet it is scrap from commercial businesses. I also saw heat guns there as well.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

NoBones · #9 03-14-2007, 12:08 PM

As far as scrap goes, check with your local sign manufactures.
They usually have piles of the stuff and are happy to get rid of it.
See ya, Ken

JW-Tex · #10 03-14-2007, 05:17 PM

I clamped my plexiglass to a piece of plywood (to insulate the middle part) and used my gas BBQ grill to heat the corner to make the bend. Used rubber grommets and wetsanded the edges. It is not perfect...but for $35 you would never know I did it myself.