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ar4me
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Lexan windows for Milano/75

Post by ar4me »

It is my understanding that these windows should save about half the weight of the glass.

Does anyone know of a US source of Lexan windows for the Milano/75?

Alternatively, I have a Euro source that can provide Lexan windows (4 sides and rear) for about $350-$400 at my door (including shipping) under the assumption of multiple sets.

Is anyone in CA interested in such windows, Zamani?, Nizam?, ...

Jes
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87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car - Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeat or do as I say at your own risk - be critical)
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Post by Kunta »

First, you should not use Lexan, it shatters and is not allowed for race cars, probably not suitable for a street car. I have exhanged all glass windows in my race car except for the windshield. The material "brand name" is makrolon and the thickness is 3mm. When i mounted it i did some calc. on it because i had no oppportunity to weigh it all. Roughly 26kg för the glass ones one <7kg for the new makrolon windows.
The biggest improvement is imho that you get rid of a lot of weight that sits really high in the car.

More pictures of my installation is HERE
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Post by ar4me »

I looked at your pics, and oddly yours say Lexan. Look at the rear window

The windows are actually polycarbonate, if that makes a difference.

Jes
87 Milano Verde - daily driver - Juliet
87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car - Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeat or do as I say at your own risk - be critical)
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Post by tectoteam »

ar4me wrote:I looked at your pics, and oddly yours say Lexan. Look at the rear
:lol:

try at aircraft spruce in usa.

lot of aeronautics materials;steel,alloy, fibers and lot of varies of polycarbonate (PC).
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Post by ar4me »

Kunta,
Forgot to ask: Where did you get yours? How much are they?
BTW, yes the whole purpose is to get rid of weight, and as you said, if it sits higher, even better.
Jes
87 Milano Verde - daily driver - Juliet
87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car - Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeat or do as I say at your own risk - be critical)
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Post by Mats »

Lexan, makrolon or whatever. They are all brand names for PolyCarbonate. Shatterproof transparent plastic.

Try to get scratch proof quality.
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Post by ar4me »

Ah, ok. Thanks for the clarification Mats. Is there a cheaper way to do this. I'm not familiar with plastic technology. Is it possible to buy raw material and cut yourself? Even the rear?

Jes
87 Milano Verde - daily driver - Juliet
87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car - Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeat or do as I say at your own risk - be critical)
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Post by Kunta »

ar4me wrote:Ah, ok. Thanks for the clarification Mats. Is there a cheaper way to do this. I'm not familiar with plastic technology. Is it possible to buy raw material and cut yourself? Even the rear?

Jes

Sorry, PolyCarbonate was what i was trying to say. i misconfused Lexan with a another material. Mine are sponsored.
Yes they come in sheets and you can shape and cut them by your self quite easy with a little training. Should be No problem for a handy guy like you
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Post by ar4me »

Ok, then it all makes sense.
Should be No problem for a handy guy like you
Hmm, you think so. Maybe I'll give it a shot.
Jes
87 Milano Verde - daily driver - Juliet
87 Milano 3.0 Motronic - budget race car - Roxanne
87 Milano 3.7 24v - race car
(Repeat or do as I say at your own risk - be critical)
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Post by Mats »

It's like Kunta says, not difficult at all, woodwork tools does a suprisingly good job.

Ask a regular glass window salespoint, not a car glass place but more a place that sells for shop windows and such.
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Post by DaveH »

I agree w Mats. They're all polyC by different names.

The scratch proof can be a lot more expensive - up to 3x, depending on the thickness. If you get tinted/smoked, it will hold up to UV better.

In the US there are many sources. Try MSC and McMaster-Carr for starters. Both catalogs give plenty of spec info too.

3mm? This sounds kinda thin compared w the orig glass. I suppose if it seals up OK it doesn't matter so much.
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Post by Kunta »

DaveH wrote:...
3mm? This sounds kinda thin compared w the orig glass. I suppose if it seals up OK it doesn't matter so much.
3mm is minimum for our race regulations. All windowss are sealed with sikaflex (sort of pu-glue/sealing. very strong) and m3 nuts :D
On the drivers side you could always skip the window and put a net instead
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Post by Mats »

PolyCarbonate is perfectly UV-stable as far as I know.

Exaxtly what kunta says, 3mm is minimum (and less expensive), original seals are tossed (weight) and the PC is fixed with rivets or screws and sealed with the appropriate gunk. :)
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Post by Sporttunergtv6 »

so how do you shape the windows to give them original curves? like the front window ?
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Post by Mats »

3mm plastic isn't very stiff, won't break or crack but bends easily.
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-onemanracing.com-
-Strandberg.photography-

GTV 2000 -77 - Died in the fire.
155 V6 Sport -96 - Sold!
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