From: tld@moon.base.bellcore.com (Terry Davidson)
Subject: Re: Plexiglass or other lightweight windows
Reply-To: tld@cosmos.bellcore.com
Organization: Bellcore
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 92 14:44:23 GMT

In article <92358.193534IO10702@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>, Merv <IO10702@MAINE.MAINE.EDU> writes:
|> 
|> In article <1992Dec23.172716.1@ulkyvx.louisville.edu>,
|> fmpend01@ulkyvx.louisville.edu says:
|> >
|> >In article <1haaicINNnmi@network.ucsd.edu>, Giulia Leadfoot
|> ><judy@nepac.ucsd.edu> writes:
|> >>
|> >> Hi - I'm new to netnews and am interested in your ideas on replacing glass
|> >> rear windows (i.e., non-flat panel) with a lightweight substitute that can
|> >> be molded to fit....
|> >> Something obtainable, not prohibitively expensive, reasonably
|> >> scratch-resistant (or
|> >> treatable), and moldable (with heat guns?)....
|> >> Got any ideas out there?  Thanks!
|> >I can't recommend plexiglass for anything that is going to be out in the
|> >elements for any period. Plexi will yellow due to ultra violet exposure.
|> >It also scratches easily and becomes more brittle with age. Polycarbonate
|> >is more durable and can be ordered with a scratch resistant coating. But
|> >it can be a bear to work with. It doesn't take to heating unless you are
|> >very carefull. Get it too hot and you'll have a bunch of small bubbles in
|> >your window. Nothing really beats glass.
|> >Butch.
|> >
|> I'm going to have to disagree with Butch, Lexan, when using the same
|> thickness as the original glass, will be lighter and undetectable.
|> It does scratch easily, but since you have to have glass on the street,
|> the only place you would use it is at the track where you would
|> take decent care of the car anyhow  (ie. storing the car, keeping clean
|> etc..)
|> One thing to watch for with Lexan is that it will scratch if you
|> wipe it while it is dry.  Be sure to have it wet when you clean it.
|> -Merv
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The discussion about various window materials is all well and fine...

BUT - check your state/province/whatever laws *before* replacing your
glass with something else...  Here in New Jersey, the only place non-glass
windows can be used is the sunroof.  *ALL* other windows *must* be automotive
(I.E. safety) glass.  I know - I had a camper shell (cap to east-coasters)
on my truck that had laminated *California* legal plastic windows.  No go
here in NJ....  one reason given is *toxic fumes when burning*.  Great.
As if the plastic is the only thing that gives off toxic fumes when a
vehicle goes up in flames....

-- 
 # include disclaimer.lib   //* All standard disclaimers apply *//
 My wife let's me think my opinions are my own.  Bellcore doesn't care
 either way, and doesn't claim them anyway...
 Terry Davidson - tld@cosmos.bellcore.com / tld@cosmos.bae.bellcore.com      
Newsgroups: alt.autos.rod-n-custom