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Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: tcoupekyle on June 30, 2022, 06:07:32 PM

Title: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: tcoupekyle on June 30, 2022, 06:07:32 PM

Anyone build windscreens for dragsters mine has the bottom broken where the bolts attached

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: tcoupekyle on June 30, 2022, 06:09:51 PM

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNme5wsVmxuZqK9x6

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: Paul New on June 30, 2022, 07:49:14 PM

Just buy some polycarbonate they aren’t to bad to build use yours as a template

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: tcoupekyle on July 01, 2022, 05:43:50 AM

Any tips?

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: lake_harley on July 01, 2022, 06:16:48 AM

I did a windshield for an ultralight airplane I built. After I made a pattern I cut the polycarbonate with a fine-tooth jigsaw blade and sanded the edges to knock off roughness that might lead to cracks. Drilling mounting holes, I used a regular drill bit but ran the drill backward so the bit was more like melting through the material rather than cutting, which can cause stress and cracking. It's been a few years ago but that's what I recall of what I did.

Lynn

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: tcoupekyle on July 01, 2022, 06:58:52 AM

Thanks Lynn I really like that idea with the drill. Any advice on bending?

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: Paul New on July 01, 2022, 12:54:32 PM

Bending it will just bend to the shape needed it is very flexible

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: JEFF/21C on July 01, 2022, 01:40:21 PM

 I've used polycarbonate LEXAN brand on my late model for the wing bent it in a brake drilled it never cracked also window wings on a cobra kit car cut on a band saw drilled for brackets it's not the same stuff as plexiglass which will crack and break but people have heated it to form and use washers when screwing it in place

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: lake_harley on July 01, 2022, 03:44:57 PM

+1 on LEXAN/polycarbonate. I also would avoid plexiglass. Seems brittle. Drilling the holes, I would suggest drilling a bit oversize for the small machine screw or whatever your fastener might be. That allows for a bit of wiggle and expansion without stressing the hole. And yes, use washers to spread the clamping of the fastener.

Post a photo when you're finished!

Lynn

Title: Re: Wind screen fabrication
Post by: wideopen231 on July 02, 2022, 05:20:30 PM

I semi cheated on mine. I did aluminum with engine turning finish. Figured cheaper and heck I look over it anyway. I wanted to combine new with old and do a canopy style, but my financial advisor was against it.LOL