Colonel

Check towards the bottom of this page...

https://ls1tech.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...5;t=000021;p=5

GeorgeC

Stephen, not sure on the windshield issue and legality. I doubt the real hardcore folks are too concerned with that, though. After all, it's illegal for me to run around the streets on slicks, too. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

One thing to be aware of is that some sanctioning bodies do not allow lexan/polycarbonate windows. The main one that comes to mind is NMCA, and their street car shootouts. However, the Percy's Speedglass polycarbonate stuff is basically a replacement for the original windows, and (as far as I know), mounts in the stock window locations and can still be rolled up/down, unlike the "racecars" you see at the track with fixed windows. I doubt it would ever be much of an issue, seeing as it would appear just like the factory glass.

I'm not sure on the pre-molded/untrimmed & unmolded/pretrimmed differences. Seems we would want a premolded/pretrimmed window for a direct factory fit. Those kits do include the windshield. The complete kit is for all off the windows in the car.

Not nearly as easy to install as a tubular K-member, though. VFN does make a fiberglass hatch, but I doubt it would accept a "factory style" window.

GeorgeC

Percy's Web Site

A little info here, but not much. Now I'm not sure if you'd want to try and mount the side windows in the factory channels for roll-up/roll-down operation.

991LE

iTrader: (2)

How easy does the polycarbonate scratch? Lexan is infamous for getting all scratched up.

GeorgeC

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 991LE:
<strong>How easy does the polycarbonate scratch? Lexan is infamous for getting all scratched up.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">According to Percy's, it's very durable (due to their coating), and resists scratching. They claim that it's windshield wiper friendly, and "resists vigorous rubbing with steel wool."

Sounds pretty tough.

991LE

iTrader: (2)

I didn't see a price for the rear hatch glass. I might give him a call about the price for that.

I am still a little leary of replacing the front windshield.

WJ SOM SS

iTrader: (11)

I would think a lexan rear hatch glass would be a BIG weight savings....Anyone got numbers? WJ. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Guido

FWIW, lexan is a trade name. Its all polycarbonate. Lexan. Plexiglass. Acrylic. etc. I know this because I have to work with a lot of it at work and engrave ****. Its very annoying trying to find **** out about it.

Just thought it would be some useful technical information incase anyone decides to pursue this much more.

991LE

iTrader: (2)

I called and asked about the rear hatch lexan.

1/8" is $355 and ~ 15#
3/16" is $400 and ~20#

GeorgeC

I just wonder how "stock" looking the speedglass would be if it was installed in the original molding... I like the idea of something that looks as good as real glass.

I'm starting to think about the whole kit now... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

CHRISPY

The VFN rear hatch with lexan saves about 55 pounds if I remember correctly. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
That VFN hatch with Percy's glass and rollup windows with Percys glass would be a nice savings.
Over 100 pounds for sure.
Chris

Terry Burger

iTrader: (4)

If it looks 98% like stock I'd try a windsheild and hatch glass. What would that save, 40#? At a cost of ~$500?

Terry Burger

iTrader: (4)

PS I made my own hatch out of wood and lexan and it saved 70#. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

Iv_z28

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 991LE:
<strong>How easy does the polycarbonate scratch? Lexan is infamous for getting all scratched up.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">My glasses are made of this stuff. With surface treatment it's just like glass - you can't just scratch it, and it's several times lighter (that's why it's used in glasses). Stop by a local optician and see for yourself...

01 SS Jay

I may be wrong, but I thought the front window was integral to the roof structure.. I know when I got mine replaced the guy had to remove the t-tops to lessen the weight, in addition to spending 20 mins making sure nothing was off kilter when he was done. I suppose it wont be an issue for the 10 pt cage guys, but i suppose there still could be fitment issues.

Fbody4Ever

iTrader: (15)

I'm wondering if anyone has any more information on this stuff as a kit. Is it direct replacement or is it trim to fit. Jeg's catalog says it's oversized to allow custom trimming yet on the site it says either oversized or OEM fit on the windshiled, didn't have any infomation about the kit as a whole on the website. I am also wondering if anyone knows if this stuff can be tinted, and if you can roll the side glass up/down. I tried sending Percy's an email but it's taking a bit to get a reply..then again it is the weekend and I probably shouldn't be expecting something until at least the first of the week <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

<small>[ November 18, 2002, 12:24 AM: Message edited by: Fbody4Ever ]</small>

Angie

iTrader: (4)

I've had a Percy's rear hatch here for my car for about a year and I haven't had the nerve to install it. In order for it to look stock, it will have to be tinted and possibly painted along the top where the factory dark tint line is. Also, it does come oversized and will have to be trimmed. A couple of glass installers that we spoke to were a little leary of doing the install, but I think that Vic @ Fisher's might take the job on <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Percy's also recommends fastners, though I have been told that it may not be 100% necessary. Of course, having lost one car part on the track (hood), I tend to be overly cautious about this and I may still use fastners. We are still considering installing it, and may do so with the next round of mods.

Angie

Fbody4Ever

iTrader: (15)

Is the hatch piece still functional after installing or do you know? I was wondering if it would support the weight of the hatch to be able to open it. I don't know much about lexan/polycarbonate. Hopefully I will hear something back from Percy's this morning of afternoon. I will post what I find out from them. I asked a lot of questons <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> Thanks for the reply!

Fenris Ulf

Good info guys. What does the VFN hatch look like for the Pontiac crowd? Like the formula hatch or like the TA hatch minus the wing? I would be interested in a lift-off hatch / scratch-resistant lexan combo for the track.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Dang I was at VFN on Saturday.

I'll be there this week I'll see if they have this hatch lying around.

They have a 93-02 Firebird rear rear bumper piece that weighs like nothing I look at it once in a while for my car.

I think Sled from ARE had a back hatch for a Camaro for sale.