Opinions on Lexan windows

I've started putting the old sled on a diet and I'm debating about switching to lexan side windows. I like the stock look but I can save quite a bit of weight by eliminating the vent windows and the stainless trim around the glass. I have some 1/4" thick stuff that I think I could use without building a frame around it. I know its thicker than most use but I already have it and if it would save me from making the steel frame it might not be that much heavier than 3/16 or 1/8 with a frame. What do you all think? Should I get rid of the chrome and take some weight out of it or leave it looking stock and continue to go slow?

It's bracket racing....
Keep the glass windshield for sure....Everything else is fair game though.....My .02

If you're trying to drop some weight, a 1/4" thick Lexan window won't be worth the effort.....1/4" stuff is pretty heavy. Now, if you can go with 1/8" stuff and gut the doors, you'll be droppin' weight. Of course, that whole "roll down the windows" thing is out the window, so to speak.

Don't xpect a big weight reduction/et drop. Been there done that. 1/4" is to heavy for side windows imo.

If the car ever sees any street use you most likely won't like the Lexan, even the Margard stuff will get scratched up over time.

IMO, Lexan sucks.

You can get a lot of weight out of that car before you mess with the glass. Been there done that.

The lexan alone is not much of a gain......but when applied along with an overall weight saving program its a must.

richter69 wrote:The lexan alone is not much of a gain......but when applied along with an overall weight saving program its a must.

Bingo. The old Ranger (all steel except hood) with a 514 and 2 batteries weighed 2480 w/o driver. Raced at 2700 lbs.

Yeah its not the windows themselves that would save me the most. The pot-metal vent window assemblies weigh 9 lbs each. The 1/4 windows and frames are 10 lbs. The side glass is 10 lbs with trim so I'd be removing 58 lbs. The 1/4" lexan would weigh around 14 lbs so I'd save around 44 lbs. Is it worth it?

Its worth @ 1/2 a tenth. Check on the price of the lexan and the mounting hardware and dont forget the agrivation factor with the project.It may be cheaper and easier to add more power to you current set up. If you do decide to do it, do it right and definitely leave the wind shield in the car. Your 64 is a clean peice. Only replace the chrome if you can find a painter who can air brush the glass bumpers. I love the factory look.

IMO, it's well worth it. But like Jon said, if you're doing a total weight reduction plan, it will really pay off. Look at my truck. With "everything" I took off, it's almost down to 2800 lbs. without me in it. It's all sheetmetal still except for the hood scoop. And the front bumper's still steel too. Add another 182 lbs. for race weight.










Doug...

Another plus for lexan that hasn't been mentioned is, it's safer! Even a glancing blow to the wall can shatter glass, not so with lexan.

Very good point there Doug. The stuff I have, the guy that gave it o me, showed me you can fold it completely in half like a piece of paper, and it didn't even crack it.








Doug...

You've got to decide: is it a street car or is it a race car? If it's a race car, mar resistant lexan all the way!