"Windshield" ideas

BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
I have decided to remove my windshield when wheeling to get one other piece of metal/glass out of the way so it doesn't get smashed on the trail.

I am comtemplating making a "windshield" out of Lexan to keep rocks and bugs off of my face when driving from one place to another (i.e. from the outpost to the trailhead). I would also like the ability to drive the jeep on the road around town and not have to wear a ski mask haha.

So what are your thoughts? One big piece of lexan cut to mirror the top of the cage angle? Three separate pieces? Two pieces on the left and right and leave the center open?

Also, how would you suggest attaching it? Use tabs like some buggy's attach door skins?


TJ front cage 2.jpg
 
Lexan is going to scratch extremely easy but you can talk to a glass shop about ordering you some with a mar-guard coating to help with scratches. I would try 1 piece and follow the cage lines across the top.
 
Double wrap it tight with Saran Wrap and then tear it off and redo if it gets dirty!
 
Fabrik8 said:
Get some motorsport grade Lexan, and use tear-offs. It's all expensive, but it will solve your problems. You didn't say you wanted something cheap, so I'm sticking within the given constraints.
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Lexan is free to me, but it is not motorsport grade. I can also get plexiglass, but of the two I figured why not go with lexan. If it is going to scratch real easily, then that doesn't really seem worth it though.
 
After I flopped my runner, I put lexan in since the a pillar wouldn't push back out enough for glass. It WILL scratch. If you have a windshield, you MUST have wipers. No windshield, no wipers needed.

If that were my rig, I would run 2 pieces on the sides and leave the center open. Put tabs on with quarter turn fastness to remove it easily. I would take my chances with the improper equipment ticket. Do you still have the factory windshield? Bolt that back on to get it inspected to resolve a fix it ticket.

MR-10 is the scratch resistant lexan.
 
So in all honesty, should I just go with a pair of goggles and keep my mouth closed? Maybe I am really overthinking this and attracted to the coolness of Lexan :rockon:
 
BigClay said:
Lexan is free to me, but it is not motorsport grade. I can also get plexiglass, but of the two I figured why not go with lexan. If it is going to scratch real easily, then that doesn't really seem worth it though.
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Regular lexan is fine. I think the motorsport grade has something different about it, probably high speed impact safety or forming ability or something like that. Maybe just a particular type is certified with a motorsports santioning body, who knows. Regular Lexan is fine, any polycarbonate will be better than acrylic (Plexiglass). Tear-offs will cure the scratching problem. You just peel off a layer and throw it away after it gets scratched.
 
Lexan and zip ties, when you can't see out of it anymore buy another piece. Done this on 3 different rigs in the last 9yrs.
 
sgtbriangreen said:
After I flopped my runner, I put lexan in since the a pillar wouldn't push back out enough for glass. It WILL scratch. If you have a windshield, you MUST have wipers. No windshield, no wipers needed.

If that were my rig, I would run 2 pieces on the sides and leave the center open. Put tabs on with quarter turn fastness to remove it easily. I would take my chances with the improper equipment ticket. Do you still have the factory windshield? Bolt that back on to get it inspected to resolve a fix it ticket.

MR-10 is the scratch resistant lexan.
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I do still have the factory windshield, I actually have some quick release hinges for it now, and thats why I took it off. The windshield was heavier than I thought so taking it off and on by myeslf at the end of a long day of wheeling doesn't sound fun, so thats why I was looking to something lighter for those times.
 
From my limited experience, you will want to remove the lexan for ANY trail riding. Dust will stick to it. Without wipers and the squirters, you will have problems seeing after a little bit. This is where the scratches really start to play in if you have wipers and squirters.
 
I took the windshield off my Samurai years ago. I wear dirt bike riding goggles when necessary.
 
drkelly said:
I took the windshield off my Samurai years ago. I wear dirt bike riding goggles when necessary.
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I am certainly contemplating that. Maybe even a full helmet :smokin:
 
drkelly said:
Huh?
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I'm wearing glasses pretty much any time I'm outdoors anymore. On the weekends, I'm wearing earplugs too. I know too many people that only have one eye and/or can't hear for shit.
 
Don't worry about scratches. Buy a buffing pad for your drill and some compound and have at it to fix scratches. Takes 5 minutes every so often and is easy. I do it on my boat windshield and live well lid. It won't take deep scratches but will polish out most any of the small ones and help blend the rest.

Lexan would be my choice.
 
Btw, I only run a windshield when it's near/below freezing out. Not for driving on the road.
 
I have a sheet of plexiglass that I cut to use as a windshield. If you wait in line on the trails at any of the parks around here, I think it's only a matter of time before you catch a rock with your face.
The V support on the windshield section of my cage caught a tennis ball sized rock coming off a new set of boggers on a 4 runner, my first run at the Flats. Saved my face. I have also had a winch hook come through where my windshield would have been. Scratches or not, I won't wheel without one.
 
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