Removable perspex

[k wright]

I'm working on a black GTR without A/C. As a result I need the ability to remove the side windows and the headlight covers as well (in the event they are damaged).

Has anyone found a good soulution for this yet? If so where do you store the windows while driving?

Thanks,

Ken Wright

[stig]

Ken,

Dunno about the side windows, but the headlight covers can be held in with cap-head screws (it's mentioned in the build manual). I'd get some insulation tape to surround the headlight apeture to provide a cushioned support for the edge of the perspex, then carefully drill holes for cap head screws and fix into place with plastic washers under the screw heads.

Perspex is very brittle and will almost certainly crack over time around these areas. As mentioned in the build manual, use a BLUNT drill and take it VERY slowly. Lightly champfering the hole edges should help prolong their life a bit too.

Hope this helps.

[ultimapaul]

Ken - Just a thought, what about sprung loaded turn buckles. A smaller version of the type you see holding panels down. Not sure about their ability to keep the weather out whilst moving, the side window may try to lift out at speed. You may need to add some kind of flexibile seal.

Paul.

[james]

Tricky one. I think you hit the nail on the head when you asked where you would store them when they're removed.

I can't think of a quick release mechanism that would be both quick enough to make window removal less than a chore, and reliable enough that they didn't decide to self-remove at 150mph.

As Stig mentioned, you'd have problems with the perspex cracking over time as well.

The cheapest (and definitely simplest) option may be just to bite the bullet and fit the aircon.

James

[polson]

Not wanting to be pedantic (oh go on I will then!) but both the side screens and headlight covers are polycarbonate. But still brittle. I don't know if removable side screens may have SVA implications, you'd definately have to make sure that any fixings meet the SVA protrusion, curvature rules. The fact that the build manual mentions fixing headlamp covers with bolts is probably a hangover from the Sport manual (as unfortunately were so many things when I built mine). I doubt if you could pass SVA with pointy bits at the pointy end.

On a similar but different note (sorry to attempt to hijack the thread), but has anyone found a reliable way to bond the headlight covers? Mine are slowly peeling off, and I have seen the same on factory fitted ones as well.

Has anyone found a source of BetaPrime for platics, other than paying forty quid for a tiny bottle as part of a Rover windscren kit?

Tempted to try and rip off the headlight covers and start again (now that my Sikaflex/Betaseal techniques have improved )

[srreck]

Hi Ken:
I have my GTR with no A/C as well as you. The problem is bigger if you live in Spain (my case). The solution for put down the temperature inside the cockpit is not only to put fresh air inside. The key is to let the hot air flow out the car. I have done 4 x 2"diam. holes at the rear of sidescreens. This creates airflow.
I fitted air hoses from the front of the car to dash together with the heater fan and ¡ it works !. Usual temperatures in Spain are 25/30ºC outside. Your job would be easier than mine because you have not these temperatures every day. (Pictures in my site: http://personales.jet.es/jmarino)
Cheers,
Javier

[ultimaandy]

Just a point but my can-am's (and all the others) side screens are held on with bolts and it sailed SVA so this fixing can't be a problem.

In fact I didn't fit them and was told by the factory it would fail without them?

[roop]

What about using Dzus fasteners...? The cowling on every light aircraft I've been is is held on with these things, so they must work OK.

[james]

quote:
What about using Dzus fasteners...? The cowling on every light aircraft I've been is is held on with these things, so they must work OK.

But they only work up to Mach 3. Stigs car will go WAY faster than that

[ultimapaul]

Dzus ...... Thats the thingies I meant! Thanks for that.

Paul

[k wright]

Thanks for the replies. Javier, your plan is what I will use. The flat forward surface of the passenger compartment above the battery looks like a good place to attach a flange and silicone vent hose. These items are available from aircraftspruce in the USA.

Ken

[bigmack]

Hi Ken,
This is what I will do as well. Aircraft Spruce Part#10350-12. 3" alum. flange. I purchased 4 and I'm going to mount them in the same location that you've pointed out. Its all sitting in a box ready to be installed. Its too hot here in Texas, and decided to run aircon for daily drives. The air hose vent I'm going to run on track days. So how's the car coming along?
Cheers!
-Mack

[stig]

Hey Mack,

Just to let you know that I'll be visiting your fair state next week! My sister lives in Houston, but given the size of Texas - that could be hours flying time away from you!!

[bigmack]

Hi Ken,
First of all, I'm just glad to hear you've had time for the car. Its probably not been that easy. It really sounds like your making a lot of progress. Those Kinesis wheels will look awesome. I went for black centers on my wheels, but I don't have the black rim halves. Take your time with the final body fit. It takes time to line up the panels, but your GTR body should be much more accurate than my sports. So are you going to take out the 575hp dry sump camaro motor and drop it in the Ultima? I'm sure that you have something fun lined up for this car. Speaking of motors. Have you warmed up to the idea of a fuel injected motor yet? If you're interested in doing something like this, then let me know b/c I think if you have the right FI system it will not be difficult to tune at all. I'm running F.A.S.T(formerly SpeedPro). If I can tune it, then I know it will be a walk in the park for you. My email address is [e-mail].
Good to hear from you again.
Cheers!
-Mack and (Liberty of course)

[bigmack]

quote:
Hey Mack,

Just to let you know that I'll be visiting your fair state next week! My sister lives in Houston, but given the size of Texas - that could be hours flying time away from you!!

Stig,
Its only 3 hours of driving time! A relatively short drive here in Texas. I think it takes about 20 hours to get from one end of the state to the other. Let me know if your interested in coming down to Corpus Christi for a visit.
Cheers!
-Mack