Lexan Windshields

[DrJ]

Looking for feedback on Lexan windshields

My project is to be used for cross country applications during which time we are likely to encounter rain. Does anyone have any time on their projects using Lexan and windshield wipers, how has the scratch resistance been??

Thanks to all,
DrJ

[CraigS]

I haven't needed one yet so can only tell you what Fast Freddie told me as a fellow autocrosser and friend about his Lexan testing. He got a piece of the Lexan and cut it so he could tape it over the w/s on his f250. Started the truck, started the wipers, left them on for an hour+, threw gravel, threw sand, hit it with a garden hose, more gravel, more sand, more anything he could think of. It was fine after his torture test and that is what he sells.

[DrJ]

Good to know Craig,

Hope others will chime in as well. In full disclosure my interests regard fitting the Lexan to my Austin Healey replica project. I am considering Lexan because I will need to reduce the concavity along the bottom to fit my project and then to fabricate a frame to secure it. Lexan affords me the opportunity to machine it to a different shape. The project currently uses a flat glass windshield and so to modify the car in this way will require considerable change (relocating wipers, defrosters etc), mods that will be that much more difficult to reverse.

Sooo, I am hoping for as much feedback as possible before I pursue this.

Thanks again.

[edwardb]

This is discussed some over on the other forum (FFCars.com) and by all accounts the Lexan from Fast Freddies holds up very well. Probably best to use Lexan specific cleaners. But for daily use, people report it holds up to wipers and such just fine. Glass will scratch too if misused. Only slight negative I've heard is that because it's thinner than glass, does flex a bit at higher speeds. But I don't think that's a stopper. If the day comes I need to replace the glass in my Roadster, and I'm beyond inspection where DOT isn't required, I would install the Lexan piece.

[canuck1]

I've had mine for a few years now. Although I never PLAN to go out in the rain, I use my wipers more than most I'd bet! The lexan shows no signs of wear or marring that I can see. Plexus cleaner,properly applied makes it look like new after a wash. The view through it is not perfect like glass (most people will notice some distortion when viewed at an angle). That's a small trade-off for the piece of mind it provides. Great product, great instructions. Easy change that I would do again.

Sean

[Rscocca]

I've had mine for over three years now,
Live down near Jones Beach, lots of sand year round.
No scratches and it holds up very well.
I clean with Plexiclear it a product used for aviation windshields, it will also create a Rainex type of coating on the shield. I don't have wipers and made it back and forth from open house in the pouring rain one year.

[Dave Howard]

Hey doc. With a generous application of "Rainex" to the windshield you barely need the wipers for most rain events. I'm sure the guru will pipe in on this one.

[Mesa Mike]

I went from glass to Lexan and back to glass. On my first road trip I took a good hit from a rock and cracked my glass windshield. I replaced with glass and ran about 10 years with the Lexan with no problems. I have free glass coverage and when my agent spotted an 1/8" crack near the frame he replaced it with glass.; I have a 1973 TR-6 and would use Lexan if I ever crack that glass. Go for it on your Healy.

[Connedale]

Back in college, my wipers went out. I had no funds or time to fix them. As previously stated, generous rainx does the job! During a shower, I could squirt some direct to the wet windshield no problem. Just keep some paper towels on hand to smear it around.

[Blue MK3]

As edwardb and others say, be careful when/if using RainX on Lexan. The label of both formulations (straight product and the spray-on glass cleaner) says not to use it on clear plastic. If you are determined to use it, test it on another piece of Lexan.