Side Window - Air Duct broke, need a new one

[daxtojeiro]

Hi, does anyone have a spare "side air duct window" for what would be your passenger side (same side as the fuel filler), they are willing to sell me and post to the UK?

I broke mine drilling the first hole into it :( I will get in touch with FFR, but I guess they are going to be on back order and will want to sell me a pair.



thanks for any help at all,

Phil

[lance corsi]

A modified drill point helps keep the plastic from breaking. Reduce the draft angle to keep the drill bit from grabbing when it breaks through.

[daxtojeiro]

Hi Lance,
Despite my stupidity this time, I have drilled loads of this stuff out in the past without any issues.

What made this time different was I found a special drill bit that FFR supplied and decided to try it, I won't do that again!

thanks
Phil

[lance corsi]

Yea, I made some rear quarter window scoops for my 818 and managed to do the same thing. Also helps to use some sort of sacrificial backup. Good luck finding another.

[Blueblood]

I read this thread right before I had to drill some of my clear plastic. So I tested a theory in order to not break the plastic. I took a propane torch and heated the bit right before I drilled and it seems to work quite well. So far no broken plastic. I used very light pressure while drilling as well.

[michael everson]

It would be nice if they were predrilled by the manufacture. I would think they would know best how to drill them.
Mike.

[edwardb]

There are drill bits made for plastics. Specifically with a 60 degree tip angle. These happen to be the ones I have. I'm sure there are others. Used them for drilling the side scoops and headlight covers on my Coupe build without incident. Using a drill press and also with backing. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1B3B51/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[GoDadGo]

There are drill bits made for plastics. Specifically with a 60 degree tip angle. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1B3B51/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bet these drill bits would work well on Fiberglass, specifically when you are trying to drill painted surfaces...I'll be buying them just to have them on hand for specialty projects that may pop up so thanks for posting the link Mr. B.

[J R Jones]

A pilot hole is helpful and in this case, even smaller than the typical .125 might help. I find that step drills work well in plastic as progressing diameters seem to scrape the hole larger while the preceding diameter holds the tool on center. Higher RPM with conventional drills is better with soft materials.
jim

[daxtojeiro]

Well FFR have no idea when they will get stock, won't tell me when they are in and the supplier wont deal with me directly.
I have no words to explain how I feel about this, apart from ggggrrrr!!

Phil

[LateApex]

Always look on the bright side of life ;-)

There is a discussion on methods to craft one's own acrylic windows here: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?44292-Rear-quarter-windows-and-Lexan-in-general

I too have cracked screw holes on one of my side windows. I have not yet installed headlight covers. In part because I have not closed on light alignment quite yet, and in other part, I need to come up with the way to drill pilot holes in these complex surfaces before I set holes in the FG. Wish me luck pls :-)

[klawrence]

I still have my set if you need them173985173984

[csmith]

I won’t be using them. Whenever I get my kit (6 weeks!), if they’re in there you can have them. I’m assuming that klawrence’s might be quicker though.

[daxtojeiro]

Hi,

thanks, this is fantastic news! Hopefully I can get a set to the UK now :) :)

Phil

[ljdemartini]

Hi, does anyone have a spare "side air duct window" for what would be your passenger side (same side as the fuel filler), they are willing to sell me and post to the UK?

I broke mine drilling the first hole into it :( I will get in touch with FFR, but I guess they are going to be on back order and will want to sell me a pair.



thanks for any help at all,

Phil

I had the same problem with my driver's side. FFR is on back order and the want $240 for the pair. (They only sell them in pairs)

[ljdemartini]

I still have my set if you need them173985173984

I need some, you're not going to use yours. You can contact me at ljdemartini@yahoo.com

[daxtojeiro]

Hi, KLawrence sent me a pair of them, so I have the passenger side as a spare if you want it, but I'm in the UK :)

I'm not sure how a plastic form can be on back order without any date for re-stocking.
I contacted the company that makes them, they were incredibly helpful, but wouldn't sell directly to me :(

thanks to the guys on the forum I got sorted out :)

thanks
Phil