Glass Vs Lexan

[miker351w]

Hello,

Quick question: MK4 windshield replacement - Go with replacement Glass and double check for any needed shims OR get a Lexan windshield from 520 Speedworks? Price is $475 with shipping for glass and $350 with shipping for Lexan. I am worried that the Lexan will be a noticeable difference and that it will look bad compared to glass. Photos of installed Lexan windshields would be appreciated....

Thoughts?

Mike

[mikeinatlanta]

If careful installing the lexan will look good, for a short while. It will not look as good long term.

[JJK]

Back when I was a practicing engineer, we used Lexan for our high impact and bullet proof applications, so it is definitely strong enough for a windshield. But, in its base form it is not UV stable and will yellow over time. That is why we limited it's use for special applications. They do make versions now that claim to be UV stable, but I have no experience with them. I would verify with the vendor on this point. Also, typical glass cleaners that contain ammonia (Windex) will damage Lexan, so keep to soap and water.

[john42]

I have the 420 Speedworks Lexan and am very happy with it. (2 years now). I use "aircraft" glass cleaner and lots of water to clean it. I also give it healthy doses of RainX. I've also disabled my windshield wipers as those would most likely cause scratching, however I haven't tested it as obviously it would suck if it scratched. The Speedworks uses a UV coated/safe Lexan and so far, all good.

[miker351w]

Any pictures John42? Thanks for all the insight everyone!

[GTBradley]

I bought a sheet of Tuffak AR2 and did it myself. (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?30668-GTBradley-s-build-Drive-by-wire-Cruise-Control&p=383932&viewfull=1#post383932) After selling half of the 4x8 sheet I was $200 all in. I have not treated my lexan differently than glass other than to use plastic cleaner when it's dirty and some rainx made for plastic. I use my wipers when needed without hesitation. It looks like glass and after 14,000 miles and 3 ½ years it looks and performs great.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=129765&d=1591824722

181278 My most recent photo (it was 23rd anniversary). You can see there is no yellowing at all. The only damage it has incurred is miniature chips that you get in glass too. The only way to tell this isn't glass is to push on it - it will flex.

Here's last summer looking through the Lexan in real-world conditions - as in very dirty with bugs and Colorado/Utah dust:

https://youtu.be/URklRPx0JL8

[efnfast]

If careful installing the lexan will look good, for a short while. It will not look as good long term.

I was the first person to buy Fast Freddie's lexan windshield ... so mine is about 16 years old now .... looks exactly like when I bought it.

My SLC has a coated polycarb windshield from Shields Racing that is about 12yrs old now and also looks brand new.

Don't use wipers on it and clean it properly and it will be just fine as long as it's coated (mr-10, etc.)

regular uncoated polycarb, hah, forget it, even with the best of care that's impossible to keep pristine.

[miker351w]

Great info. Wonderful pictures GT Bradley! The windshield looks great!