Lightweight Windshield from Sector111

[perryeyges]

I am told "sooner than the good weather will arrive" spring.
We will see. I am having too much fun doing mods and don't seem to care much. I guess since I will have the car for the rest of my life it is a fun time to do more projects on it and really get intimate with the individual systems of the car since the car is pretty much dis-assembled...

[Dave]

Anyone bought/installed this windscreen yet? Opinion?

[JnC]

Originally Posted by perryeyges

Keep in mind that my car is a track car and I'm not into the little details as much as most of you.

What little details? You've removed them all!!!

[perryeyges]

E-X-A-C-T-L-Y!!!!!

[nas213]

Originally Posted by Dave

Anyone bought/installed this windscreen yet? Opinion?

Mine is sitting in the garage ready to be installed. I am very impressed with the quality of the windshield. The install looks pretty easy. I was going to do it myself, but I couldn't find anyone to sell me the epoxy locally unless I was an auto glass shop. Apparently, the VOC content is too high to be sold to the general public in CA, and I am too lazy to go to Nevada to get it. Since I am moving half-way across the country in the next few weeks, I decided to hire someone to do the install for me. IMO, a mobile shop should be able to easily do the install, but removal of the windshield will likely result in scratches to the windshield frame. Also, I plan to remove the sun visor brackets, and the frame appears to be unpainted under these (See Perry's pics). You might want to do the install in steps (remove windshield, paint frame, then install windshield) meaning multiple visits from the mobile windshield guy to get exactly what you want. Outside of the chain mobile shops, I've had trouble getting other windshield shops to touch the job because of the lack of DOT certification. I finally found a shop that does custom windshield work on show cars, and he thinks that he will be able to do the job. He's suppose to come take a look next week. I'll either let him do the entire job, or see if he will remove the glass windshield for me and sell me the epoxy. Hopefully, I can get the install completed before I move to TX. If not, it'll be several months before I have time to deal with it again. I'll post pictures, whenever it's installed.

[VINSTA]

Originally Posted by nas213

Mine is sitting in the garage ready to be installed. I am very impressed with the quality of the windshield. The install looks pretty easy. I was going to do it myself, but I couldn't find anyone to sell me the epoxy locally unless I was an auto glass shop. Apparently, the VOC content is too high to be sold to the general public in CA, and I am too lazy to go to Nevada to get it. Since I am moving half-way across the country in the next few weeks, I decided to hire someone to do the install for me. IMO, a mobile shop should be able to easily do the install, but removal of the windshield will likely result in scratches to the windshield frame. Also, I plan to remove the sun visor brackets, and the frame appears to be unpainted under these (See Perry's pics). You might want to do the install in steps (remove windshield, paint frame, then install windshield) meaning multiple visits from the mobile windshield guy to get exactly what you want. Outside of the chain mobile shops, I've had trouble getting other windshield shops to touch the job because of the lack of DOT certification. I finally found a shop that does custom windshield work on show cars, and he thinks that he will be able to do the job. He's suppose to come take a look next week. I'll either let him do the entire job, or see if he will remove the glass windshield for me and sell me the epoxy. Hopefully, I can get the install completed before I move to TX. If not, it'll be several months before I have time to deal with it again. I'll post pictures, whenever it's installed.

Have you checked with a Lotus dealer? They must do windshields now and then.

[nas213]

Originally Posted by VINSTA

Have you checked with a Lotus dealer? They must do windshields now and then.

A Lotus dealer would be pricey. Lotus would charge to remove the front clam (probably about 2 hours of labor). The windshield can be changed without removing the front clam, or I can remove the clam myself if I do the job myself or let a mobile glass shop do it.

A Lotus dealer is never the cheapest place to have work done on your Elise/Exige. And at least in the Bay Area, there are several mechanics that I trust more than a dealer, especially for doing custom work.

[perryeyges]

DITTO

[smashfactory]

Is there no way to retain the OEM surround? It doesn't look as OEM without it.

[perryeyges]

If you look at an Audi, BMW, Porsche, etc. they all do without the Elise type "OEM surround" rubber flange. Their windshields end up looking much more precisley installed than any Lotus. If you carefully trim the Polycarbonate and have the edge polished you will end up with a much nicer looking install than stock. My car is a track toy and I didn't see the point of going for a polished look.
In short, no you can't install the Poly windshield with the OEM flange, it is moulded onto the stock windshield. Can't remove it without destroying it and it is only available attached to a new OEM windshield.

[mchristian]

My OEM windshield is cracked and I'd really like to do this modification if the job is not more expensive than the OEM windshield or a royal PITA. I really need to see pictures of this professionally installed and look OEM or better to even consider it though. So it needs to be "cut to fit" and polished around the edges? I'd like to see the install instructions, is this available? I didnt see it on the S111 site like most of their other products?

[scottyb]

Not sure if this was covered, but you should realize that Polycarboxylate is not very scratch resistant and a windshield will need to be replaced over time because of excessive scratches. Just like my scratch resistant eye glasses. Also I do not believe that it is DOT approved because it is not shatter resistant like typical auto glass.

[mchristian]

Yes, both of those issues have been covered.

Neil, is this windshield need cutting/fabracation to fit or is it ready to drop right in? Can you add the instructions to your website - this would be very helpful for potential customers to bring to their local glass or race shop so they can review the install process, and provide an accurate estimate!

[Conan]

Originally Posted by mchristian

Can you add the instructions to your website - this would be very helpful for potential customers to bring to their local glass or race shop so they can review the install process, and provide an accurate estimate!

Ditto!

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by mchristian

Yes, both of those issues have been covered.

Neil, is this windshield need cutting/fabracation to fit or is it ready to drop right in? Can you add the instructions to your website - this would be very helpful for potential customers to bring to their local glass or race shop so they can review the install process, and provide an accurate estimate!

The windshield does not need cutting. We recommend professional installation on this glass... it comes with instructions. Any major car glass replacement company would know how to put one of these in, it isn't much different from a standard install.

Neil

[darkSol]

Originally Posted by nas213

Mine is sitting in the garage ready to be installed.... I'll post pictures, whenever it's installed.

Nas, any updates?

[darkSol]

Wow I'm resurrecting again...

Updates?

[plastique999]

yea who has this....16 lbs. seems like a worthwhile mod.

[choi0706]

anyone have this for long term? how is it holding up against scratches?

[ACE51]

has anyone passed state inspection with it?!?