Does anyone here have any ideas about the best way to fabricate (or buy?) temporary door windows for Mustang race cars that have gutted doors? The car in question is an S197, if that makes a difference. I'll need something to keep out the elements when the car is on an open trailer or when it's left in the paddock for a while. Normally, this car will be stored in a garage.

Thanks in advance!

@Fabman might know.

I think if someone comes up with a workable solution for this, there are a few people (customers) who would interested on this site.

Great question. For my vaporware project, I was thinking either aluminum sheet or lexan with a wire support frame to hold the right shape. Make them removable using dzus for the panel or bolt on points for the wire frame.

I was considering this issue for storing a street legal race car on the street, and also for transport.

Actually Kevin @Albino500 makes them.
He has it all patterned out and makes a nice little product.
They are great for open trailering, especially in poor weather.
I'll shoot him this link and let him chime in.

I'm currently trying to make a set of lexan windows that I can take in and out by sliding them into the door between the weather-stripping. I already have the pieces cut out and just need to get a metal frame to support it and so it can slide in easier/more precise.

Are you referring to these transport side windows?

Albino500 said:

View attachment 6540 Are you referring to these transport side windows?

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Yep! How do they install?

They drop in and have 3 levers along the top edge to lock in under the roof rail.

If I make another run of them I'll take a poll on who wants them. Been selling them for $250 + shipping in the past. I started making them about 5 years ago because not all of us have the luxury of an enclosed trailer. It also helps keep cats and other animals out of the car when in the garage or outdoors like mine.

Albino500 said:

If I make another run of them I'll take a poll on who wants them. Been selling them for $250 + shipping in the past. I started making them about 5 years ago because not all of us have the luxury of an enclosed trailer. It also helps keep cats and other animals out of the car when in the garage or outdoors like mine.

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I'd like to buy a set.

The_Backmarker said:

I'd like to buy a set.

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I gave Kevin the message. Expect him to be contacting you shortly.

I appreciate the simplicity of that design.

Albino500 said:

View attachment 6540 Are you referring to these transport side windows?

Click to expand...

I would also be interested in these.
Please pm me on how we can make this happen.
I have a FR500C, S197 body.
Thanks, Mark

I have an enclosed trailer but I do not always put the car in the trailer each night at the track. When I leave it out I use this half cover I made and have not had an issue. I also use it on really hot days when we have long waits between sessions to keep the cabin cooler.

Front tucks under hood, rear tucks under trunk, sides use velcro on door handles and strong neodymium magnets sewn into the darker grey hem line around the car to keep it attached to the car. It would likely be ok on an open trailer with a front faring to reduce the wind load.

Like Dozier I have an enclosed trailer , but often it is out overnight at many tracks and even with a cover, if there is a sudden rain, these inserts would come in quite handy.

ddozier said:

I have an enclosed trailer but I do not always put the car in the trailer each night at the track. When I leave it out I use this half cover I made and have not had an issue. I also use it on really hot days when we have long waits between sessions to keep the cabin cooler.

Front tucks under hood, rear tucks under trunk, sides use velcro on door handles and strong neodymium magnets sewn into the darker grey hem line around the car to keep it attached to the car. It would likely be ok on an open trailer with a front faring to reduce the wind load.
View attachment 6806View attachment 6807

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That's really clever. Where did you buy that?

Have to agree , Backmarker , that is a slick looking cover!! Likely we will find out he is a neodymium Salesman and it is prototype for a new cover? Who knows , I just wanted to use neodymium in a sentence as I had never heard of that before, ha!

The_Backmarker said:

That's really clever. Where did you buy that?

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ddozier said:

I use this half cover I made

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Agreed, really clever. I think he *made* it...or at least modified one.

Fortunately I have a mother that can sew, she was convinced I was crazy when I showed up at her house to pick her up and her sewing machine. Dragged her to my garage. We started the project at about 1PM and was done by 4PM. At 80 its good for my mom to get out of the house.

I bought a car cover from CoverCraft it was from the Evolution series of materials, fitted custom cover so I could get the mirror pockets and a tight fitting cover. I chose this material because it is outdoor rated, very light weight, and not a stretchy material as I knew I would be cutting it up and I needed it to hang so to speak from the roof. The stretchy covers would not work well for this application.

Placed the car cover on the car and decided were I wanted the cover to actually cover, drew a chalk line around the car prior to cutting it so I could see what would look the best, added in enough material to cover the hem and then started cutting. Used a lot of stick pins to create the hem line around the car. Removed from the car and started sewing the hem and adding the magnets about every 10-12". I had enough material left to sew up a storage bag for the cover.

Works great at the track. I usually lay the cover flat on the tonneau cover of my tow vehicle to dry out the morning dew or any rain that fell over night. Fold it up and put it in the bag and store it in the trunk when not on track.

Some work in progress pictures: