Fabman
Dances with Racecars
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I also drilled/rolled some aluminum Tee Bar to keep the windows contour consistent at speed. The contour of the factory glass was rounder than the plastic so this was definitely a better fit. Maybe overkill, but what the hay.
View attachment 6520
I didn't. I was assured by the folks at Optic Armor that unless I planned on prolonged speeds over 150 mph no bracing was needed on a 1/4" windshield.How did you brace the front?
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I didn't. I was assured by the folks at Optic Armor that unless I planned on prolonged speeds over 150 mph no bracing was needed on a 1/4" windshield.
Last year I my top speed was only 145 and just at the end of the straight so unless the car gets way faster or the tracks get way longer I doubt that it will be an issue in my case.
At least that's what I'm going with until something changes...stay tuned.
Fabman, with the way you have your rear window braced, do you expect it to bow in or out at speed?
And, are those pop rivets going through the T-bar and through the window?
Yeah, I just hook my bungie's through the holes....it really quite convenient.I thought those brackets on the roof was for the luggage[emoji3]
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The reason rear window straps are mandated is to keep the window from blowing out, not in. Inside supports are often added for the very reason you stated, to keep the window from bowing in. 2 similar effects handled different ways and for different reasons.Fabman, nice job on the window supports, but here are a few points to ponder:
1. Rear flexible windows bow inward (into the cabin) under speed, not outward. In fact, they can bow inward up to 2" without support.
2. Rear window supports might better be placed on the inside than the outside. This way they can be smaller in cross section, reducing viewing obstruction and the outside is easier to clean.
3. With supports placed on the inside, the window will be in compression against the support rather than in tension. No hardware necessary. Easier to remove window.
4. Placed on the inside, holes do not need to be drilled through the window, reducing possible future cracking.
This site would not let me PM or Start Conversation (a little bit frustrating) with a member privately, so I'll drop this here:
1. Rear window straps are not mandated by SCCA for racing if window is securely bolted to the frame.
2. In some SCCA classes, like Improved Touring, polycarbonate or Lexan front windshields are not allowed.
3. ITE may have different rules than the other IT classes.
Hope this helps in prep for the upcoming season.
Thanks for the reply, info, and your informative posts.
Your spectacular fabrication projects are always well thought out and don't look too bad either.
From the looks of the design of your rear window straps it seems that they can only help in the aero department.
Might be interesting to see what some attached yarn does in the slip stream coming down the straight and in the corners.