Does anybody produce a Lexan (polycarbonate) hatch for 3rd gens? I just got another one after selling my '86 T/A years ago. I figure a large part of the 3rd gen F-body's great handling came from all the downforce created by the weight of the hatch glass and spoiler!!! There's gotta be a better way to keep the rear end planted.

Mike in Manila
'82 Firebird
'71 Formula 400
'70 Formuloid 350 (it's really an Esprit)

 

Harwood does - 300 bucks
http://shop.eharwood.com/cgi-bin/harwood/12921.html

 

Percy's sells speedglass for our cars. You can get a front windshield and rear hatch.

http://www.percyshp.com/speedglass_pages/chevrolet.html

 

now lexan is stronger and lighter than normal glass right???

 

the problem with lexan, is without a MAR coating of some sort, it scratches very easily. Most lexan windows are also not safe for use with wiper blades.

 

And what about defrost? Will it work

They also have decklids!!!!

 

And what about defrost? Will it work

They also have decklids!!!!

 

is lighter and stronger??????

 

the defroster wires are likely not there ;-)

 

so you have to just like carry around paper towels. ha

 

lexan windows are not DOT approved. They are meant for race cars. not guys who daily drive their vehicle every day.

 

yea i figured. Race on!

 

First: Thanks to those who provided info on lexan sources.

Second: Lexan is a lot lighter and stronger than glass. It is often bonded to auto glass to make it bullet resistant. The big downside was cited: it scratches easily.

DOT has some strange rules. For a long time, they prohibited the use of steel braided teflon brake hoses on street cars. Teflon hoses last almost twice as long as rubber hoses and the steel braid would protect it from minor impacts and abrasion. Go figure.

I beleive certain NHRA classes require the use of a plastic (lexan or plexiglass) windshield for safety purposes! We all know NHRA safety standards are much higher than DOT's.

=8-)

I have the advantage of living in a place where the authorities aren't very strict about vehicular glass standards. I would not consider using lexan on my front windshield because I would still like to be able to use my wipers when it rains (which is often). The hatch question is related to a weight reduction program for my "new" Firebird.

Thanks again to those who replied.

Mike in Manila

 

Percy's Speedglass is superior. It is chemical and scratch resistant. You could even tint it if you wanted. I plan to do the entire kit except for the windshield to my IROC-Z and use factory install methods so it looks stock.

 

I was planing the same thing untill I desided to do a vert instead.

Good link for the fella asking the main question.

http://camaroz28.cardomain.com/memberpage/403007/1

 

Here is another good link.

http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?a...=799&hl=percy&

 

there are methods of loosing couple pounds like tube k-members exc