Glass rear window for RCR 40?

[Jerry Irwin]

AK Sportscars also supply curved glass....My 'kit' came with it.
Jerry

 

[Andy Sheldon]

Jerry

Not in plastic

Randy. Just fill an order form in on the web site and email it to us

Thanks

Andy

 

[Jerry Irwin]

Andy, nope it came as glass curved with a slight green tint.
Jerry

 

[Randy V]

I am trying to think of advantages to using glass instead of polycarbonate and can’t think of any. There are probably better quality polycarbonate materials available, i.e., hardened surfaces, film coated, etc. I would be concerned about the weight of a suitable glass window in the rear clam.

One word - Fire.

 

[Randy Folsom]

One word - Fire.

Yes, over time, backfire from an uncovered 8-stack or four barrel could definitely make a mess of PC. In the event if an engine fire, not sure how glass is better than PC if the rear clam is a molten mess.

 

[Randy V]

Yes, over time, backfire from an uncovered 8-stack or four barrel could definitely make a mess of PC. In the event if an engine fire, not sure how glass is better than PC if the rear clam is a molten mess.

While I did have an onboard Halon fire extinguisher system - I just wanted enough protection from any potential fire long enough for me to get the car stopped and bail out.. My car had Weber IDA’s running 3.5 PSI - Fuel injection systems could be even worse than carburetor systems in that they run much higher fuel pressures.

 

[Randy Folsom]

While I did have an onboard Halon fire extinguisher system - I just wanted enough protection from any potential fire long enough for me to get the car stopped and bail out.. My car had Weber IDA’s running 3.5 PSI - Fuel injection systems could be even worse than carburetor systems in that they run much higher fuel pressures.

I think we are talking about two different windows.

I totally agree the bulkhead window should be automotive safety glass, especially with fuel injection and definitely if there isn’t a fire suppression system. Other good reasons include noise barrier and clarity,

A glass clam window has the advantage being able to withstand backfiring carbs should someone want to run open carbs. PC is lighter, can easily be replaced and is a fraction of the cost.

Glass is also more likely to be period correct, but there are examples of clam rear windows on original cars using both glass and PC. The Alan Mann lightweights used PC for all the windows except the bulkhead glass.

 

[Pat]

Been calling a few places this week and having no luck finding glass for the bulkhead or the clam for an RCR in the US. Surely some others have used glass or another high quality material here in the states.

 

[Randy Folsom]

Been calling a few places this week and having no luck finding glass for the bulkhead or the clam for an RCR in the US. Surely some others have used glass or another high quality material here in the states.

Pat,

For the bulkhead window, flat laminated auto safety is readily available from glaziers in the Austin Texas area. I am going to guess that is the case in most cities. I plan to take my RCR provided window to a shop to use as a template. No idea how much it will cost but I don’t think it will much.

For the clam window I am going to purchase a piece of tinted, two sided AR, polycarbonate and use the provided window as a template. A flat piece will work just fine. Probably do the same for the side windows if I can figure out how to shape them (without a ridiculous amount of effort).

Cheers, Randy

 

[Pat]

Pat,

For the bulkhead window, flat laminated auto safety is readily available from glaziers in the Austin Texas area. I am going to guess that is the case in most cities. I plan to take my RCR provided window to a shop to use as a template. No idea how much it will cost but I don’t think it will much.

For the clam window I am going to purchase a piece of tinted, two sided AR, polycarbonate and use the provided window as a template. A flat piece will work just fine. Probably do the same for the side windows if I can figure out how to shape them (without a ridiculous amount of effort).

Cheers, Randy

What thickness are you thinking of getting for the polycarbonate? Most places I see sell clear polycarbonate. I agree a slight tint would probably greatly help with temps in the rear.