New Acrylic Sunroofs
10-30-2007, 10:55 PM
#17
15 pounds? Ouch. My factory sunroof (without interior panel) is 18 pounds. Not much weight savings there. Once you get a prototype built hopefully it will weigh in at much less than 15. Cool concept, I hope it works!
10-31-2007, 03:11 AM
#18
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Got an estimate on weight?
It would be good to include the seal, wouldn't it? Just so everyone doesn't have to go searching for and ordering their own? Also, it would save everyone effort and money if we could use the factory (either power or manual) latches and mounts.
I didn't see the other thread, but this sounds great so far! Depending how this progresses, I will be interested. Thanks for the efforts!
It would be good to include the seal, wouldn't it? Just so everyone doesn't have to go searching for and ordering their own? Also, it would save everyone effort and money if we could use the factory (either power or manual) latches and mounts.
I didn't see the other thread, but this sounds great so far! Depending how this progresses, I will be interested. Thanks for the efforts!
10-31-2007, 03:14 AM
#19
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
10-31-2007, 05:36 AM
#21
Burning Brakes
Im not affiliated but,
I am under the impression that polycarbonate yellows much more easily than acrylic.
You definetly want the hardner, as it will improve durability.
Im not sure that the tint being sold in the acrylic is because the acyrilic was died this way at the factory the sheeting was made in, (IE it could be more than just a surface tint but rather a pigment tint.)
It certainly sounds interesting!
I am under the impression that polycarbonate yellows much more easily than acrylic.
You definetly want the hardner, as it will improve durability.
Im not sure that the tint being sold in the acrylic is because the acyrilic was died this way at the factory the sheeting was made in, (IE it could be more than just a surface tint but rather a pigment tint.)
It certainly sounds interesting!
10-31-2007, 06:07 AM
#22
Race Director
I've got a spare sunroof with OE hardware on it, so I'd be game for one of the early prototypes even if there is a little extra cost to be shared to help pay for the mold.
Not trying to be a downer at all, but you might be hard-pressed to come up with an order for 50 or more.
Not trying to be a downer at all, but you might be hard-pressed to come up with an order for 50 or more.
10-31-2007, 09:05 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
I still think this seal/hardware stuff will become an issue down the road. It's just so hard for some of us to throw money down sight unseen for something we realy want but have no idea what we are getting. I realy hope this works out trust me, it's a fantastic idea, but i agree that an order of 50 or so may be tough. The only way I see around that is if someone wanted to purchase the remainding 30 or so for sale on other sites/forums.
Just my .02.
Just my .02.
10-31-2007, 10:26 AM
#26
Billowing in the Wind
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Speaking as one who used to work in the manufacture of cell cast acrylics (Like the ones you are going to use here), I wanted to say that you can expect that these will be prone to scratching, and I expect that they will start crazing after a couple of years, especially at any stress points.
I don't want to put this down or anything, but want people to know what to expect.... Be careful with cleaning them, don't use harsh solvents/soaps (Ivory soap is best).
I think that if you could come up with a frame for the thing, both to hold the acrylic panel and the weatherstripping, that this would be the best. If you use 0.220" acrylic and mount attaching hardware to it, you are going to be prone to stress crazing.
Good luck with it,
Keith
I don't want to put this down or anything, but want people to know what to expect.... Be careful with cleaning them, don't use harsh solvents/soaps (Ivory soap is best).
I think that if you could come up with a frame for the thing, both to hold the acrylic panel and the weatherstripping, that this would be the best. If you use 0.220" acrylic and mount attaching hardware to it, you are going to be prone to stress crazing.
Good luck with it,
Keith
Your input is appreciated. I will have to look into this. It probably wouldn't be a big deal to get some aluminum c-channel to run around the outside edge.
My thinking is that we would use 'Mushroom' caps to help spread the load where the fasteners are.
My biggest concern is for the scratch resistance. The fabricator is insistant that this will not be a problem AS LONG AS people take care to baby the top. They made it clear that the hardner will add significant cost as it needs to be applied at the factory when the sheet is made. They do not have the ability to do it.
10-31-2007, 11:35 AM
#27
Instructor
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Keith,
Your input is appreciated. I will have to look into this. It probably wouldn't be a big deal to get some aluminum c-channel to run around the outside edge.
My thinking is that we would use 'Mushroom' caps to help spread the load where the fasteners are.
My biggest concern is for the scratch resistance. The fabricator is insistant that this will not be a problem AS LONG AS people take care to baby the top. They made it clear that the hardner will add significant cost as it needs to be applied at the factory when the sheet is made. They do not have the ability to do it.
Your input is appreciated. I will have to look into this. It probably wouldn't be a big deal to get some aluminum c-channel to run around the outside edge.
My thinking is that we would use 'Mushroom' caps to help spread the load where the fasteners are.
My biggest concern is for the scratch resistance. The fabricator is insistant that this will not be a problem AS LONG AS people take care to baby the top. They made it clear that the hardner will add significant cost as it needs to be applied at the factory when the sheet is made. They do not have the ability to do it.
For the poster above, the UV sensitivity is due to the polymer chain backbone on polycarbonate, so very little to do there that will really make a difference. They can add additives/coatings, but there will still be sensitivity.
I am almost tempted to get a spare top from the local Porsche junkyard ($100), cut out a hole and put an acrylic piece in there :idea: . Hard to make it look beautiful, methinks.
Let's see how far your prototypes go, and how they come out.
Again, good luck!
Keith
