Five Star or Shields?
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 1,019
From: Franklin, TN
Five Star or Shields?
For a given windshield thickness, whose polycarbonate windshields are stiffer, Five Star or shields?
I recently replaced a 3/16" thick polycarbonate windshield that was installed in my race car in 2011. The shop that put the window in could not determine the vendor that made the windshield, but they confirmed that it was 3/16".
I bought a Shields 3/16" thick windshield but it deforms noticeably at speeds where my old windshield did not. I don't really want to install bracing to keep the window from deforming. I will probably have to buy a thicker windshield but I want to get the one that has the best chance of not deforming at higher speeds. I could go back to glass....but I don't really want to.
I recently replaced a 3/16" thick polycarbonate windshield that was installed in my race car in 2011. The shop that put the window in could not determine the vendor that made the windshield, but they confirmed that it was 3/16".
I bought a Shields 3/16" thick windshield but it deforms noticeably at speeds where my old windshield did not. I don't really want to install bracing to keep the window from deforming. I will probably have to buy a thicker windshield but I want to get the one that has the best chance of not deforming at higher speeds. I could go back to glass....but I don't really want to.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 121
From: Colorado
For a given windshield thickness, whose polycarbonate windshields are stiffer, Five Star or shields?
I recently replaced a 3/16" thick polycarbonate windshield that was installed in my race car in 2011. The shop that put the window in could not determine the vendor that made the windshield, but they confirmed that it was 3/16".
I bought a Shields 3/16" thick windshield but it deforms noticeably at speeds where my old windshield did not. I don't really want to install bracing to keep the window from deforming. I will probably have to buy a thicker windshield but I want to get the one that has the best chance of not deforming at higher speeds. I could go back to glass....but I don't really want to.
I recently replaced a 3/16" thick polycarbonate windshield that was installed in my race car in 2011. The shop that put the window in could not determine the vendor that made the windshield, but they confirmed that it was 3/16".
I bought a Shields 3/16" thick windshield but it deforms noticeably at speeds where my old windshield did not. I don't really want to install bracing to keep the window from deforming. I will probably have to buy a thicker windshield but I want to get the one that has the best chance of not deforming at higher speeds. I could go back to glass....but I don't really want to.
I have a Shields .250 in my SPB, 2+ years so far. never noticed any deflection.
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www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 1,019
From: Franklin, TN
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,953
Likes: 567
From: Onterrible
I have a Shields 0.25 in my 993 and it is perfecto. No deformation, no bracing. You can see it if you search 993 RSR Watkins Glen 2016 on YT.
Also have Shields in my SPC. Great product and, as importantly, support.
Will PM you contact email and suggestions re. coating options.
Also have Shields in my SPC. Great product and, as importantly, support.
Will PM you contact email and suggestions re. coating options.
Last edited by jdistefa; Nov 17, 2020 at 12:22 AM.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 228
From: Fremont, CA
I have the Shields in 1/4 inch and it does not deflect. I bought the Shields as NOS from a racer that decided not to use it. I have had at least two 3/16 inch thick Five Star units, and they deflected just a bit. So I fabbed up a simple brace to attached to the back side of my mirror. If you send me a picture of your mirror I can let you know whether the same would work for you, or perhaps make one for you.
I only bought the Shields because it was $200 for a brand new unit. Otherwise I would have stuck with Five Star.
I only bought the Shields because it was $200 for a brand new unit. Otherwise I would have stuck with Five Star.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 443
From: Ossining, NY
No opinion on brand, but I have to agree on 1/4" over 3/16". I had a 3/16" in my 914 when I ran closed top, and it deformed noticeably over 110 mph. On a related note, last I knew SCCA required 1/4" for Lexan windshields.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 121
From: Colorado
Anyway, I think I saw 140+ at Road America I also just put a new .250 rear window in my 996 cup. it had an oem, thin (think 1/8 inch) rear, that had a couple of reinforcement bars. sure the .250 is heavier, but I lost both bars and it is super clear and much easier to see through, since it doesn't vibrate either.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 101
From: NJ
Originally Posted by winders
In an air-cooled 911?
Thread Starter
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 1,019
From: Franklin, TN
No, not at all. You guys must have big ***** to race a chick's car! 
Seriously, though. I am unsure as to which car windshield is more likely to flex in the first place. Plus, I know SPBs have less power than my car does so top speed reached would be different. On the tracks I race on now I see a max of 143 MPH.
I am going to get a .250" windshield. Now I have to decide on which one. The .188" windshield I ordered from Shields took over 8 weeks. That's criminal. Five Star has much faster turnaround time. So I am leaning toward Five Star at this point. At can't imagine having to wait 8 weeks mid season to get a replacement windshield.
Seriously, though. I am unsure as to which car windshield is more likely to flex in the first place. Plus, I know SPBs have less power than my car does so top speed reached would be different. On the tracks I race on now I see a max of 143 MPH.
I am going to get a .250" windshield. Now I have to decide on which one. The .188" windshield I ordered from Shields took over 8 weeks. That's criminal. Five Star has much faster turnaround time. So I am leaning toward Five Star at this point. At can't imagine having to wait 8 weeks mid season to get a replacement windshield.