OK everyone....thinking about taking a set of factory perfect sail panels and seeing if I could have molds made out of them. And then see if a glass company could make them out of safety glass. Let me know your thoughts!
I think I will contact Richard at Pro-source Glass and see what he has to say about it. I honestly don't think the weight will be a problem. I personally will be needing a good supply of sail panels with my new endeavor...and I am not completely happy with the current aftermarket options. Please feel free to continue to comment and leave thoughts.
You could probably find a way around the curved front edge by using a piece of plastic there. But other than that I think it's a good idea. Safety glass would be a lot easier to do than tempered glass.
For all the trouble, why not just make a very high quality plastic replacement? Seems all the current ones available have their flaws. As one that may need a pair in the future it would be great knowing I could purchase a pair that have fit and finish exactly as stock, no issues.
I have considered making my hybrid sail windows out of safety glass. to hold them in I would steal a little trick from church windows using a leaded tin channel to go around the glass and have studs on the backside to just bolt the darn things on with. Forget the tape. Plus using the lead/tin channel stained glass window the seam in the channel can be sanded smooth after soldering and then painted satin black to match the rest of the trim. Mix that with my hybrid setup and it will look nice.
[This message has been edited by jetsnvettes2000 (edited 05-20-2014).]
I have considered making my hybrid sail windows out of safety glass. to hold them in I would steal a little trick from church windows using a leaded tin channel to go around the glass and have studs on the backside to just bolt the darn things on with. Forget the tape. Plus using the lead/tin channel stained glass window the seam in the channel can be sanded smooth after soldering and then painted satin black to match the rest of the trim. Mix that with my hybrid setup and it will look nice.
Dow Corning 995 Structural Silicone Sealant. We use this stuff to [basically] glue the glass on the aluminum frames that are installed in commercial construction. It isn't coming off.
Dow Corning 995 Structural Silicone Sealant. We use this stuff to [basically] glue the glass on the aluminum frames that are installed in commercial construction. It isn't coming off.
Or just use windshield installation adhesive (the stuff used on new cars).
I vote for properly designed sail panels, but not in glass.
You already know there want be a huge demand,and will be critiqued by all the negative nancys.
Other venders on here create low demand items . They know there not gonna strike it rich(most don't even break even).
And personaly the more options for us the better.
I just love these threads.
Topic "I want to do blah... tell me why this would not work"
Replies that are on topic: "I think it won't work because blah blah blah"
Replies that are not so on topic: "Anyone who disagrees with you is a hater. Don't listen to the haters. They don't know what they talkin' bout. Haters."
Then people lose their tempers, and throw negative ratings around like they don't mean anything, simply because they lose their temper over some petty disagreement.
For TXOPIE, if you're talking about only the notchback sails, then it might be doable at a reasonable cost, and you might get a few more buyers. If you're talking about the fastback panels, then I think the production cost and weight gain over the plexi panels, will be prohibitive.
I was going to say this... windshields are glued on and I can't remember one ever flying off due to a failed adhesive.
MOSTLY true fact. However, Mercedes SLs (only) do have a problem with them working loose, in as little as 3-5 years. I found out when I wanted to replace a windshield in one of mine that had some pits and leaks. The Safelite guy just barely pushed the old one out with one hand from outside the car. It litterally fell out in his other hand all in one piece. He told me they recommend removing and reinstalling them every so many years as its a common issue. I guess it might be due to cowl shake breaking the drier seal when the car (convertible) flexes over bumps.
MOSTLY true fact. However, Mercedes SLs (only) do have a problem with them working loose, in as little as 3-5 years. I found out when I wanted to replace a windshield in one of mine that had some pits and leaks. The Safelite guy just barely pushed the old one out with one hand from outside the car. It litterally fell out in his other hand all in one piece. He told me they recommend removing and reinstalling them every so many years as its a common issue. I guess it might be due to cowl shake breaking the drier seal when the car (convertible) flexes over bumps.
Turbo Regals and GNs are notorious for twisting the rear window loose but I would think sail panels would stay. The 84 notchy panels are glass so I don't see weight being an issue even with the fastback size but the tooling costs and low volume would probably make they too expensive for most people.
Turbo Regals and GNs are notorious for twisting the rear window loose but I would think sail panels would stay. The 84 notchy panels are glass so I don't see weight being an issue even with the fastback size but the tooling costs and low volume would probably make they too expensive for most people.
I don't think the 84 notchie panels are safety glass though, are they? I think safety glass will be a little thicker, and has a layer of material on each side to keep the glass contained when it does shatter.
And why did GM switch away from glass in the notchies exactly? I'm sure they had a good reason, even if that reason was only cost.
I would think a better investment would be to pick up where others have left off. I think Pokey was almost there when he ran out of funds...or whatever the roadblock was he hit. I'd contact him and see if he's willing to sell what he has. Why start from scratch.
Molds for glass are made from steel, highly polished - has to be to withstand the heat of semi-molten glass. Last time I had a custom glass windshield made, for a boat, cost was right around $10,000 even. That was 12 years ago. Be great if it worked out, but I too think that a well-executed plastic would be better.
