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-   -   Lexan hard top window install, with pictures! (https://www.miataturbo.net/general-miata-chat-9/lexan-hard-top-window-install-pictures-30104/)

disturbedfan121 01-11-2009 12:26 AM

rain-x sells a solution you bput on the insed of the window that prevents fog. it works pretty well from what i've seen/used, lasts about 2weeks before it needs to be re-applied.

Also if you want to do the DIY way. take some conditioner and put it on the window. the with a squeegee pull it off....it will pull 99% off but will leave a thin film that will prevent fogging. i've seen it done, but never did it myself, it works but for how long, idk.

curly 01-11-2009 12:41 AM

well I probably won't be tracking the car in 30 degree weather, and once its warmed up (the car I mean) the heat inside should keep it from fogging, it was just very cold outside and the window was warmed from my shed. Thanks for the ideas though.

I'll be taking some pictures tomorrow for y'all.

curly 01-11-2009 06:14 PM

2 Attachment(s)
They're not great pictures because of the rain, which makes it hard to tell that its better than the original, but you get the point, better pictures to come once it dries out (aka, June) You can also see my new rear tow hook in this pictures, hopefully I'll never have to use it.

Also last night I made a small list of things I want to finish before my next track day, which will probably be in March. Within 5 minutes I had a dozen items, and only one required money, everything else just needs time. The main thing holding me back is the lack of a garage, it sucks!
I tried to install the front tow hook today, but I couldn't even do that because it would require laying down on the ground and its all wet. After a few minutes I was finally in a semi workable position by kneeling on one of the seat pads I'd removed, and when I stuck my head under the car a huge drop of rain fell in my eye, I want a garage!
Attachment 209156
Attachment 209157

disturbedfan121 01-12-2009 11:40 AM

did you check it for leaks from the rain?

and it looks good

curly 01-12-2009 06:33 PM

Yeah it leaks, but I haven't sealed it yet, so I expected that. It was better then the tarp I had over the cockpit before, which let a lot of moisture and condensation to collect everywhere.

I figured I'd take some pictures now cause its not going to look any different with a bead of silicone under it.

TravisR 01-12-2009 07:12 PM

Really the bolts look pretty good. At least you don't have to remove rivets when you remove the poly.

curly 01-12-2009 07:51 PM

Yeah I'm not as talented in any way shape or form as Keith, so I knew I wouldn't be able to get it the right shape without bolting it on and taking it off multiple times. As it is I still have to take it off again to seal it.

I just need to test some goo-gone, simple green, and glass cleaner on a piece of scrap to make sure it won't ruin it. I know a friend put some goo-gone on a wall clock to get rid of some sticker goo and the alcohol in the goo-gone made it all white and not some much see through.

curly 01-20-2009 07:52 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Finally shot some pictures of the window when it wasn't foggy or wet, although they're crappy iphone quality, but you get the idea. It looks amazing!
Attachment 208967
Attachment 208968
Any foggyness you see in these pictures is a small layer of dust and a bit of reflection, cause the sun is actually out today!

Saml01 01-21-2009 09:59 AM

Great work. I think its a bit overkill with the bolts. Gluing in would have looked better imho.

Did you put any sealant between the window and the top?

curly 01-21-2009 08:52 PM

Not yet, it's in the plans though. Either a rubber strip with glue on both sides or just a small bead of silicone. The weathers going to clear up then I won't care, so it'll probably be next winter by the time I do seal it.

hustler 01-21-2009 10:24 PM

I've stepped in dog shit that looked better than that.

ApexOnYou 01-21-2009 11:23 PM

Talk about blunt lol..

I agree the bolts look kinda tacky, if those were smaller it would be badass, but props for actually making yours, i've been putting it off for a while.

hustler 01-22-2009 12:05 AM

countersing some black screws. Look at a few racecars to see how they do lexan windows...you can definitely fix this and it won't be hard.

9671111 01-22-2009 12:23 AM

Let's not go throwing around "amazing" too loosely now.

curly 01-22-2009 12:53 AM

So it's just the bolts you guys don't like? I agree they're too big and too flashy, but I didn't think it looked that horrible. I dunno about counter sinking screws cause I'd be worried about cracking or just pulling through. Perhaps black screws and washers? But it's done and it works so I might just make hustler eat this dog shit and leave it

ApexOnYou 01-22-2009 01:00 AM

I plan on using those small black button topped bolts with the hex head in the middle (if someone knows the name please tell me), if they are black it will barely be noticeable from a distance.

Did you really crank those bolts down? Seems like the window is deforming badly, or is that normal?

curly 01-22-2009 07:45 AM

No its not really deforming at all. There really was quite a bit of sun light on the window when I took the picture, which is going to show any little imperfection. There is two or three places where it bubbles up slightly because I didn't tighten the bolt properly before drilling the next hole. I put my battery powered drill on ~15 ft/lbs and called it good.

hustler 01-22-2009 08:55 AM


Originally Posted by curly (Post 356759)
So it's just the bolts you guys don't like? I agree they're too big and too flashy, but I didn't think it looked that horrible. I dunno about counter sinking screws cause I'd be worried about cracking or just pulling through. Perhaps black screws and washers? But it's done and it works so I might just make hustler eat this dog shit and leave it

go to a dragstrip and look at a few racecars, then make your decision. The bolts are hideous, they're deforming the shape, it fits like shit, and the whole thing pretty much sucks. Of course, I'm armchairing it, but I think you should get some thicker lexan, shape it with a belt, sander, and get some hardware that mounts flush.

Saml01 01-22-2009 09:14 AM


Originally Posted by curly (Post 356759)
So it's just the bolts you guys don't like? I agree they're too big and too flashy, but I didn't think it looked that horrible. I dunno about counter sinking screws cause I'd be worried about cracking or just pulling through. Perhaps black screws and washers? But it's done and it works so I might just make hustler eat this dog shit and leave it

Yea, the bolts gotta go. If they were black it would look A LOT better.

With those bolts it reminds me of the belts goth's where.

hustler 01-22-2009 10:17 AM

you didn't even space the screws evenly...it looks like Helen Keller installed that shit.


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