I now have a full size template mounted on the stock mechanism, which I'm going to test on Sam's car on Sunday. We'll see how far it intrudes in the cabin. Strike may very well be right about it being a nuisance when it's folded down.

I'll take and post some pictures of the template testing. This will be the final fitting step before the Lexan prototype is made next week.

Rick

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick Hesel:
[B]Not having the car yet, I'm curious.

 

ming version at:
http://www.geocities.com/s2k_mingster/aeroscreen.htm

 

Rick
I like your design and look forward to its development.
Bruce

 

Arrghhh... reborn as a newbie.

Rick .. I actually had my stock aeroscreen tinted. It would be cool if you could make this as an option.

 

I don't see why tinted Lexan, if it's available, can't be offered as an option. I have an appointment with the fabricator on Tuesday morning and I'll ask.

Rick

[This message has been edited by Rick Hesel (edited October 14, 2000).]

 

Sam_S2K and I will be doing the final testing of the foam board template on his car tomorrow. I plan to take pictures and post them tomorrow afternoon (Sunday) so that you can all see the basic shape and operation before we have the Lexan prototype milled.

The comments so far have been very helpful and I think it's great that all these ideas can contribute to improving the final design.

Rick

 

Rick,

glad you're working on this one...

I share Strike's concerns about being able to fold the screen down for top-up driving. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I expect to have to keep the top up quite a bit in the next few months .

Keep up the good work!

 

Strike - the only time that I fold down the aeroscreen is when I clean the rear window. Otherwise, it stays up pretty much all of the time.

 

Rick, in addition to laser engraving we often "etch" polycarbonate (Makrofol / Lexan) with a etchlook vinyl product that any signshop can produce. When applied to the reverse side of the plastic (cut in reverse or mirror image) it is indistinguishable from the real thing. We often use this approach when time, cost, or possible damage to the item makes etching impractical.
This way is easy to produce any custom logo without permanently marking the plastic. The vinyl marking will last many years if the polycarb is cared for properly. The owner can choose to remove it without harming the plastic at a later date.
For those who want deeper etching we either apply vinyl mask (also cut with a sign plotter) and sandblast or laser engraving with or without bead blasting.
I've been working on the same retrofit by myself the last couple of weeks since my company has a CNC machine. No plans for mass production since I work ridiculous hours as it stands. Also note that Bayer Plastics has introduced several automotive polycarbonates (Makrofol) that are glass filled and even smoke tinted. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.