Okay guys, operation plexiglass(custom headlight)

[phunny]

I have a 93 Rx-7 with the pop-up headlights and I'm going to do some custom lights. So anyone with experience in plexiglass or maybe even clear fiberglass chime in.

-charlie

Just an afterthought, do you think lexan would be a good choice? Not sure which is more flexible; plexiglass or lexan.

 

[SrKegler]

I've used plexiglass. Pretty easy to make a form/mold using plywood and heat lamps. Add a nozzle and pressurize to about 10 lb. Make any shape you want.

 

[phunny]

I was thinking about either 1/4 inch since my lights are around 11'' x 12''. What do you mean add a nozzle and pressurize it? You talking about fiberglass?

 

[e85_4g63]

Never saw clear F/G before, what EXACTLY are you trying to make? Headlight housing's I'm assuming?

 

[tegster1]

I dont have any comparisons but we use lexan for blast shields at work and it will bubble if heated to extremes but will not break/crack. It is not the most flexible though in small quantities. If it was something big such as a windshield, rear glass, side window it would work but for something such as headlights it might be a little tough to use. I guess this might depend on how thick you use though as well.

 

[phunny]

Never saw clear F/G before, what EXACTLY are you trying to make? Headlight housing's I'm assuming?

I'm getting rid of the pop up headlights and going with a flush mount.

 

[knochgoon24]

So you're trying to just thermoform some plexiglas or lexan over the popup hole?
Are you making a custom housing inside?

Plexiglas should work fine. Just look up the specs online somewhere. It's not too hard to work with. You'll probably ruin the first one or two though.

 

[phunny]

So you're trying to just thermoform some plexiglas or lexan over the popup hole?
Are you making a custom housing inside?

Plexiglas should work fine. Just look up the specs online somewhere. It's not too hard to work with. You'll probably ruin the first one or two though.

Yeah I'm going to make a fiberglass form that just drops in and gets bolted down. I'm thinking with some heat the fiberglass with form to it, plus it will have hex screws through the top that will help keep its shape and seal also.

You go to Penn State?

 

[knochgoon24]

Ok, first of all, you need to get your terms straight.

Fiberglass - shredded glass strands - not clear
Plexiglas - clear sheet of a polycarbonate (Plexiglas is a brand name) - clear

You won't be able to heat and form fiberglass. You can however heat and form polycarbonate.

And yes, I go to PSU.

 

[phunny]

Ok, first of all, you need to get your terms straight.

Fiberglass - shredded glass strands - not clear
Plexiglas - clear sheet of a polycarbonate (Plexiglas is a brand name) - clear

You won't be able to heat and form fiberglass. You can however heat and form polycarbonate.

And yes, I go to PSU.

Actually, if you are going to correct someone, do it right. It's acryllic casting resin that you can do clear.
Haven't seen that polycarbonate yet, thanks for the info

Oh yeah, I go to fayette campus.

 

[knochgoon24]

Actually, if you are going to correct someone, do it right. It's acryllic casting resin that you can do clear.
Haven't seen that polycarbonate yet, thanks for the info

Oh yeah, I go to fayette campus.

Doh, yeah. Similar, yet different.

 

[phunny]

Hrmm, didn't realize that polycarbonate was lexan

 

[hubz91talontsi]

You should try to find a picture of what your trying to explain to us.

 

[RipperXX]

There was a thing on the show "KIT, an auto body experience" the other day where they were use plexi or lexan one, I forget. They just put a sheet of it in the oven. I think it was 300* for 3min or something like that, and when the pulled it out it was pertty soft/mailable. They had a mold made from fiberglass (negative of what they wanted) and wrapped it over it, let it cool and wala. Head light cover.

Thought I would mention it.