Re: [DML] Change Windows In A DeLorean?

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

Really interesting, Bob. One thing I have learnt though is that 
scratch-resistant polycarb tends to be less strong and can actually 
shatter in extreme impacts leaving very sharp edges. The same phenomenon 
happens when standard polycarb is subjected to UV for along periods (ie 
left outside). It's all a compromise with polycarb at the end of the 
day, and you have to live with the fact that anyone with an acrylic 
spray can will be able to break in within half an hour as polycarb 
softens with the applications of some solvents.

My knowledge of PC is based on my experiences in Robot Wars/ Battlebots 
where it's very popular armour. Lexan is just a brand name for 
polycarbonate - Makrolon and Tuffak are others, all of which available 
in a collection of grades.

It's amusing to give someone a beautifully clear offcut of polycarb and 
a huge hammer and challenge them to break it. I've won drinks before 
betting this!

So, all this poses the question: what DO we do in our DeLoreans to get 
out in the event of a roll? The side windows are glued to the inside 
edge of the door frame, and the windscreen is well bonded, and screwed 
down. Even I'm not thin enough to get out the tollbooth window :-)

Martin

Bob Brandys wrote:

> Being a safety engineer, I also pondered this dilemma. First, all race 
> cars have lexan windshield for safety reasons. Second, Lexan is coated 
> with a silicone layer that hardness the surface and makes it scratch 
> resistant. This is opposed to common poly carbonate which is not 
> coated. Third, the size full plastic window is designed where one can 
> pop out the plastic window with less force than it takes to break the 
> glass window,
>
> Bob