Minimum thickness Polycarbonate Window thickness FIA

[Mac944]

Hello,

I'm looking to replace the side windows on my 944 to polycarbonate (Lexan Margard) but was unsure of the thickness required to meet FIA regulations (4 or 5mm?), do they need any paperwork or markings?.

Most of the races I'll be competing in are in the UK but the club does have an event at Spa each year so wanted to check I'm getting the right kit.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[GORDON STREETER]

I don't think you will have any trouble as I have run Lexan for over 20 years and have never had it checked in the UK or continental meetings, although there's always the first time !

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Mac944

Most of the races I'll be competing in are in the UK but the club does have an event at Spa each year so wanted to check I'm getting the right kit.

Maybe run under an MSA permit, so FIA rules don't necessarily apply?

[terence]

It is 4mm,go for the scratch proof Lexan,that will give years of trouble free service.As an aside,it can also be bent to 90 degree's[cold],gives an idea of how good it is.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by terence bower

It is 4mm,go for the scratch proof Lexan,that will give years of trouble free service.As an aside,it can also be bent to 90 degree's[cold],gives an idea of how good it is.

My windscreen is also made of Lexan it's unbreakable and cheaper than a laminated one seeing that I broke 3 in a season when running them !, I have seen this questioned on other threads as regards safety if the car is damaged and the doors couldn't be opened and the screen couldn't be smashed in to get me out.
However as it is only held in by a few self tappers it can be ripped out easily.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

I have seen this questioned on other threads as regards safety if the car is damaged and the doors couldn't be opened and the screen couldn't be smashed in to get me out.
However as it is only held in by a few self tappers it can be ripped out easily.

I wouldn't worry too much about that - rescue units have gear that will chop through a roll cage like a knife through butter, so a few mm of Lexan (other polycarbonates are available!) won't be a problem.

[Clive Brown]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

other polycarbonates are available

Isn't that some kind of overcooked fried parrot?

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

I wouldn't worry too much about that - rescue units have gear that will chop through a roll cage like a knife through butter, so a few mm of Lexan (other polycarbonates are available!) won't be a problem.

They probably have but back in the early 90s I was being scrutineered at Silverstone and I was told that "perspex"front. screens were not allowed, when I pointed out that this was not perspex but"Lexan" and virtually unbreakable I was told that "there is no such thing".
I took the scrute to task and asked him to hit the screen as hard as he could with a hammer but on the passenger side as it would probably mark it.
He did but unfortunately for him the hammer bounced back and hit him on the head. Point proved !!

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

They probably have but back in the early 90s I was being scrutineered at Silverstone and I was told that "perspex"front. screens were not allowed,

Lexan or whatever screens are allowed nowadays but only if a glass laminated screen isn't available for the car. You obviously have 'grandfather rights', Gordon!

As for smashing the screen to get to the driver, have you tried getting through a laminated screen?......

[Mac944]

Thank you all for your replies, really useful info!

[terence]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

As for smashing the screen to get to the driver, have you tried getting through a laminated screen?......

Not with it still in place.

[brafferton]

We make polycarb windows.
Stuart.
Airedale Race Components.
0113 2509852.
stuart@airedalerace.freeserve.co.uk