Hi Lynn,
Per Drawing F-53041, Forney made their sidescreens out of .065 Plexiglas. Thicker material must be heat formed to the contour assumed when fully up (and I might take another 1/16" off the width), otherwise you must apply sufficient effort to overcome ever-increasing friction (and wear) to bend the thicker material for the years it will take the sun to do this. Note the significant curvature in this position, particularly when no sunscreen is fitted.
Pressure is only an issue regarding forced entry. I don't think any coupe with the padlock through the frames is secure from an experienced or determined thief. But for pressure resistance of this sort, Lexan beats Plexi hands down.
It's not optically as good, but most would not notice the slight added distortion in above uses. It might even be argued that a (flat) windscreen fabricated from Lexan would offer added safety in event of a bird strike, but that's different can of worms to debate.
Has anybody secured FAA 337 approval for Lexan coupe sidescreens (or rear windows)?
Fitting a sunscreen reduces bending in each shorter panel, since side panels intended for use with a sunscreen can be shorter (for weight reduction). Anybody ever do a 337 for this modification?
Regards,
WRB
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On May 27, 2004, at 6:53 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
William; I did everything you mentioned except measure the thickness of the windows. I ordered them for a Forney which uses .080 thick instead of the .060 thickness used in the original Coupe. I have had the .060 ones vibrate too much, and the 080 thickness seems to stand a lot more pressure.
Lynn
