On a zzw30 mr2 the windshield frame has a tubular reinforcement inside the a pillar. I was wishing that I could delete the w/s and frame to add some lightness and it occurred to me that I might be able to sleeve the tubular reinforcement so it would be removable. Maybe make a rubber gasket across the bottom and pin it with grade 8 bolts when in use. This is a horrible idea right? Any ideas?
Definitely terrible idea. Lets see it 
What would support the bottom of the windshield? I don't think that tube in there really does much, I can flex the whole thing by hand up/down, maybe adds a little side to side rigidity.
I'll hazard a guess that it's reinforced for rollover protection, so keep that in mind.
java230 wrote: Definitely terrible idea. Lets see it
When installed, the lower section of the windshield would rest against the original lower area where it was originally glued in. The only difference would be that it would now have a rubber gasket to semi seal it for water leak minimization.
As far as rollover protection, I would sleeve the entire original rolover tube with dom tubing and pin it with grade 8 fasteners. Also I would make a concerted effort to keep it rubber side down 
I kinda want to buy a e36m3box one and try all this in case it turns out to be as terrible an idea as it seems.
I couldnt read the question from staring at the photo.
It's not a horrible idea, I think it can work. I think the biggest problem is that you could mess up slightly and crack a windshield in the process - maybe even when removing it.
Piggybacking off of GameboyRMH's idea, why not have metal all the way around the glass, and a separate seal from the metal frame to the cowl?
Is the weight loss worth the weight gain while it's installed? Is the weight loss worth the aerodynamic penalty?
My old triumph tr4 has a removeable windshield. Full metal surround. Each side has a small tube/pin that slides into a sleeve. It's probably 35-40 lbs. an mr2 would weigh a bit more
Petrolburner wrote: Is the weight loss worth the weight gain while it's installed? Is the weight loss worth the aerodynamic penalty?
Im thinking that the dom tubing and a little rubber gasket material might add up to <10lbs
As far as aero goes, I have no idea. Anyone on here have insight or personal experience with windshield deletions andhow their aero was effected?
In reply to sesto elemento: I have a C4 I am toying with the Idea of loosing the windshield. A small wrap around may be Kool,REALLY though I want one that looks like the BATMOBILE, I'm grafting a 64 vette dash so that shape would work killer. How to make it right might be beyond my tools leave the glass alone If your car doubles as a street driver. how much time do you spend above 80-100? aero isn't as important at legal speeds.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ wrote: Piggybacking off of GameboyRMH's idea, why not have metal all the way around the glass, and a separate seal from the metal frame to the cowl?
Just like MGB, Spridgets, Triumphs and others.
Mmmmmmm
Petrolburner wrote: Is the weight loss worth the weight gain while it's installed? Is the weight loss worth the aerodynamic penalty?
I don't think there is an aero penalty, I think there is a pretty big aero advantage.
A windshield pushes air up, but not into clean airflow. It's a dirty mess, and it forces a pretty large dirty aero hole to have to coalesce behind the car with the mess coming from under it.
Loosing the windshield starts by reducing the frontal area by about 30%. The "dirty" cockpit components exposed can be reduced with a cockpit cover that covers the passenger side. Then roll bar, helmet, etc can all be assisted with aero aids.
The air coming off the cockpit cover could be easily directed to merge with air from under the car or the wing. Combined with a diffuser, there should be real gains.
Compared to a hardtop, there is probably a penalty. But compared to an open top? It's a gain.
If it's hitting more than auto x speeds you will want a small aero screen to knock down some of the buffeting and helmet lift.
Nicely done! I like the look and a bit of weight off the top
It'sawzall good. I still want a Batmobile windshield. 'bout 6" high. my friend Les say's I have already busted my challenge budget,some adjustments may be in order. so have you ever ridden a motorcycle? a wind screen big enough to smoke a cig behind is Huge. a Road race style only works with your chin on the tank.With NO roof and side curtens to smooth the air after it hits the front of the car, not so much the wind screen, you can sit on the back of the seat and not mess up areo at 100mph enough to measure. But I love a well done chop job on the windshield.
sesto elemento wrote:Mmmmmmm damn that thing has a Tag on it,and Two seats, I like this Very much.What is it please, I've been out of the loop for awhile now
Lotus Eleven - 2
now I feel Bad. My first job was at a Lotus dealer, about 68or9, I was about 18, Time to start paying attention.
Actually a Lotus 211.
(Edit: Pronounced 2-Eleven, and if you're wondering where the heck that name came from, it was the project name for the S1 Elise which was originally going to be a topless track toy like this).
sesto elemento wrote:
This is off spyderchat isnt it?? Your car is white....
java230 wrote:sesto elemento wrote:This is off spyderchat isnt it?? Your car is white....
Yup, that's just a picture of the inner structure so people could see what i was talking about. I'm probably not crazy enough to actually Do this to my car!
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