Discount Lexan - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I got a line on some Lexan through a bankruptcy auction here in Detroit.

It’s the good stuff, Lexan MR10 (scratch resistant coating, UV resistant etc etc):

QUOTE

Lexan* MR10 sheets improved Margard® II coating resists abrasion and defies graffiti to ensure a “like-new” appearance for many years to come. The next generation of UV absorbers, Margard® coating now incorporates enhanced UV absorbers to protect the sheet from the debilitating effects of sunlight. As a result, Lexan* MR10 is accompanied by extended warranties that are your assurance of long term product performance; 10 yr. prorated replacement warranty against breakage, yellowing, abrasion, loss of light transmission and coating delamination.^ 15 year warranty against yellowing and light transmission for qualified dual glazed systems.** Virtually unbreakable. High light transmission common to all Lexan* sheet products. Easily maintained without marring, hazing, or yellowing. Compiles with major model building codes. Dade county approved material.† Recommended by GE for use in residential vertical glazing applications. The ideal glazing for high traffic and high impact areas such as: educational institutions, psychiatric hospitals, storefronts and windows, low-level physical attack areas, entrance doors and patios, hurricane protection, railings and sound barriers. Will withstand -40° to 180° continuous and 220°F short term with no load. ^ Consult warranty for complete details. ** Combining laminated glass and LEXAN* SL-4855 sheet used in accordance with the following guidelines: Double-channeled sash systems; EPDM gasketing throughout; proper venting; adequate air space and rabbet depth (for thermal movement); supplied by a sash OEM with a compatible double-channeled sash for LEXAN* sheet. Consult warranty for complete details. † Data on file at Sabic Innovative Plastics.

I'm getting it in 6x8 sheets, 3/16" thick only. It needs to be cut down to be shipped. So far it looks like UPS won't ship a 48x72 because it’s too big, but it will ship 44x72. Two of these are enough to do a windshield and hatch. A 1/3 sheet could do a thirdgen windshield (32x65).

I plugged in a couple random US zip codes in at UPS.com to get an idea of how much shipping is going to be. Obviously size is the biggest factor and not weight. 4 half sheets to California is $150. 2 half sheets to southern Illinois is $100. Just to give you an idea. If you want how much it is to your door I'll be shipping from 48310.

I'm not sure if this stuff is cheaper elsewhere but here: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.a...oduct%5Fid=9948 is showing it as almost $500 for a smaller sheet than what I am getting.

VFN Fiberglass charges $359 for a MR10 thirdgen windshield and $285 for a 4th gen http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/site.htm

I'm thinking I could do half sheets for $120/ea + shipping, and that price could change. If you have friends that local to you and are interested, it would make sense to combine ship since an extra sheet doesn't cost much more to ship (in some cases it looks like it is free).

Let me know if you're interested and we'll go from there.

This post has been edited by StanIROCZ: Sep 10 2009, 03:55 AM

StanIROCZ View Member Profile	Sep 10 2009, 03:42 AM Post #1
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 3,323 Joined: 30-March 06 From: Detroit Suburbs Member No.: 1,144	I got a line on some Lexan through a bankruptcy auction here in Detroit. It’s the good stuff, Lexan MR10 (scratch resistant coating, UV resistant etc etc): QUOTE Lexan* MR10 sheets improved Margard® II coating resists abrasion and defies graffiti to ensure a “like-new” appearance for many years to come. The next generation of UV absorbers, Margard® coating now incorporates enhanced UV absorbers to protect the sheet from the debilitating effects of sunlight. As a result, Lexan* MR10 is accompanied by extended warranties that are your assurance of long term product performance; 10 yr. prorated replacement warranty against breakage, yellowing, abrasion, loss of light transmission and coating delamination.^ 15 year warranty against yellowing and light transmission for qualified dual glazed systems.** Virtually unbreakable. High light transmission common to all Lexan* sheet products. Easily maintained without marring, hazing, or yellowing. Compiles with major model building codes. Dade county approved material.† Recommended by GE for use in residential vertical glazing applications. The ideal glazing for high traffic and high impact areas such as: educational institutions, psychiatric hospitals, storefronts and windows, low-level physical attack areas, entrance doors and patios, hurricane protection, railings and sound barriers. Will withstand -40° to 180° continuous and 220°F short term with no load. ^ Consult warranty for complete details. ** Combining laminated glass and LEXAN* SL-4855 sheet used in accordance with the following guidelines: Double-channeled sash systems; EPDM gasketing throughout; proper venting; adequate air space and rabbet depth (for thermal movement); supplied by a sash OEM with a compatible double-channeled sash for LEXAN* sheet. Consult warranty for complete details. † Data on file at Sabic Innovative Plastics. I'm getting it in 6x8 sheets, 3/16" thick only. It needs to be cut down to be shipped. So far it looks like UPS won't ship a 48x72 because it’s too big, but it will ship 44x72. Two of these are enough to do a windshield and hatch. A 1/3 sheet could do a thirdgen windshield (32x65). I plugged in a couple random US zip codes in at UPS.com to get an idea of how much shipping is going to be. Obviously size is the biggest factor and not weight. 4 half sheets to California is $150. 2 half sheets to southern Illinois is $100. Just to give you an idea. If you want how much it is to your door I'll be shipping from 48310. I'm not sure if this stuff is cheaper elsewhere but here: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.a...oduct%5Fid=9948 is showing it as almost $500 for a smaller sheet than what I am getting. VFN Fiberglass charges $359 for a MR10 thirdgen windshield and $285 for a 4th gen http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/site.htm I'm thinking I could do half sheets for $120/ea + shipping, and that price could change. If you have friends that local to you and are interested, it would make sense to combine ship since an extra sheet doesn't cost much more to ship (in some cases it looks like it is free). Let me know if you're interested and we'll go from there. This post has been edited by StanIROCZ: Sep 10 2009, 03:55 AM

StanIROCZ View Member Profile	Sep 24 2009, 04:14 PM Post #2
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 3,323 Joined: 30-March 06 From: Detroit Suburbs Member No.: 1,144	I'm somewhat flaking out on this deal. I got the 2 sheets in and one was in very good condition and the other is so-so. So if I buy a load of it I'm not sure what I'll get. Of course the guy originally said its "all undamaged". I assume that anyone that is buying this and paying to have it shipped is going to want a part that is in good condition, and I can't guarantee that. Local pickup is a different story since shipping is a big part of the cost. I've confirmed that 3/16" lexan absolutely needs to be heat formed for a hatch application. You might be able to get by without it on 1/8", though. "drape forming" see page 7 here: http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/plastic_te...ssing_guide.pdf MR10 Lexan can be heat formed but it doesn't look great. I tried a small piece in my oven (wife was gone for a couple hours). The MR10 coating distorts and the clarity gets funky. Pretty much confirms what the source above says on page 3. I think I read that Percy's Speed Glass heat forms the lexan and then puts on their own special coating that is supposedly better than the MR10, but their stuff is very expensive. I can get 3/16" Lexan from my same source without the MR10, but I can only get it in 4x8 sheet which means you can only get one hatch or one windshield out of a full sheet. So it would be possible to heat form this stuff, but my next problem is I'm having trouble finding a powder coat shop that will help me out here. Even with the economy as it is they still don't seem to want to fuss with it or try something new. I'm still trying here though. Quasar and I are looking into getting a 6x8 sheet of 1/8" Lexan and splitting it for our hatches. If we can find a source for it locally it won't cost much more, would be about 7 lbs lighter per hatch, and might not need heat formed. Another good technical doc I found: http://www.regalplastics.net/pdf/polycarb.pdf I disassembled my hatch and weight all the components. I have some pretty firm numbers on the weight savings for lexan. I can post them tonight.