Hi all. I am wondering if you have any insights into the 968 lexan rear hatch - I am thinking of fitting one for next season.
There is one from both this supplier
http://www.deutschnine.com/mm5/merchant.mv...6-aero-dynamics
and also GT racing
http://www.gt-racing.com/pdfs/GTR968.pdf
Do you know of any differences (quality, fit etc) for the price differences? Any experiences with either from anyone, good or not so good? Thanks. (if anyone in Aus wants one let me know, shipping two together would make a big difference in freight costs).
Regards
Mark [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Can't help with your question I'm afraid, but I have one from
plastics4performance and it's great. I specified it thicker than normal (as I had a different make before that sagged in the middle) with their top coating and it looks like it should last really well.
I run an oversize rubber gasket to stop fumes (there's always a gap) which works well, about the only change (other than the weight saving) is you get more outside noise coming through, which is hardly a problem for a racer.
I wouldn't go back to a glass one now!
thanks for that. so you have 5mm thick? do you know how different the tougher one is than stock poly?
I got mine installed by a local body shop and have been quite satisfied, especially the weight removal was noticeable, even in street use.
Only problem I got is that
a) got few scratches into lexan when removing stickers from historic event (now I know not to glue anything on it anymore)
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif[/img] had a leak problem, because OEM rubber gasket for trunk left a gap between hatch door and seal. Replaced OEM seal with aftermarket seal, and now the problem is solved.
Lexan hatch is abit noisier + it's not fun to drive with open windows + sunroof above 60mph speeds, because hatch starts to resonate, but I think this is a minor problem.
our car is too heavy from the factory anyways, so lexan hatch is a good trick to lighten her up abit. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]
<!--quoteo(post=78024:date=Aug 17 2009, 12:00 PM:name=MC968CS)-->QUOTE (MC968CS @ Aug 17 2009, 12:00 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->thanks for that. so you have 5mm thick? do you know how different the tougher one is than stock poly?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yes I went 5mm this time. the coatings they use are supposed to make a big difference and are even resistant to damage from fuel and so on. It even has to have a border around the edge as otherwise the sealent wouldn't stick it to the frame. I've only had it fitted for a few months, but its been outside all the time and still looks perfect.
I have bought products from both Deutch Nine and GT Racing.
I bought the rear hatch and side windows from D9. A bit pricey, but the quality and fit of the product was very good. They scratch very easily,so be careful. Customer service was a bit slow for my liking.
Bought lots of stuff from GT Racing, Hoods, Guards, Doors, flares, but no windows. Excellent customer service, but as the products are geared toward racers, the quality isn't always the best. Expect to have to modify parts to fit.
How thick is the stock glass? In order for the lexan window to fit properly, shouldn't its thickness match that of the glass? And has anybody weighed the glass and lexan windows to determine exactly how much weight is saved?
From memory I think I saved about 30 pounds. you can save another 10 pounds if you delete the metal frame and fix the hatch in place.
<!--quoteo(post=78576:date=Aug 24 2009, 08:21 PM:name=Dubai944)-->QUOTE (Dubai944 @ Aug 24 2009, 08:21 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->From memory I think I saved about 30 pounds. you can save another 10 pounds if you delete the metal frame and fix the hatch in place.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's too optimistic saving figure for frame delete. frame weight's practically nothing (thin aluminium), I would guess 3-4lbs?. If you add there all the extra bits and pieces which are assembled on top of frame cover and glass (read: decorative parts), then we're close to 10pounds. but then again, hatch with stripped decoratives wouldn't look pretty on street car.
<!--quoteo(post=78487:date=Aug 23 2009, 05:13 PM:name=Cloud9...68)-->QUOTE (Cloud9...68 @ Aug 23 2009, 05:13 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->How thick is the stock glass? In order for the lexan window to fit properly, shouldn't its thickness match that of the glass? And has anybody weighed the glass and lexan windows to determine exactly how much weight is saved?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I think the glass is 4mm as standard, but going thicker didn't cause me any problems, the glass goes on top of the frame and any height mismatch is covered by the trim.
I also found the weight saving to be in the 30 pound region, which isn't bad considering it's in one of the worst places (high up and far from the cars centre).