Perspex windscreen

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Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Perspex windscreen

Post by Boosh »

Hi all,
I've decided that while a windscreen is definitely needed for top-down driving, the OE ''ladies' tights'' one that fits over the roll bars is not the most aesthetically pleasing, so I'd like to have a go at making my own perspex one. I've had a look around, but can't seem to find a recommended thickness of perspex to use. Could anybody with one help me out?
Thanks,

Boosh.
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g8jka
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Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by g8jka »

When we made mine I'm pretty sure it was 6mm thick. I also used tinted perspex for a change.
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
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('_')Z3
Joined: Sun 21 Mar, 2010 19:29
Posts: 555

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Lymm

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by ('_')Z3 »

I wouldn't go any less than 5mm. I also made mine from smoked acrylic like g8jka
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QueenAnne
Joined: Sat 02 Nov, 2013 15:23
Posts: 7

  Z3 roadster 2.3

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by QueenAnne »

Windblox has a winner windscreen. Otherwise, there's a pretty good directory of Z3 windscreens over at windscreen review - take a look over there.
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by Boosh »

Thanks for the all the advice. I'll look into it when I get the chance.

Boosh.
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by lightning »

I actually think that the perspex screens look worse than the OE mesh ones
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g8jka
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  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by g8jka »

They do seem to be more effective than the OEM ones though and you don't lose the ability to see through the rear view mirror when fitted. Although you do lose the option of opening the top cubby box. Also they are the only option you have if you have schnitzer or aftermarket hoops fitted.
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
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Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by Boosh »

Well, my hoops are OE but I think the mesh screen hides them. And the fact that it darkens the interior when the roof is up. As for the cubby box, I think a wide notch in the bottom edge should allow for the lid to be lifted up, without causing too much turbulence.

Boosh.
Axelf
Joined: Wed 27 Apr, 2016 06:33
Posts: 20

  blank

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by Axelf »

I have the clear Perspex one fitted and I think it looks better than the mesh, each to there own I suppose and you can see through the mirror no problem
gookah
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Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by gookah »

I too think the clear ones look better than the gimp-mask type :D
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by lightning »

I think the perspex looks tacky!

"I've bought a convertible but don't want the wind to ruffle my hair so l've stuffed a piece of transparent plastic behind the seats in the hope that nobody will notice....."

A bit like certain Mercedes with the stupid little plastic aerofoil that pops up at the top of the screen when the hood is down....lest the wind should blow on the driver's head, mustn't have that, it wouldn't do at all.
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
Posts: 866

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by Bonzo »

gookah wrote:I too think the clear ones look better than the gimp-mask type :D
Agree with that! The mesh type hides the hoops and looks a bit Heath Robinson!
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Jonttt
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Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
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  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Re: Perspex windscreen

Post by Jonttt »

I carried out some side by side tests a number of years ago and can confirm IMHO:

- the OEM mesh type is the most effective
- the Perspex ones look better. They are only marginally worse than the mesh type.
- anyone who drives without one is stupid :lol: They just make the drive more pleasurable but the car does look best with none fitted.

As stated above if you have the AC Schnitzer hoop the OEM won't fit.

Ps I worked with a a guy that retailed a Perspex solution and tested several prototypes, that design is important to the function and finding a good way of securing in place and maintaining cosmetics needs consideration ;-)
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