What's the lexan t-top thickness?
#1
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What's the lexan t-top thickness?
My lexan (plastic) t-tops are so weathered that I will most likely have to sand tons of material down just to get the oxidation off. This followed by progressive sanding, polishing and clear coat. I am just wondering what's the thickness of the actual plastic. I am hoping that they are fairly thick so I have some material left after I am done. :-)
#2
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
The factory RPO CC1 T-tops on 3rd gen Camaros and Firebirds weren't made of polycarbonate LEXAN™. They were made from cheap acrylic plastic. They were made by a company called LexaMar Corp. I think they have a protective coating or film on them called LexAR 100™ or LexAR 1000™
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
I have a broken set i could measure if i remember
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Car: '92 Corvette, '89 1/2-a-'Vette
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
Have you reached out to MELROSE to see if they can put new lenses in your roof panels? I just had 'em do the "glass" roof on my 'Vette....came out so good it almost looks too good for the car!
#5
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
My Camaro is a very low budget build so I can't spend hundreds on a new plastic. But good to know that they are available just in case.
I have tried to sand the t-tops but I think mine are too far gone. I used 80 grit to get the oxidation off but the scratches and cracks go deep into the plastic. There are few stress cracks as well. I just did 80 grit to 1500 and then polished. They are a lot smoother to the touch but the cracks still show. I will just apply a very dark tint to the inside.
I have tried to sand the t-tops but I think mine are too far gone. I used 80 grit to get the oxidation off but the scratches and cracks go deep into the plastic. There are few stress cracks as well. I just did 80 grit to 1500 and then polished. They are a lot smoother to the touch but the cracks still show. I will just apply a very dark tint to the inside.
#6
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
At any point that 80 grit seemed to be the right grit to start out with the acrylic plastic T-tops were probably beyond saving for use as normal see though T-tops. You should be able to glue and fill in the cracks and sand smooth the top of the T-tops to prepare them for a wrap or protection film to make them look presentable from the outside and keep rain and water out.
For me the enjoyment of T-tops is having them out with the wind in my hair and Sun on my head and face. With them in I could care less about being able to see through them. So having a solid film or wrap on the outside of them wouldn't bother me too much as long as they looked good.
Save you some money back in a jar as you can afford to just for a set of replacement T-tops and keep your eyes on Craig's List and Facebook Marketplace for a set of used glass T-tops. The glass T-tops are nice and will stay nice if took care of. The drawback to glass T-tops is they are heavy.
For me the enjoyment of T-tops is having them out with the wind in my hair and Sun on my head and face. With them in I could care less about being able to see through them. So having a solid film or wrap on the outside of them wouldn't bother me too much as long as they looked good.
Save you some money back in a jar as you can afford to just for a set of replacement T-tops and keep your eyes on Craig's List and Facebook Marketplace for a set of used glass T-tops. The glass T-tops are nice and will stay nice if took care of. The drawback to glass T-tops is they are heavy.
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
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Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
Have you reached out to MELROSE to see if they can put new lenses in your roof panels? I just had 'em do the "glass" roof on my 'Vette....came out so good it almost looks too good for the car!
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Car: '92 Corvette, '89 1/2-a-'Vette
Engine: LT1, L98
Transmission: ZF6, ZF6
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.31
Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
No kidding? My roof isn't a T-Top, but it got done in some kind of plastic. IDK if glass would be bad, my '83 TA had glass T-Tops. They were heavier, but held up well.
#9
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
The ttops, not sure what the vet tops are made of that he is doing
#10
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Car: '92 Corvette, '89 1/2-a-'Vette
Engine: LT1, L98
Transmission: ZF6, ZF6
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.31
Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
IDK. I was thinking that it'd be the same material, 'Vette or F-bod "plastic" top. That's why I mentioned it. IDK though. Guess The OP won't $pend on it though, so he can sand the wee out of his....and see how it turns out.
#11
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Re: What's the lexan t-top thickness?
I don't want to sand the t-tops down to 1/32". :-) Will just cover them with a vinyl wrap. There are too many cracks and imperfections which show especially from the inside. Don't think mine are salvageable.
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