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10-01-2009, 04:55 AM | #1 |
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Home made windblocker. Heres how I made mine
I started with a piece of 1/4 inch LEXAN 14x24, a 1/4 inch piece of foam board and a strip of 1/4 inch aluminum edge trim. I cut the edge trim to six inch strips with a metal saw blade and notched them at 2 inch spacing. This allows it to form to the curve of the roll bar. I attached it with 3M automotive moulding tape. Then I took measurements and rough cut a piece of the foam board. Used a Sharpie pen to trace the contour of the roll bars and back deck. And through trial and re-trial, I cut and sanded the foam board with a sanding wheel drill attachment. Until I got the best shape possible and fit it in to place. This is my template for the LEXAN which I only want to cut once. I then traced it onto the lexan leaving the clear protection film on and lined it with masking tape to trace on and cut through. Then used the same sanding wheel to shape, then smooth and polish the edges with smaller grit wheels. Now slide it into place. To make a tight fit I cut a piece of black felt 1/8th inch thick. It pads and holds the lexan nice and tight and keeps it from moving. For the etched logo I printed out a Z4 logo from the internet. This one - http://www.cartype.com/pics/1618/full/bmw_z4_logo.jpg Then traced it onto a piece of Clear shelf lining contact paper, centered it and stuck it down. Then added a bottom edge trim to keep it from flexing and trimed the aluminum edging with self adhesive black auto trim. All for around 25 dollars U.S.
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02-27-2010, 04:35 PM | #5 |
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Trim?
I found the acrylic, and aluminum u-channel at Lowes, what size trim did you use, ie 1/2"? and where did you pick it up? Thanks
Last edited by BruceJ; 02-27-2010 at 07:00 PM.. |
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05-12-2010, 11:26 AM | #8 |
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Nice job.
here's the one I made when I had my M Roady (think I still have it somewhere)
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05-12-2010, 07:14 PM | #10 |
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Lexan will cut with either a jigsaw or a band saw. In either case make sure to tape off the the entire surface to help prevent scratches later on. Here's mine. If you happen to scratch it up a porter cable 4215 and some Meguiars PlastiX polish will take out most scratches. Only clean with distilled water and microfiber. Frankly, for scratch resistance, acrylic will do a a better job than Lexan and is cheaper and more readily available(Lowes). Here's mine.
Last edited by BruceJ; 05-12-2010 at 07:30 PM.. |
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05-16-2010, 07:53 PM | #12 |
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05-30-2010, 07:58 PM | #14 |
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Sorry, got a day job, and for the most part the wife and kid take up the rest. Really, if you dont have the time, skill or tools the one from Roadster solutions is pretty good. It may be hard to swallow the $270 pill, but once you put it on I think you would easily think its worth it. Especially in comparision the BMW 500 buck whiz bang screen.
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10-26-2010, 11:47 AM | #15 |
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Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0Si Sapphire Black
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"3M trim/moulding Tape - not the foam stuff - you can find it in most auto parts stores"
Bruce, I haven't been able to find the 3M trim tape- except online at 3M, in 72 yard rolls. That's about 71 more yards than I need. If you have some left, could you send me a yard if I send you $5. ? Thanks, Ray Lynch |
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10-30-2010, 12:54 AM | #17 |
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Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Roadster, Black
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Roadster Solutions windscreen
Here is my Roadster Solutions windscreen. We just love it! No vibration or rattling. Well made product!
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11-10-2010, 06:46 PM | #18 |
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Hi WamZ4. Awesome Job!! I'm planning on trying this tomorrow. I really appreciate you posting your process!
Two quick questions: 1. How did you achieve the even curve of the top? 2. How exactly did you notch the aluminum trim? (It looks like you just notched it on the bottom of the 'U' ...if so, did you go just deep enough to remove the bottom of the 'U', or did you go deeper than that? |
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11-13-2010, 02:52 PM | #19 | |
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Quote:
I noticed you do not have anything between the pillars.... what if any affect does this have on wind? or is the single large wind blocker between the seats enough? |
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11-13-2010, 04:34 PM | #20 |
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02-17-2011, 02:58 PM | #21 | |
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Quote:
1 - the curve was done with 1/4 inch graph paper drawn on the foam board after cutting to fit the sides and bottom, then used graph paper to make sure the curve was even all the way across the top. 2 - The alluminum trim is 1/4 inch "U" trim from home depot, The notch is actually at the top of the U across both upright sides and cut all the way down to the bottom of the channel without going through it so it can spread while the flat back or bottom of the "U" is one long uncut strip that can bend to fit the curve of the roll bar.
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02-17-2011, 03:53 PM | #22 |
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Has anyone tired both the lexan/acrylic wind blockers and the mesh ones? I read somewhere that BMW tested it and found that the mesh worked better as it evened out the cabin pressure. Then again visibility is way better with acrylic (and IMO looks slightly better, you guys did an amazing job!). I'm also considering rolling my own.
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