Lexan or perspex windshield needed

[alan]

Hi

Does anyone know where to get tinted lexan or good quality perspex for a canopy/ windshield for a waaiex?

[Kingfisher]

You can try Polypenco @ 011 760 3100 or look for Maizey Plastics.
They sell polycarb sheeting.
Rainbow aircraft also use these for their aircraft , or Kitplanes for Africa, KFA on the forum
Hope it helps.

[falconp1]

Howzit Alan. You can also try Ampaglas S.A. 011 392 5220/29. They have a variety of colours and thicknesse eg. gold ' green ' bronze ' clear etc.

[alan]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. Managed to get from A1 Plastics in Port Elizabeth. Cut to size and drilled as well. Good service!

[alan]

Unfortunately not the same as the Lexan which was supplied with Sonex kit. Looking through the polycarbonate things are distorted and difficult to see clearly. Does anyone know of better quality lexan available. Need a sheet of around 1.5 m x 1 m.?

[Morph]

there are only two choices, the original Lexan, imported and very expensive, or the local equivalent, Nexal (anogram of Lexan) available from Maiseys. I have used Nexal on two of my planes and I am happy with the clarity and quality. I am using 2mm on the Bushbaby.

[alan]

Hi Morph

What does it look like if you look through it at an angle - the nexal? The perspex has waves where its been rolled and distorts the view badly. The Waaiex which is Larry's plane has a vne of 200 mph which it easily gets to and the current lexan windshield is just over 3 mm thickness. It needs something to keep the wind out as I think if the windshield gave in it would blow the canopy off and the plane could possibly become unstable not to mention the wind in your face

The little bit of petrol on the windshield caused it to fracture. Perhaps if there is interest I could include some photo's of why not to get fuel on a windshield

Do you have any idea of cost of the nexal?

[Mogas]

Alan, the 2mm Nexal we use does not distort when viewed through at an angle, can't say I have ever had a problem viewing through it in a high nose up attitude and peering through the corner.
I must mention though that ours is formed out of a flat sheet and not moulded into a curve, is this the same for the Waaiex?
Yes, this stuff is very fuel unfriendly and cracks in a heartbeat if spilt on.
Sorry I dont have a price handy but it is not hellishly expensive, cost to our customers for windscreen replacement is made up more of labour than materials.
Mogas
SAplanes

[alan]

Hi Mogas

Thanks for the reply.

Yes it's formed out of a flat sheet. Are there thicker sheets available such as 3 mm? If you have a chance over the weekend please have a look through it at a very flat angle if possible and see if there is any distortion.

Thanks

[Duck Rogers]

Alan, this "distortion at an angle" thing seems to be getting to you. Don't stare yourself blind at it (no pun intended). I personally think you got a crap piece as the ones I've worked with, and seen, are all 100%. I always buy at Maizey Plastics and have never had a problem.

[Mogas]

Hi Mogas

Thanks for the reply.

Yes it's formed out of a flat sheet. Are there thicker sheets available such as 3 mm? If you have a chance over the weekend please have a look through it at a very flat angle if possible and see if there is any distortion.

Thanks

Going to FAKP tomorrow and will have a look.
Best call Maizeys after the holidays about the availability of 3mm sheet.

[alan]

Hey Duck

If you had to sit in a Waiex you will see that you have to peer over the dashboard and not being able to see the runway in a taildragger at high speed is very disconcerting. You will K K yourself! The angle of the windscreen is very shallow as you can just peer over the dashboard when landing.

[Duck Rogers]

I understand........just thinking about it is scary, but I still think you got a "reject" piece
It shouldn't, and normally doesn't, have any "waves" in it.

[Mogas]

No waves in the 2mm that I could see but then it is hard to simulate that rake and curve at the same time!
I am pretty sure 3mm Nexal will cost effectively do the trick, if it is still not perfect I guess you will just have to live with it.
BTW, with that rake you are effectively looking through a lot more than 3mm of windscreen.
Is there any information forthcoming from Waaiex themselves?
Good luck and please let us know what the outcome is.
Mogas

[alan]

Thanks for the replies. I have sent an email to Maizey's in Port Elizabeth and depending on their response will go and physically look this time. Hopefully it will solve the problem. I'll let you know