Lexan rear window, Sources Options

[Qarl]

My rear window is the defogging kind. I will not be reinstalling the defogging glass into the car.

I am thinking of replacing the rear window with Lexan.

I know a while back there was discussion of windshields and certain companies that offer scratch resistant coatings, blah blah blah.

Anyone done this?

I'd like to have the rear window, both lighter in weight, and coated so it won't show swirls and scratches.

Thanks!

Karl

[campbellcj]

I just did it, with name-brand GE Lexan sourced from a local plastics specialist (ABC Plastics in Chatsworth/Canoga Park). One side apparently has UV protection but I did not see a need for any abrasion coating for a rear window...it should last fine with my use of the car.

One key thing per the guy at the shop is to never use chemicals including Windex or alcohol or ammonia to clean these materials; just a soft cotton cloth and water. A tiny bit of mild dish soap could be added if there is a lot of grime.

I cut the shape with a sabre saw using the original glass as a template. On advice from Zois I clamped the lexan to some 1/2 wood boards to help avoid vibrations and splintering while cutting. You also want to use certain types of blades to avoid melting the material or getting a jagged cut...but the specifics (tooth count) evade me at the moment. Since the edge is not really visible anyway when installed in the car, the cut does not need to be perfect by any means (mine wasn't).