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Old 01-12-2012, 02:45 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Who makes dual-curvature laminated glass for custom aerodynamic windshields?

Most windshields are single curvature.

For ultimate aerodynamics you'll need dual curvature glass that's glass curved on both axis so the windshield will curve horizontally to smoothly blend with the roof (and maybe even concave on the lower edge to blend with the hood line).

Who makes such glass?
Laminated glass for safety of course.


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Old 01-12-2012, 04:31 PM   #2 (permalink)
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In Finland Pilkington, makes them to selected customers .

http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/phot...Cab_photo.aspx

Here is one sample of some tricky glass they made.

Oneoff pieces are very expensive to manufacture and one set 10pcs of glasses will cost about 2000€ per piece so 20000€. "dual curvature" is very difficult to control so they have to make lot of test pieces before they get the shape right without any distortion (if you need E-approvals for the glasses etc).

Basicly all small windshield manufacturers make them. Price will varie a lot.
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Old 01-12-2012, 04:57 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Double curvature glass is difficult and expensive to make.

I don't know why we're still making windshields out of laminated glass.
Makrolon ® windshields should do the trick.(It's now used on lights.)
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Old 01-12-2012, 05:27 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Front windshields are very tricky, liability-wise. But there is a custom side-glass fabricator nearby.
Bent Glass Curved Glass Architectural Manufacturer Supplier

or how about a curved windshield ~ boat supplier.
Ocean Dynamics Windows and Windshields for boats, sailboats and ships.
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Old 01-12-2012, 05:41 PM   #5 (permalink)
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concept car builder

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big time View Post
Most windshields are single curvature.

For ultimate aerodynamics you'll need dual curvature glass that's glass curved on both axis so the windshield will curve horizontally to smoothly blend with the roof (and maybe even concave on the lower edge to blend with the hood line).

Who makes such glass?
Laminated glass for safety of course.
I can't tell you their name offhand,but their is a specialty builder in California that makes laminated safety glass of any configuration for concept cars of which they also build.
Another company which markets full-race GTP look-alike cars told me that the tooling for their windshield cost them $29,000.To purchase one of their windshields would cost $3,000.
Piontek,who offered the kit car Alan Cocconi used for his EV screamer 'T zero' used a fabulous piece of glass,as GM used in the EV-1.
Today you might be looking at a Dodge Viper windshield.They're only about $600 and are pretty tasty,aerodynamically speaking.
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Old 01-12-2012, 08:22 PM   #6 (permalink)
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A GOOD windshield shop can cut windshields down to size.

you can't cut tempered glass (like side windows and back windows) though.

and temperered glass is a VERY poor idea for a windshield.


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