Narrow windshield?

[hogheadv2]

I have been drawing a project in my head for a few years now.
A narrow windshield (with frame would not hurt) is a stumbling block.
What cars in US have the narrowest windshields? Looking for 48 to 52 inches wide. [I have considered delivery truck and/or bus flat glass] Efficiency would be lost getting around the edges.

This group may know some I have not thought to research.

Thank you. Hogheadv2


DOT may not be crucial, Helpful, In Michigan Rain, Snow, Bugs suicide squads hit with little warning. At least one good wiper is needed.

FWD, flush front wheels, single rear, front engine, Big twin trans/w reverse added, chain to differential VW style half shafts out to front wheels. {air , horizontal spring/shock, or push-rod suspension is still on the table.

Seat are to be staggered 6-9 inches. let passengers ride a bit closer to center-line and not crowd each other,,,, conversation not be to the point of rude. Much in line with Morgan construction. wood skinned with aluminum or plastic [fiberglass].



I hope this gives you a better idea of what I'm after.

#Relativity light, sleek powered by 750 Kawasaki w/c horizontal service engine. 27HP stock.




If my math is close, and I can keep it cutting air. I predict 75mph @55-60 mpg. 55-60mph 80+ mpg.... I have found a turbocharger to fit the application if needed.

[me and my metro]

I am thinking of a mid 70s Super Beetle has a nice curved narrow windshield. They even came as a convertible so there may be some frame pieces around. The regular beetle had a fairly flat glass. Other than that the British sports cars of the same era were very narrow cars.

[Jez77]

Look at any of the Japanese Kei cars. My Copens windscreen would fit the bill.

[Fat Charlie]

If you wait another 5 years, the Elio will only be a few months away from production.

[ksa8907]

Mini Cooper? Plus if you're looked to pick one up for a custom type vehicle, they're still produced and should be cheap.

[kach22i]

These have got to be on the smaller side.


Drop in Windshield Replacement for Elise/Exige S2 & S3
Sale price $599.99
https://www.gregsraceparts.com/produ...se-exige-s2-s3

* Shatterproof

* Flexible

* 50% Lighter than OEM glass

* Genuine Polycarbonate

Not glass, do not see anything about DOT approved, but also do not see the typical disclaimer about "TRACK USE ONLY".

For a 3-wheeler none of this will be an issue.

So what is your design like?

More on that windshield, this one is glass and twice the price.


https://www.lotusgarage.com/index.ph...duct_list&c=41

$1201.55

I found the second link here (also discuss polycarb):
https://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/...lately-440121/

Polycarbonate!? There is another thread somewhere about these. If I remember well, main issue is safety...they are not DOT compliant as they can't be shattered to get you out of the car in case of accident. The other issue was heat in the cabin as they don't insulate from the sun as much as glass windshields. Do a search on this Forum.

The other other alternate often discussed in the forum is the Lancia Stratos.

Lancia Stratos Front Windshield
https://mrfiat.com/lancia-stratos-front-windshield.html

Product Description
Front windshield for Lancia Stratos models. High-quality and acurately fitting laminated glass. Product of the European Union.LPN: 82311388. Part #: LA-STR-199

Same company trying to sell on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lancia-Stra...-/201391678649

The Lancia Stratos I believe is even smaller than the Lotus Elise.

If you want to go even smaller yet, try sailplane/glider or kit plane suppliers, again if this is a 3-wheel licensed as motorcycle.

[ksa8907]

^^ that one would be excellent. Being a custom built vehicle, I would expect the windshield to be subject to some dynamic loading, being flexible is a huge benefit.

[jjackstone]

Get in touch with TerraCycle bike parts. They bought out Windwrap fairings a few years ago. Maybe you could get them to blow you a custom windshield.

https://t-cycle.com/collections/windwrap-fairings

JJ

[freebeard]

I have been drawing a project in my head for a few years now.
A narrow windshield (with frame would not hurt) is a stumbling block.
....
[I have considered delivery truck and/or bus flat glass]

It depends entirely on the shape of the nose and the windshield header. "A project in my head" is pretty non-specific. Care to open up a little bit?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by freebeard

It depends entirely on the shape of the nose and the windshield header. "A project in my head" is pretty non-specific. Care to open up a little bit?

Yea, and we still don't know if it's 3 or 4 wheeled - a HUGE difference.

The only 4-wheel car I know of that got away with polycarbonate windshield was a custom from scratch convertible (no top at all not even a bikini) beveled the exposed top edge to look like safety glass and passed inspection no questions asked. He is a notable professional car designer, so I will not mention names, a good guy that does not need any grief.