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MG MGF Technical - DIY Windstop

Hi,

I'm a hardened DIY'er so I want to make my own windstop. I plan to make one from a light weight material rather than from glass.

Has anyone any plans or specs on these?
Has anyone made their own windstop?
Any tips, techo stuff would be most welcome.

cheers,
Branko.

Branko

Check the archive - it has been done
Will Munns

One of the things to consider is how will it react in an accident. Toughened glass will break inrto small bits, but plastic probably won't and might end up doing some serious injury to you.
David Clelland

I know over on the TVR Forum a couple were made using MDF cut to shape, sanded polished and painted, between the two layers of MDF a fine mesh screen was sandwiched and fitted (as Z3 BMW). Sounds very much DIY but the pictures did it credit - not expensive either. No details of fixing were given but I wouldn't have thought that to be a problem.
John

Ok, thanks guys,
Will check it all outand see what I find.

So for the ones that you buy, do they, when not in use, foldaway or fold over into the back shelf or do they fold down?

Branko

Branko

The choice of materials is limited for a tranparent windstop. Toughened glass is relatively heavy and can still cause sharp bits to fly around if it breaks. Perspex (polymethylmethacrylate) is light and can be easily bent in one domension with a hot air gun. Unfortunately it breaks into shards and the surface scratches easily. Polystyrene is similar to PMMA but is usually slightly cheaper. The best bet is polycarbonate sheet which is scratch-resistant very tough and has high resistance to UV, which is why it is popular for bus shelters. It's also expensive and needs more heat to bend. Shop-fitters usual sell the stuff in 2.4mx1.2m sheets, but you should be able to pick up an offcut. Optimum thickness would be upwards of 5mm if you want it to be rigid.

Chris
Chris

Thanks Chris.
I was thinking more on the lines of using a tightly wowen plastic mesh. Even finer than the flyscreen type you use for windows and doors.
Thay may be enough to break up the wind coming from the rear, no jokes, please :-), and still give visibilty in the rear view mirror.

Any thoughts peoples?

Branko

Something like this?:

http://www.mgfcar.de/windschott/thomas_windschott5.jpg

Johan
Johan Slagter

Johan, yes exactly.

Do you know what's it made of?

Branko

I found this interesting site with tests on different systems.

http://www.mgf.4mg.com/windstop_data.htm

But, I'm so sure about the bloke with the blue hair.


Branko



Branko

If you want the wig Branko, I am sure we can come to an arrangement! ROFL

Jon's windstop looks like a good option: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/windstop/jons_windstop.htm
Rob Bell

Well,,, if it was red......... :-}
Hmmmmmm.


I saw Jons windstop today and yes it looks like a good idea. I would however like it to fold down flat when not in use. I would want to have the screen folding down into the shelf area.

I wonder if having a roller blind type of retraction would work?
You know, the type that you can buy for the side windows in cars.

So when its not in use it is rolled up in the shelf area just behind the T-bar.





Branko

Yes, it would appear that a roller blind system can be made to work - this is the link that Johan mentions above Branko - and there's more here: http://www.mgfcar.de/windschott/index.htm

It's in German, but you can use Altavista to provide a translation if your German language skills aren't up to it (I know mine isn't!)
Rob Bell

Rob,

thats great, I think that is the way I'll go.

I think I'll have a look at havin the unit seld standing. I could design it so you flip up a support bracket to hold up the mexh frame. When finished, the bracket could fold down flat and the mesh will roll away.

When I get some spare time, I'll see what I can make up.


Cheers,
Branko.


Branko

Hi all,

the windstop type at Dieterīs site does work really well.
It has been on my "F" for 8 years now,cheap and easily re-newed when too many bugs are trapped ;O)
These sun-shades can even be cut to the proper width,so if not found in the correct width, buy one slightly longer and cut to size. Then the attachment to the backside of the plastic T-bar will be easy with 4 screws. The hooks that comes with the pack can be fastend neatly on top of the backrest. Only drawback is that if there is a too large diff. on left/right hand side seat position the windstop appears to be slightly wrinkled.
It can easily take full blast at 200 km/h, but open driving seems to be more relaxed and best at moderate speeds ...
The fine mesh does not disturb rear wiew too much,but for some funny reason some colours seems to change !

BR, Carl.
Carl

I had to remove my windstop when I fitted the X power roll hoops. I didn't think I would miss it but on long trips 100+k's it is drafty around the neck and shoulders and with the angle of the hoops and the intrusion of same on the shelf I can't find a good soloution even for a roller type.
Andrew Regens

Andrew - been wanting to get a roller blind for use as a windstop with my X Power hoops as well - but they're not readily available in the UK - I guess we get less sun than on the European mainland!!!

Perhaps I'll have to persuade Dieter to pick one up for me! ;o) LOL
Rob Bell

Just back from Easter holidays.

Thanks for the replys.

Carl,
I think thats the way I'll go, but I plan to make up a unit that is self standing when in use. Hopefully no need to use the back of the head rest for attaching.

Andrew,
Will post my windbreak solution when I do get a chance to make it. When, don't know..

Rob,
Just got back from Easter Hols. Went without the MGF but had I, had it with me, it certainly would've been a top down drive.
As it was, on the way back we spotted a convoy of MGF's, A's and B's. most with tops down.

They looked great!

cheers,
Branko.
Branko

This thread was discussed between 22/03/2005 and 27/03/2005

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