gluing in lexan polycarbonate window

has any one glued lexan polycarbonate window in instead of screwing it, if so what adhesive did you use.

Never used adhesive in my bracket car & would never trust it. I don't recall if there is anything in the rule book about it.

I wouldn't be willing to try it till I new it is being used in Pro Stock or similar classes. Call some of the big chassis builders to seek the best guidance on how to install.

All mine is set in the factory rubber seals. 9 years, 150mph. Never an issue.
Doug

3M urethane windshield caulking, used in OEM good till 170 mph, glass needs to be molded to shape (curve)

I have used the 3M window weld - it comes in a roll in different thickness for the height you want the window to set up from the body - I can tell you taking the window back out after it sets is a job in itself.

Yes Optic Armor provides it with it molded windshields.

Look up Larry Larson's Cadillac on YouTube. All the lexan is glued in with urethane windshield adhesive. Even the side windows are glued to the frame. Some cool little details on that car.

this question has rattled around in the cobwebs of my noggin for a long time, so i guess this is as good a time as any to ask.
supposing i am correct in assuming [you know what that means. ] new vehicles use the glued in glass as a somewhat structural enhancement, just exactly how much enhancement is this worth, and is lexan or it's newer, stronger versions [or maybe just different names, i don't know], somewhat comparable ?
if this a stupid question, i apologize in advance...........

Thanks for all the good advise urethane it is

My experience is it will not last. I have heavy equipment that have glass of poly and other compositions. They set and work well until time takes over. The glass will release from the adhesive. Not today but wait and see.

FWIW it is NOT a new practice, been going on for years. It definitely seems to be better suited to molded lexan than flat sheets in the windshield.But it works with flat sheet as well as long as the windshield does not have a complex curve to it. I have gone back and fourth in my Dakota, stock windshield, lexan bolted or lexan bonded. It previously had lexan with 88 screws, yes 88! So I dont really want to use screws as that's to many and the screws used were to large. Also I cannot use a machine screw and nut which I would prefer to use. So I think I am going to "glue" it in and see hoe it goes. No one makes a molded windshield for a Dakota. But it is a gentile curve so we will do our best and see it goes. FWIW I have used molded front and rear glass many times and had it simply held in with factory gaskets and never had an issue. Of course I only went 170MPH that way. The truck should be able to achieve similar MPH all out when done so we shall see.

Lexan or any polycarbonate or acrylic expands and contracts with temp.That's why your bolt holes need to be larger than the diameter of the bolt. If the lexan is in a track and urethane , then there is some wiggly room.

Has anyone thought about using the double sided tape that is used on screw less trailer panels? Just had that thought while reading this.
Not sure if it can be bought in different thickness.

Dave

Thought about it just wasen't sure it would hold, Is that what they use on trailers seem like pretty big panel to be held on by tape ?

It is supposed to be some special tape, made by 3M I believe. lot of prep work compared to rivets or screws. They have been doing it for years and it holds up well. I have however seen a few trailers where it stopped holding.

I have a friend in Waco who re skinned his 32 foot tag and he went screwless, he said it was a pain in the rear for him but he was doing it with the walls vertical. Trailer did turn out nice.

I haven't checked but I'm curious as to there are different thickness of the tape.

Dave

EDIT: I just checked and it comes in .045 (45 mil) or .062 (62 mil).

3 M brochure

That sure would be a easy way out