DIY Lexan T-Top shades write-up

  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #16
    Dr. Pepper PhD. wrote: They cannot tint the ttops because of the little dots on them. If you look very close they are slightly raised. That is what would cause the bubbles, she was lying to you about exploding. The only ttops that can be tinted are mirrored ones with the mirroring stripped. Technically you can sand off the dots and tint them, but it will look like shite if you scuff the glass doing this.
    I tinted mine a few years ago and there are no bubbles whatsoever.

    I simply cut holes carefully around the T-Top twist locks. I also used

    three strips of tint about 5"-6" wide because of the glass curvature.
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • jinxtedium
    jinxtedium
    Junior Member
    • 8

    #17
    Did you figure out how to pre-shrink the fabric? I would be interested in buying a set in black.
  • Careless
    Careless
    Senior Member
    • 13279

    #18
    wouldn't real leather from a tannery be sufficient?
  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #19
    jinxtedium wrote: Did you figure out how to pre-shrink the fabric? I would be interested in buying a set in black.
    I imagine that sunlight/ heat are the primary factors in pre-shrinking the fabric. I have some preshrunk fabric to make another set. If you are

    interested, please let me know. The face up side will be white Lexan and the downside, or interior, will be Black faux (fake) leather material.

    Thanks. Jeff Z. in SC
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • adamvann3
    adamvann3
    Senior Member
    • 4160

    #20
    Jeff,

    Are you interested in making a set? I hate transferring my only pair from car to car.
    86na - BlueZ
    Shiro #366 - Kouki Monster
    85t - Mr Tickles
  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #21
    Hi, Adam. I need to see if I have any more material left to work with, as the Lexan is fairly pricey and must be purchased in full sheets.
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • adamvann3
    adamvann3
    Senior Member
    • 4160

    #22
    Let me know
    86na - BlueZ
    Shiro #366 - Kouki Monster
    85t - Mr Tickles
  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #23
    I am out of the Lexan right now, Adam. If there was at least one other person interested in a set, it would help me defray costs of buying a full sheet.
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • PrideZ31
    PrideZ31
    Senior Member
    • 328

    #24
    Depends on how much. I might be interested.
    __________________________________________________ ___________________
    "Aim towards the Enemy." --
    Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher

    86 N/A:Rebuilt Autotragic, Cat Delete, PRW-2, Poly Bushings, MSA sway bars, Pioneer HU and Speakers, Sleepy Eyes
    Current 0-60: 10.0 flat =[
  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #25
    They are $150 a set, shipped. I will call my contact at Piedmont plastics today when they open and find out what's available.
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • adamvann3
    adamvann3
    Senior Member
    • 4160

    #26
    Originally posted by PulseCode View Post
    They are $150 a set, shipped. I will call my contact at Piedmont plastics today when they open and find out what's available.
    Well I do need a set for a 2 seater and 2+2 I was just unsure you capabilities of making them for a 2+2
    86na - BlueZ
    Shiro #366 - Kouki Monster
    85t - Mr Tickles
  • PrideZ31
    PrideZ31
    Senior Member
    • 328

    #27
    But I can buy T-tops shade from the Z store for 109....
    __________________________________________________ ___________________
    "Aim towards the Enemy." --
    Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher

    86 N/A:Rebuilt Autotragic, Cat Delete, PRW-2, Poly Bushings, MSA sway bars, Pioneer HU and Speakers, Sleepy Eyes
    Current 0-60: 10.0 flat =[
  • reddzx
    reddzx
    Senior Citizen
    • 6440

    #28
    Originally posted by PrideZ31 View Post
    But I can buy T-tops shade from the Z store for 109....

    $109 each = $218 a set



    1988 300ZX Turbo, Shiro Special #760
    1988 300ZX Turbo Automatic (wife's car)
    1991 Hard-body 2WD

    http://zccw.org/zccw/?page_id=1215
  • PulseCode
    PulseCode
    Senior Member
    • 1522

    #29
    Yes, I was going to let you know about the Z store option. The shades I make are a premium version, and of course, the Lexan is indestructable.

    My sign supply guy said he has some drops available (half sheets) so I can make one or two sets depending on what you guys want. Let me know.

    It will be Mon. obviously before I can get anything going. Thanks.
    Everything is Meaningless.
  • Pace
    Pace
    Moderator
    • 1108

    #30
    Originally posted by PrideZ31 View Post
    But I can buy T-tops shade from the Z store for 109....
    The set from the Z store are not the same quality as Jeff's shades. I bought a set from him a few years ago and aside from a minor material flaw that he offered to fix at his own cost, they have been flawless. Much better than the OEM pieces that couldn't hold up to the southern heat and humidity.
    '86 300ZXT GLL
    '78 Datsun 280Z BP
    '11 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD