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More Weight Off! Lexan T's!
Topic Started: Aug 14 2010, 12:55 PM (773 Views)
black83zee
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Media Specialist
Well...I made the switch to the Lexan T-Tops! Just swapped out the old hook fasteners with the ones for the pins....and they're in! Probably shaved 20lbs. total! Trouble is...the tops I have are nasty looking! Scratched with rusty edges....the rust I can sand down and polish...but can I polish the Lexan or should I just rattle-can them black? I want them to look presentable...but not necessarily concours! lol!
>Another question: what makes the acrylic crack? Parts of the tops have a fine, spider-vein type cracks... Heat?, road vibrations? Weather in general?

>See? Nasty! I really want to paint these...or is polishing them enough?
Posted Image

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Edited by black83zee, Aug 14 2010, 01:25 PM.
Posted Image
350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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Formula388
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Senior Technical Advisor
Youre gunna have a hard time polishing them, the cracks are cracks and wont polish out. You might want to treat it as a body panel and paint them... Thats what I would do if I had a set of lexan.
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black83zee
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Do you think a window tinting sheet can be applied on this surface? Alex...what would you charge to polish them? I really don't need them to be perfect. Scratches and gouges are ok...just make them look decent.
Edited by black83zee, Aug 14 2010, 02:12 PM.
Posted Image
350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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Formula388
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Polishing plastic is very easy sand it down, then go to a finer grit and finer grit, then use a buffing wheel with polish and get at it, i finish it off with Mothers Plastic Polish.
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black83zee
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What grit is the finer one to use before polish? 1000?
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350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
I have a set of lexan tops also, same issues, I painted the metal part and want to polish the actual lexan or maybe paint them car color but I think I'm gonna try polishing first, let me know if and when you want yours done so it motivates me to do mine.. Price wise I charge 60 to polish taillights so I think 100 bux for a set of t tops is more then fair due to the surface area being a lot larger. Let me know Stan
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Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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Formula388
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800/1000/1500
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1320B4U
"Miley Cyrus Club Pres"
This is a common problems w/c5 corvettes w/clear targa tops..not sure if their lexan but are extremely light and had many clearcoat issues including mine when i got it. I opted to paint mine and am happy w/the results..2 stage just like normal metal. If you want to refinish yours stan, or anyone else for that matter...here is the posting on corvette forum on how to do so w/all the materials you may need. It does turn out great from what i read but is tedious and time consuming as the issue may return w/clear coat damage again.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-tech/2020059-targa-top-refinsh-how-to.html
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1991 R/S..1992 L98 Firehawk Tribute (sold)..1999 c5/t56 (sold)..2012 z-71
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Deleted User
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I tried redoing the top and professionally got rid of themchanged over to glass im not going 500 mph its only 30 pounds if that
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black83zee
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Nice! Write-up is great......I'm gonna try this.....if it sucks or I give up I'll give you a call Alex! Thanks! $100 is fair, but I'm afraid my tops aren't worth it. They're pretty rough!
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350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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BigEd65
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what can i modify next ?
thats what she said

92 Black Z28 5.7 ZZ4, HSR, Trickflow 195s, TPIS 409 cam, Dyno Dons, BBK 58mm, Ram Air, NOS, Level 10 built 700r4 ProTorque 3200 stall, LEDs, 4th Gen leather, Custom Tune by gp90gta, Megashifter, Full MSD Ignition, UMI SFC, K-member, A-arms , Spohn Panhard Bar, LCA's, Torque Arm, Crossmember & 25mm Sway bar, TDS wonderbar, Edelbrock modified STB, 3.73 Moser 12 bolt, BBK Fuel Pump, Moog springs and Bilsteins all around and March Revolver pulley system, Wilwood full Big Brake Kit and Master Cylinder ..... I give up .... lots of sh!t oh yeah a full Sport Comp gauge package

92 White Z28 5.0 Stock T-Tops


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admin_glen
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What about that polish they have for the headlights now?
Instructions for posting a picture:
http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/593945/1/

Welcome to any old and new members please remember we are here for you but we need your help to keep to club going. Please donate

http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/7437933/1/#new
For Donations and Merchandise orders paypal address is nythirdgen@live.com
:daughtry:

1987 IROC 5.7
350 engine swap, HSR, Southbay 36lb injectors, Hedman shorty headers and y-pipe, Magnaflow Hi-flow Catalytic, 3 inch Magnaflow Exhaust System with 3.5" tips, Front end suspension rebuilt, Energy suspension polyurethane control arm bushings, Energy suspension sway bar end links, Spohn Front end steering rebuild kit (Center link, inner and outer tie rod ends, idler arm), PST springs (front and rear), KYB struts(front) and KYB Gas-a-just shocks (rear), KYB strut mounts, UMI performance subframe connectors, BMR Strut Tower Brace, Astro Van Steering Shaft upgrade
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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
Lol Stan, call me when your tired of wetsanding 9174453720 I have machines for that. Or maybe you enjoy a good arm workout and if you don't have the supplies it's gonna cost ya auto body supply stores ain't cheap, and over the counter stuff as we call it in the business is junk compared to the stuff pros have
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Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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Stinger
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id let the doc take a look at it if it was me.
- Rob

BUILD: 1969 Nova SS clone, Sleeper/Street Machine - 327/Powerglide
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Robb Knight
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El Bandolero
I have a pair of Lexans sitting in my basement that I took out in favor of the glass ones. Like yours they need some recondition, but probally more-so. Im curious to see how yours come out, if you decide to do it yourself. Post some pics afterwards.
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1989 Firebird Formula 5.7 350 T-Tops WS6
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black83zee
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So I got some 1000, 1500, 2000 wet/dry paper and started to work on one of the T-Tops...just to see if it was hard to do. The verdict? It's easy, man! I wet sanded a 6X10" section with the three papers...working my way up and then used some plastic polish I had lying around ( I used it to clean plexi that I used in my photography )....voila! Shiny and clear! I will get some real auto body plastic polish ( Mother's or Meguiers? )and do the whole thing now! It's not perfect....but neither is Blackie!

Posted Image

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See the Difference? This took me 15 min.!
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350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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Robb Knight
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El Bandolero
Definately looks better. I would do that to mine if I intended to use them or if I could make a profit from them by selling them afterwards. Though I think the cost of the materials and fixing them up might outweigh the profit made. I just went with glass. I know they are heavier and such. I just prefer their look. Its coming out pretty good man. I like What Alex said above about maybe painting them the color of the car. Gives it a kinda hardtop look. Now that I think of it I might do that to my Lexan's. Have two different looking styles and change them when I wanna look a little different. I digress...Definately coming out good. Cant wait to see finished pics.
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1989 Firebird Formula 5.7 350 T-Tops WS6
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black83zee
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Paint is cool You thinking of rattle caning it? I thought of it, but just sanding and polishing I can do...a fine paint finish, I can't!
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350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
What u using to polish, spend the money on 3m stuff and use a buffer
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Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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1320B4U
"Miley Cyrus Club Pres"
^ I agree...at least use a polishing wheel on a drill and dont rely on handpolishing. Looks real good stan...the amount of time spent will definately pay off.
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1991 R/S..1992 L98 Firehawk Tribute (sold)..1999 c5/t56 (sold)..2012 z-71
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black83zee
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Wish I had a foam pad for the final Polish. I have a black&Decker two speed polisher..8".
Dude, that 3M stuff is expensive! ......
She'll be at Cans! Hopefully with both panes done.
Edited by black83zee, Aug 19 2010, 09:21 PM.
Posted Image
350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
$$$$ 3m u finish urs and when I do mine we gonna compare
Posted Image

Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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admin_glen
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Founder <-----
Alex so you can compare just do mine and we could see which is better.

I will donate my T-Tops for the test. Then I will use them to see if the experence is worth the effort
Instructions for posting a picture:
http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/593945/1/

Welcome to any old and new members please remember we are here for you but we need your help to keep to club going. Please donate

http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/7437933/1/#new
For Donations and Merchandise orders paypal address is nythirdgen@live.com
:daughtry:

1987 IROC 5.7
350 engine swap, HSR, Southbay 36lb injectors, Hedman shorty headers and y-pipe, Magnaflow Hi-flow Catalytic, 3 inch Magnaflow Exhaust System with 3.5" tips, Front end suspension rebuilt, Energy suspension polyurethane control arm bushings, Energy suspension sway bar end links, Spohn Front end steering rebuild kit (Center link, inner and outer tie rod ends, idler arm), PST springs (front and rear), KYB struts(front) and KYB Gas-a-just shocks (rear), KYB strut mounts, UMI performance subframe connectors, BMR Strut Tower Brace, Astro Van Steering Shaft upgrade
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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
Stan try to keep a timeline of how long it takes you please

Yeah glen donate the ttops with a hundo stuck to the bottom of em :-)

I'm figuring it should take bout two hours to do em for me
Posted Image

Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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black83zee
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It's not about the time......it's about the experience! Lol!
They'll be at Canz for you to see.
Edited by black83zee, Aug 20 2010, 01:03 PM.
Posted Image
350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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charged355
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Nythirdgen Founder
I get that I jus wanna see how long it takes
Posted Image

Custom Forged 355 / Solid roller cam/valvetrain / Victor Jr heads / Hurricane Intake/ Accufab 1250cfm Throttle body / MegaSquirt 3 Engine Managment/ 1000cc SouthBay Injectors/ 7.6:1 CR / 4" Custom Single Exhaust / 4000 Circle D Stall/ CK Performance Billet 4L80 FMVB Trans Brake / 3" Chromoly Driveshaft / Full UMI Tubular Rear Suspension / Moser/Strange 9" / 4:11 gears Detroit Locker / Sumped LS1 gas tank / A1000 Fuel pump / A1000 FPR / Paxton Fuel filter / -10 Fuel line -8 return / Borg Warner S475 Turbo @10psi/ JGS 50mm WG & 56mm BOV / PA Racing Complete Tubular Front End Kit With Coilovers / Full Autometer Dash / Custom Black Suade Guts / Built by yours truly/ Tuned by George the EFI whiz

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxlPhzRElZYM5YE-n2NRUw
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gp90gta
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The Professor
I thought that the lexam tops worp or some shit like that that's why GM switched to glass

Alex can you paint those t-top if so do you need a flex additive, I think they would look awesome painted,maybe even something custom like ghost
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1990 GTA, 350, AFR195's, TPIS Miniram, Dyno Don headers, Custom bumpstick by Bullet cams, 36lbs injectors, Spohn SFC's, Custom tune by me.
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admin_glen
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gp90gta
Aug 20 2010, 05:47 PM
I thought that the lexam tops worp or some shit like that that's why GM switched to glass

Alex can you paint those t-top if so do you need a flex additive, I think they would look awesome painted,maybe even something custom like ghost
They went from glass to lexan.... Don't think they worp
Instructions for posting a picture:
http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/593945/1/

Welcome to any old and new members please remember we are here for you but we need your help to keep to club going. Please donate

http://s9.zetaboards.com/nythirdgen/topic/7437933/1/#new
For Donations and Merchandise orders paypal address is nythirdgen@live.com
:daughtry:

1987 IROC 5.7
350 engine swap, HSR, Southbay 36lb injectors, Hedman shorty headers and y-pipe, Magnaflow Hi-flow Catalytic, 3 inch Magnaflow Exhaust System with 3.5" tips, Front end suspension rebuilt, Energy suspension polyurethane control arm bushings, Energy suspension sway bar end links, Spohn Front end steering rebuild kit (Center link, inner and outer tie rod ends, idler arm), PST springs (front and rear), KYB struts(front) and KYB Gas-a-just shocks (rear), KYB strut mounts, UMI performance subframe connectors, BMR Strut Tower Brace, Astro Van Steering Shaft upgrade
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black83zee
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I think the weight is the main thing. Trying to pick up the glass one and then picking up the lexan one.....it's a huge difference! Do you think there were complaints from customers about how heavy they are? Hey Alex....did they come clear coated from the factory?
Posted Image
350, carb, headers, side exhaust, T-5, aluminum ds, Baer discs, Bilsteins, tubular a-arms,
tubular torque arm, adjustable track bar and control arms.



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gp90gta
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The Professor
I thought it was the other way around that the lexan one came out first and has some kind of warp issue so GM went with glass on the later years
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1990 GTA, 350, AFR195's, TPIS Miniram, Dyno Don headers, Custom bumpstick by Bullet cams, 36lbs injectors, Spohn SFC's, Custom tune by me.
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