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windshield rake


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have any of you tried a more slanted windshield angle? I'm finally getting around to looking at the windshield. I have to get new glass cut, so playing around with angle and placement. To me, the slanted windshield looks better than upright. Any reason why not to slant it? visibility from the inside is still good (i.e. top of the windshield is nowhere near the line of sight).

 

couple of pics of possible locations (mirrors will be mounted back on the windshield frame). main difference is fore/aft location. I'm thinking the aft location would be better for wind protection???

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FILE0098.jpg

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I was just wondering this. I saw a post on the Sevens mailing list a while back that said that, for a modestly powered car like mine, removing the windshield was worth 20 hp, due to wind resistance. So, rather than removing it, I thot about adding more slant. Probably irrelevant in a high hp car like Mazda's tho.

 

I ended up buying a Brooklands screen set up, so we'll see what that does to top-end speed.

 

Mike

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agree Arya that the pictured angle is too much rake. if u do fashion some full doors, the higher the mirrors are will decrease teh range that the doors can swing open. minor concern and will no bother someone who enjoys their car.

 

also consider that lowering the overal height on the windshield may obscure rearward vision by a center mirror. Also double check that the glass nowhere near its critical angle. and hopefully it will not be refracting the sun to wierd angles for dawn/dusk driving.

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agree Arya that the pictured angle is too much rake. if u do fashion some full doors, the higher the mirrors are will decrease teh range that the doors can swing open. minor concern and will no bother someone who enjoys their car.

 

also consider that lowering the overal height on the windshield may obscure rearward vision by a center mirror. Also double check that the glass nowhere near its critical angle. and hopefully it will not be refracting the sun to wierd angles for dawn/dusk driving.

had not thought about the critical angle. Have to put it in the sun and check it out.

 

what about fore/aft positioning. I think maybe having the windshield more to the rear is better for wind protection, but not sure. Thoughts?

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the higher the mirrors are will decrease teh range that the doors can swing open.

 

not worried about door angle. that can be independent of windshield angle by a little creativity with the side brackets

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what about fore/aft positioning. I think maybe having the windshield more to the rear is better for wind protection, but not sure. Thoughts?

 

Mazda,

 

I've noticed a definite improvement in comfort from wind buffeting the closer I sit to the windshield.

 

My passenger seat can't slide forward due to the fire extinguisher mount so sitting on that side is brutal compared to the driver side. I slide the driver seat forward about 4" from the rear stop.

 

Skip

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Mazda,

 

I've noticed a definite improvement in comfort from wind buffeting the closer I sit to the windshield.

 

My passenger seat can't slide forward due to the fire extinguisher mount so sitting on that side is brutal compared to the driver side. I slide the driver seat forward about 4" from the rear stop.

 

Skip

Skip, good data point. Thank you.

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Mazda,

To much rake, Skip is correct, closer is going to save you from the wind. But you have been driving with no wind shield for a while now, so anything is going to be better.

Good, now it has a windshield, so I can see where I am going , next time you let me drive it and say " Stand On It". Oh, can you move the seat back. LOL

Looking good Mazda !!!!!

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Mazda,

If you attend an auto-x some tech inspections include what some refer to as the broom stick test and if your wind screen is to short or leaning back to far you can fail if the broom stick rest on it and the rollbar and your helmet hits the stick with you wearing it and sitting in the drivers seat as you would be driving....just something more to consider.

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Mazda,

If you attend an auto-x some tech inspections include what some refer to as the broom stick test and if your wind screen is to short or leaning back to far you can fail if the broom stick rest on it and the rollbar and your helmet hits the stick with you wearing it and sitting in the drivers seat as you would be driving....just something more to consider.

 

Martin, the broom stick test is not a problem at all. I made sure of that when coming up with the original roll bar height. My head clears even with no windshield (the way it should be IMO)

 

The biggest problem with taking this pic was to make sure my 6 year old pointed the camera in the right direction.

 

I guess I'm the only one who digs the raked look.

FILE0102.jpg

Edited by slngsht
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Mine pretty much matches the rollbar rake.... which you don't seem to have much of. To reduce drag, I think it would look better cutting the window down rather than laying back (don't know how the wipers would work in either case.

Edited by Mondo
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Martin, the broom stick test is not a problem at all. I made sure of that when coming up with the original roll bar height. My head clears even with no windshield (the way it should be IMO)

 

The biggest problem with taking this pic was to make sure my 6 year old pointed the camera in the right direction.

 

I guess I'm the only one who digs the raked look.

 

Mazda,

 

With you sitting in the seat it puts it into perspective. I like it that way.....I keep forgeting how big Franklin7 is compared to my 7.:leaving:

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I can wear a baseballl cap with my home made aeroscreen. I do wear goggles with it though, and I have removed many bugs from the goggles.

 

From my days of M.C. rides I learned to keep my mouth shut at speed.

 

Gary

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