clear one piece doors

[rv9ralph]

If you are using polycarbonate (Lexan) you will not be able to heat it to make a compound curve without distorting it's clarity. Polycarbonate tends to bubble when it gets hot enough to bend.
If you are using acrylic (Plexyglass) you will need to heat the whole sheet and form it at a temperature of around 350 degrees F. It is usually formed over a buck or by holding/clamping it at the edges and letting it sag with the heat.... good luck.

Ralph

[kitfox2009]

Hi Wheels
Last winter as a project I removed both solid bottom panels from the doors on my Vixen and replaced them with one piece clear panels from the aviation department at Home Depot.
Guess I should have kept the specs on the material,sorry. Anyway I was able to form it with a heat gun very carefully. I used self tapping stainless automotive screws and double faced automotive tape for attachment.
I turned out well. Great visibility.
I will try for a pic or two next time at the hanger.
It was a fun project but takes some time and "patience" when compound bending. Don`t rush it!!
Have fun
Don

[Wheels]

Thats the same place I got MY panels.
I think they are lexan though. I"ll go slow and try the heat gun. I have time, The summer is a good time to fly without doors if things go badly.

[Esser]

Don't take this as solid advice but I was under the impression that you can cold form lexan if you go slow.

[jiott]

I doubt that you can cold form a compound curve.