LocostUSA.com

Does anyone know where the curved windshield on the Donkervoort came from? Or some of the other variants that used a curved windshield?

I don't know. I think Super beetle would work well but haven't measured.

_________________
MV8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om3C1Ep ... D3E18BB447

I posted this idea once before in another thread but here it is again as it suits this topic well. The scales in the drawings of the two cars are the same.

_________________
Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Saw this a few days ago, can't find any info on it, although it's obviously a locost, they didn't even use the VW front end. Front engine, looks like all they used from the bug was the roof, half doors, and hood.



EDIT: Looking at it more it looks like a photoshop, they did a good job though. Windshield mount disappears into the a-pillar.

_________________
+442 - Miata

Too bad they didn't photo chop a super beetle.

Did we ever compare dims of the fiat windscreen and the super beetle? For an installed screen, a straight edge across the front would work, rather than a measuring tape bent round the curve.

_________________
MV8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om3C1Ep ... D3E18BB447

The Super Beetle windshield should work. I don't believe the S/Bs were any wider through the body than the standard Bug, and that bug body in the pic seems to fit the Locost scuttle very nicely!

_________________
Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/

Be careful .... that VDub-bodied 7 appeared before and was described as a photoshopped build, not a real one (look at the base of the Locost Windshield stanchions, still in place). Was the VW body scaled to equal widths?

Regardless, a SuperVee windshield would be a promising candidate.

_________________
Warren
Isuzu Pickup/SR20DE, +401 COLD frame
Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=11601

I haven't seen a Super Beetle in years, so it's not like I can easily measure one.

If you have to gamble on successfully cutting a windshield, it doesn't matter how wide it started out as.

Donkervoort is small enough, I suspect they're using some current-production European windshield.

As for cutting, there is no gambling required. Just build the car to fit the parts. This might mean adjusting the frame width.

Donks are not locosts. They most likely have them made. Whether they come from something else or not, it would be a special order to get one here since the car the glass was designed for isn’t common in the States, so I’d expect to drop about $500 or more. A super beetle screen is probably about $150.

As for measuring one, sure you can! You could find a super for sale or being parted out on craigs, go to a VW salvage yard, go to a car show, etc to find one to measure if you ask nicely. However, you are in luck. I found some dims online.
46” around the bottom and 38.5” around the top, and about 44.5” straight across the bottom. Vertical is 20.5”. These are estimates.

_________________
MV8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om3C1Ep ... D3E18BB447

Take these with a few grains of salt.


It's not a Super Beetle but, given the lack of accuracy involved, I'm not sure it matters.

Hmm. I might check further into that.

Framing a curve windshield would be a massive hassle, particularly with the cage, but it would sure look better...

It seems whenever I start googling anything related to building a 7, I eventually wind up here...

a previous thread: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3865

Also, the Superformance S1 had a curved windshield that was also electrically heated. And I'm pretty sure I've seen a Westfield with a curved windshield.

Alternatively, there's the Duvall-style split windshield...

A few months ago I went on a quest for electrically heated glass. It turns out that it's a very common item in marine circles; windows and portholes are cut in various shapes, wiring is connected, and the porthole stays clear enough to see through. But the glass they use is very thick by automotive standards, and the price makes anything "aviation" suddenly look like a bargain... in Europe, however, it's becoming common for window glass, where they seem to be using them as radiant panels instead of the old steam radiators under conventional windows. I didn't find anyone in North America who was selling the stuff, though.

The Super Beetle's windshield wasn't curved was it?

_________________
mobilito ergo sum
I drive therefore I am

I can explain it to you,
but I can't understand it for you.

TRX,

Most of that stuff is tempered, although the electrically-heated windshield you referenced is probably laminated (I say probably: when I last owned a car in England tempered windshields were still legal, but were falling out of favour).

Carguy, yes, the SuperVee 'screen is curved. It is a favourite source for hot-rods like the Zipper Deuce roadster.

_________________
Warren
Isuzu Pickup/SR20DE, +401 COLD frame
Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=11601

Three cars in this thread have curved windshields, though nobody had anything to say about them: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=8411

Super Beetle: early ones had flat windshields, later ones had curved windshields.