RareSI

I have a 1999 hatchback, and looking to replace the hatch with a carbon fiber unit. I was recently told that while I NEED to use a lexan / polycarbonate glass. It was expressed that the carbon fiber hatch would twist more than the OEM steel unit, thus possibly causing the glass to break.

I'd like to get to the truth on the matter. Does anyone have any real information, experience or even stories about this?

I understand that there is Lexan, which scratches easily, you need a special cleaner for it. And FAL sells polycarbonate replacements which is not quite the same as Lexan. Am I correct?

What are the side effects / cons to using a "plastic" over "glass", that is if I have that option with a carbon fiber hatch.

Thanks in advance!

RareSI

Anyone?

Syndacate

well if ur speaking of a CF tail hatch, then yeah, it's more "malable" than a metal tailgate, so it can bend and 'cause the glass to break, I've heard of htat before, never seen it though..

As for teh glass over plastic or whatever, I don't know :-\

axtran

you don't gain anything from making the hatch CF really - and Lexan eliminates your rear defrosters so its semi-lame all depending where you live.

RareSI

I didn't ask for an opinion on to use carbon fiber or not. I'm not doing it to gain anything, perse.

I am adding carbon fiber to the car for visual appeal, not weight savings. I'm simply trying to find out if I absolutely need plastic or not.

RareSI

Anyone else?