The nasa ccr hpde section doesn't say anything about this (or at least I couldn't find it) but the Honda-challenge rules do say kinda what I was looking for even though it does not apply to me yet because I am doing a nasa hpde but... (retyped, not copied)

"4.11 Door Glass

The driver side window glass, window operating mechanism, inner door panel, and interior door latch assemblies may be removed. Passenger side window glass, window operating mechanism, inner door panel, and interior door latch assemblies may be removed.

If retained, driver and/or passenger side door glass must be covered with a protective panel (stock panel is permitted)."

I have a cage, door is factory (not gutted) w/ interior panel removed to accommodate cage installation so there is no "protective panel". I want to make a protective panel out of a sheet of flexible plastic, (what is Mylar?) kinda like the same material a thin white flexible cutting board is made of that you might have seen/used in the kitchen. (Suggestions on this material and where I might be able to find it would be very appreciated, thank you)

There is not much clearance between the interior door skin and the cage, that's why I thought of using that material.

My question is will I fail tech or would it be frowned upon if me and an instructor did not have that "protective panel" for an HPDE?

If the answer is yes then I have until 9/4 to make a protective panel. (I would hate to drive to Beaver Run just to fail tech inspection) I am going to make one in the near future but I want to know if I need to do it now.

As always any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.
Chris

 

I think it would be hard to say since you have taken steps (roll cage) that no longer make it just a street car. If you have a stock car, then glass removal isn't needed, but once you start modifying the car, race car rules start to apply.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Voodoo_s2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think it would be hard to say since you have taken steps (roll cage) that no longer make it just a street car. If you have a stock car, then glass removal isn't needed, but once you start modifying the car, race car rules start to apply.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was thinking the same thing. It is safety.

I think the Instructors and Officials out there would feel more comfortable if it did have a panel.

I guess the whole purpose of the panel is to contain flying glass in the event of a side impact, and shielding occupants from jagged and sharp metal cutting you during an impact.

So where can I get some plastic sheeting ohh.. say a millimeter thick?

 

Why not a sheet of .060" aluminum?

 

Ya, I guess that would work. is that what people usually use if they haven't gutted their doors yet?

They don't sell that stuff at home depot/lowes do they?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C5 EH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ya, I guess that would work. is that what people usually use if they haven't gutted their doors yet?

They don't sell that stuff at home depot/lowes do they?</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.mcmaster.com

 

Yeah, most cars I've seen use a thing of sheet metal, seems like it'd be way easier to make and cheaper to boot.

Other than that, you want to caravan up with a bunch of us MDers to the Beaver for that event? We're leaving sometime on that Friday afternoon.

 

Have you considered removing the glass for this event?

-Chris

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris F &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you considered removing the glass for this event?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's just a couple 10mm bolts and it slides out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C5 EH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If retained, driver and/or passenger side door glass must be covered with a protective panel (stock panel is permitted)."</TD></TR></TABLE>

What is a "protective panel" anyway? Kinda vague if you ask me. What is it protecting and what is it protecting it from? If it's just to keep glass in maybe a thin sheet of HPDE (not HDPE ) would work?

 

if you are gonna worry about it, just unbolt the glass once at the track.

Technically, tho, you are fine as is. You only need to follow any of the **** you quoted to pass a race car tech inspection.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nonsense &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

What is a "protective panel" anyway? Kinda vague if you ask me. What is it protecting and what is it protecting it from? If it's just to keep glass in maybe a thin sheet of HPDE (not HDPE ) would work?

</TD></TR></TABLE>
haha, all that and you still got it backwards!

Assuming you did mean High Density Poly-Ethelene

 

It may be up to the instructor. The passenger privileges section of the CCR's says that passengers must use the same safety equipment as the driver but NASA instructors are not considered "passengers". The instructor has the final say wether he will ride in the car or not. I would err on the safe side and go ahead and put it in.

 

put some seran wrap on it!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Adrift &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
haha, all that and you still got it backwards!

Assuming you did mean High Density Poly-Ethelene
</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL I ALWAYS do that too .... what a retard


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">put some seran wrap on it!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was thinking duct tape and a hefty trash bag would work.