How To Guide Perspex wind deflector mod

[Eddie Zedder]

As many of you are aware, if you have a standard Perspex wind deflector, access to the Z3 cubby box is impossible without removing it first.

So I came up with this easy fix so that you can gain access to store your trinkets.

1. Enlarge the bottom inner cutouts by around 4mm. I used a fret saw and then cleaned it up with a file.

2. Make a cardboard template so that you can work out the angle required for access.
I then used an engineers bevel for later transfer of the angle to the Perspex.

3. I then rigged up a length of 15mm copper tube and clamped the deflector to it with the top of the cutouts in the centre of the pipe.

4. Then apply heat evenly along the bend line for around 5 minutes until it becomes pliable and then bend to desired angle. I used a heat gun.

5. Fit back on car and admire your handy work.

 

[andyglym]

As many of you are aware, if you have a standard Perspex wind deflector, access to the Z3 cubby box is impossible without removing it first.

View attachment 53327
So I came up with this easy fix so that you can gain access to store your trinkets.

1. Enlarge the bottom inner cutouts by around 4mm. I used a fret saw and then cleaned it up with a file.
View attachment 53330

View attachment 53331
2. Make a cardboard template so that you can work out the angle required for access.
I then used an engineers bevel for later transfer of the angle to the Perspex.
View attachment 53342
View attachment 53343

3. I then rigged up a length of 15mm copper tube and clamped the deflector to it with the top of the cutouts in the centre of the pipe.
View attachment 53346

4. Then apply heat evenly along the bend line for around 5 minutes until it becomes pliable and then bend to desired angle. I used a heat gun.
View attachment 53355

5. Fit back on car and admire your handy work.
View attachment 53358
View attachment 53360

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Clever

 

[Jack Ratt]

That's a great tip, but I thought the Perspex deflector fitted behind the hoops rather than in front. Mines fitted behind and I can open my box enough to get my hand in.

 

[Low Rider]

Now that's thinking outside the box so to speak. I would now consider a Perspex one

 

[Shortie_gal]

No @Jack Ratt they are actually designed to be inside of the hoops and look 'cleaner' that way. This is a clever mod. Will be intereating to see if it still keeps the wind out?
The ones we sell arnt tight to the top cubby hole anyway so you can still open the box enough to get your hand in too

 

[Jack Ratt]

No @Jack Ratt they are actually designed to be inside of the hoops and look 'cleaner' that way. This is a clever mod. Will be intereating to see if it still keeps the wind out?
The ones we sell arnt tight to the top cubby hole anyway so you can still open the box enough to get your hand in too

I know a few people do fit them inside the hoops, I fitted mine that way too when I first got it. However, the wind stream over the windscreen causes turbulence in the cabin because it swirls back on itself. If the screen is fitted behind the hoops the air swirls against the Perspex and helps to hold it in position.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

I know a few people do fit them inside the hoops, I fitted mine that way too when I first got it. However, the wind stream over the windscreen causes turbulence in the cabin because it swirls back on itself. If the screen is fitted behind the hoops the air swirls against the Perspex and helps to hold it in position.

Interesting comment Jack. The type I have definitely fits on the inside, when I first got it I tried it on the outside but it looked like a dogs dinner.

 

[Stevo7682]

I had mine on the outside when i 1st got it and yes allows access to storage box but look wise way better on inside but no storage access . so really liked what you have done @Eddie Zedder .
I am interested in trying to do this how easy did the perspex bend how much heat required and did heating it mark it .

 

[Jimmy Weston]

That's an amazing modification , well done , I looked at doing mine today , but I have an engraved one , with Bmw logo on it, and goes past where it bends , so may look a bit odd, with a crease at through the logo,but I may try it smack on the bottom on the z3 logo.

 

[Stevo7682]

Haven't looked at mine yet but I also have an engraved one different mod maybe required then.

 

[Jimmy Weston]

Yes Stevo it may be the bend on it is 1cm lower than eddies clever idea

 

[Eddie Zedder]

I had mine on the outside when i 1st got it and yes allows access to storage box but look wise way better on inside but no storage access . so really liked what you have done @Eddie Zedder .
I am interested in trying to do this how easy did the perspex bend how much heat required and did heating it mark it .

Hi Steve,

I used the type of gun that is used for paint stripping on the hot setting.

The key is to keep it moving, about 4-5" from the surface. Hover in one place too long and it will cause bubbles on the surface!

It took about 5 mins of heat, try to bend it every now and then, you will feel when it is pliable enough to complete the full bend.

One thing I wouldn't do if I did it again is clamp it at both ends, as it will rise up in the middle, but once bent and held down in the middle while it cooled it was fine.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Not tested it for effectiveness yet, but I think the ideal solution to close up the gap would be to start with a fresh piece of acrylic that is longer at the bottom centre section. You could also have a return bend on the bottom edge to curve over the back of the cubby box.

If you make one like this @Shortie_gal, @Lee, i will gladly test it for free!

 

[Lee]

Not tested it for effectiveness yet, but I think the ideal solution to close up the gap would be to start with a fresh piece of acrylic that is longer at the bottom centre section. You could also have a return bend on the bottom edge to curve over the back of the cubby box.

If you make one like this @Shortie_gal, @Lee, i will gladly test it for free!

I've made mine like this for this very reason, leaves enough room to open the box and makes no difference to its effectiveness.