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Plexiglass For Airbox?

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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 12:19 PM
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Plexiglass For Airbox?

I was thinking of making a cold air box, but I think it would look good out of plexiglass, do you think it will hold temperature?
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 12:34 PM
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Yes it would work just as well as carbon fiber or any non-metal box.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:26 PM
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Originally posted by eljefe62
Yes it would work just as well as carbon fiber or any non-metal box.
Actually, if you mean acrylic sheet when you say "plexiglass", then no, it isn't suitable for use in that application (sorry eljefe62). It'll become soft with the considerable engine heat and easily deform with the movement of the car. They also sell polycarbonate sheet which has the same appearance as acrylic, but it is quite a bit stronger and would withstand the rigors of the engine bay. The drawback is it's harder to work with and won't bend using the same methods one would use with acrylic (strip heater, oven). As mentioned, carbon fiber and fiberglass are better suited for an air box, but that is because those materials were designed for high-heat applications. Acrylic is not. I used to use Plexi for other projects and would heat it in the oven to make it soft enough to bend. I could even hold it in my hands right out of the oven and this was 1/2" thick. It doesn't take much heat to affect Plexi. I'd suggest aluminum, that's what I used. It's inexpensive, easy to get, very easy to work with and it can be made to look great. If you want templates, I got 'em.

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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:30 PM
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how can you get me the templates? can you email them,like the measurements, or do you have to mail them, let me know.
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:40 PM
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WOW nice lookin cold air box! I would like a template as well if I can grab one!
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:44 PM
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I was thinking plexiglass = lexan, but oh well
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:47 PM
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plexiglass im talking about, or atleast tats what we call it, is like a think plastic material, but its transparent. But i might go with the aluminum instead, seing as how it looks so good, I hope its the same for an s4
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 01:51 PM
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hey id like the templates for your air box desing
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:11 PM
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Yeah share them, we are poor
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 05:58 PM
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hell yes that airbox kicks ***!! post up some templates!
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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 06:12 PM
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I had those templates but lost them. I made one myself and it dint turn out as good as yours ATTOMICA. I was wondering if you can make one for me. If so how much will it be? Thanks.
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 10:32 AM
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Hey guys, I have gotten so many requests for the templates in the past that I made a real Template Set to distribute. I laser copied the actual templates I used for my airbox. Then, I made a list of all the tools you'll need including the perfect aluminum cutting tool (it's not shears or aviation snips) and where to get it; a list of all the materials you'll need including the source I used for the aircraft aluminum (they're inexpensive and they ship fast); a list of chronologically-based build suggestions and a series of photos to help in the construction.

Sounds good right? Well, I think it is. It took me a while to come up with this set and it's pretty developed. I've thought of posting the templates' images, but accurate size reproduction would be a problem. I've thought about posting a written description, but there are curves and bends that would be difficult to describe and that would make accurate reproduction difficult as well. Since I want to make sure that your end product comes out right, I chose a format that would most likely lead to that result...actual physical and usable templates plus all the information one would need with regard to tools and materials.

Please understand I'm not looking to make money on this. I just want to propagate my (actually, my brother's) design and help out the rotary community. The reason I'm charging is because I'm just interested in covering the costs associated with producing the set and postage.

What's the cost? $5 (USD) I've been asked about PayPal...that's a no-go for me. A simple money order works the best.

If you're interested, email me. Cool?

I want the Template Set!
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 10:37 AM
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Originally posted by eljefe62
I was thinking plexiglass = lexan, but oh well
That's a common mix-up.

Actually:
Plexiglass = acrylic
Lexan = polycarbonate

"Plexiglass" and "Lexan" are brand names.
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 02:03 PM
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Hey can you send me those template designs to my email? (Robfeatherstone@shaw.ca)
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 02:05 PM
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I'm an aircraft structural repair technician and I deal with sheet metal every day, if someone wants to spend the cash to send me the templates I'd be more than welcome to build them a cold airbox for free!
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 02:18 PM
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Originally posted by SmokinJoe
Hey can you send me those template designs to my email? (Robfeatherstone@shaw.ca)
Sorry, I've never digitized the templates so I don't have a file to email. All I've done since the beginning is use the physical templates. Also, yours is a great offer to build a free airbox, but be careful. Things may be different from car to car. You don't want to create something that'll either not fit or require the end-user to make modifications for its use. In my Set, I stress that things should be done in a flexible manner so any differences from my design can be accomodated.

Also, (sorry I forgot to mention this) if I'll be sending the Template Set to Canada, I'll be asking $8 (USD) to account for the increased postage.
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 02:21 PM
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I e-mailed and pmed ya...waiting for a reply.

- James
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 05:13 PM
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Originally posted by D10psychoblue23
I e-mailed and pmed ya...waiting for a reply.

- James
Sent a reply...
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 06:14 PM
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Attomica,
I meant if you can make an AIRBOX for me. IF you cant than its fine. Cause i made one back in teh summer time and it turned out real bad and didnt look that good.
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Old Jan 9, 2003 | 07:05 PM
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Originally posted by SmokinJoe
I'm an aircraft structural repair technician and I deal with sheet metal every day, if someone wants to spend the cash to send me the templates I'd be more than welcome to build them a cold airbox for free!
ill send you trhe templates once i et them rom attomca, im gonna buy themfrom hm,and ill pay shipping for you to send it, alright?
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