DIY Clear Wind Deflector
#1
DIY Clear Wind Deflector
After searching the Interwebs high & low for an acrylic/clear wind deflector (like the OEM deflector on my Boxster) & not finding anything, I took matters into my own hands. I got a piece of 1/4" thick clear acrylic from Lowes. I had them cut it for me for length & height. (Free service, no less!) I used the OEM deflector as a template & traced out the edges with a Sharpie. I then spent some quality time with a grinder, finishing off with a Demel. Attached is the result.
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I thought about making more to sell. But I'm a DIYer & not a fabricator. What is "good enough" for me probably won't be to those with a more critical eye -- especially if laying out $$ for one. The materials (acrylic & the edging I'm gonna add) only cost US$20. But the grinding took me 1.5 hrs. Add onto that packaging & postage, to make it worth my while, I'd be asking for +US$200. At that price, anything less than fabricator perfect would be unacceptable to most people.
Unless I can be convinced otherwise, this is just gonna be a one-off for myself.
But thanks for offering!!!
Unless I can be convinced otherwise, this is just gonna be a one-off for myself.
But thanks for offering!!!
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I was hoping to find someone with a laser cutter who had already made one up on a CAD for mass production. But I couldn't find any. I guess our cars are still too much of a niche market for anyone to invest in the time to make, market & sell. I would have gladly paid what the OEM deflector cost for a laser cut acrylic one.
Maybe in a few years as more F-Types have been sold or someone identifies a market need for one (perhaps even from this thread), they'll make one on a CAD & laser cutter.
One thing I just thought of, however, is the possibility of copyright/trademark infringement. If Jaguar has the design rights to the wind deflector nailed down, they'd be able to go after anyone who infringes on them. Therefore, again, I can make one for myself but not sell to others.
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Have you had it up to speed on the highway? I would worry that, unlike the OEM mesh one this one will be a solid air dam and might pop out or thrum etc. I would also make sure you do the softer finish piece on the bottom otherwise it will scratch up the surface under it specially if it vibrates and moves around in the wind.
Looks good though.
Looks good though.
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sonny2 (02-03-2016)
#10
One thing I just thought of, however, is the possibility of copyright/trademark infringement. If Jaguar has the design rights to the wind deflector nailed down, they'd be able to go after anyone who infringes on them. Therefore, again, I can make one for myself but not sell to others.
Last edited by Unhingd; 02-02-2016 at 08:12 AM.
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sonny2 (02-03-2016)
#11
Have you had it up to speed on the highway? I would worry that, unlike the OEM mesh one this one will be a solid air dam and might pop out or thrum etc. I would also make sure you do the softer finish piece on the bottom otherwise it will scratch up the surface under it specially if it vibrates and moves around in the wind.
Looks good though.
Looks good though.
+1 That would be my concern. Depending on the thickness, it may deform enough to pop out. I might add a string/wire to keep it captive just in case.
Would be interesting to see what it would look like perforated. Would take a CNC machine to make it look good.
#12
Have you had it up to speed on the highway? I would worry that, unlike the OEM mesh one this one will be a solid air dam and might pop out or thrum etc. I would also make sure you do the softer finish piece on the bottom otherwise it will scratch up the surface under it specially if it vibrates and moves around in the wind.
Looks good though.
Looks good though.
Again, I plan on putting door edge molding on both top & bottom to give it a more finished look & that will also help prevent scratching the car at the bottom edge.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rockland County, New York
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Any pics of finished product with molding?
Hi Sonny,
I'm picking up my new 2017 f-type.
I'm interesting in DIYing the wind deflector like you.
Retired I have nothing else to do.
What molding did you get and where pics?
For red seats, how would you think red molding would look instead of black?
thx in advance
teil Thegratefuldad
I'm picking up my new 2017 f-type.
I'm interesting in DIYing the wind deflector like you.
Retired I have nothing else to do.
What molding did you get and where pics?
For red seats, how would you think red molding would look instead of black?
thx in advance
teil Thegratefuldad
#14
Hi Sonny,
I'm picking up my new 2017 f-type.
I'm interesting in DIYing the wind deflector like you.
Retired I have nothing else to do.
What molding did you get and where pics?
For red seats, how would you think red molding would look instead of black?
thx in advance
teil Thegratefuldad
I'm picking up my new 2017 f-type.
I'm interesting in DIYing the wind deflector like you.
Retired I have nothing else to do.
What molding did you get and where pics?
For red seats, how would you think red molding would look instead of black?
thx in advance
teil Thegratefuldad
I should have put it on the bottom edge as well bc over time, the plastic has gotten marred from the deflector sitting on it. I advise you to make a slight gap at the bottom (like the OEM deflector) so it doesn't touch. Also, over time & not using the proper cleaning solution, the plexiglas has gotten slightly scratched-up.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rockland County, New York
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Thx Sonny
Just so I understand,
Your finished project.
Am I correct that the 2 things that you would have adjusted
1) make a slight gap between bottom of deflector and where it meets the car
2) use a piece of molding on bottom in addition to gap as you did on the top
Key takeaway is don't have the bottom deflector plastic rub against car.
I have to give this a try before I go and spend $345 for the WindRestrictor clear deflector
thx in advance
Neil TheGratefuldad
Just so I understand,
Your finished project.
Am I correct that the 2 things that you would have adjusted
1) make a slight gap between bottom of deflector and where it meets the car
2) use a piece of molding on bottom in addition to gap as you did on the top
Key takeaway is don't have the bottom deflector plastic rub against car.
I have to give this a try before I go and spend $345 for the WindRestrictor clear deflector
thx in advance
Neil TheGratefuldad
#16
2) use a piece of molding on bottom in addition to gap as you did on the top.
Key takeaway is don't have the bottom deflector plastic rub against car.
thx in advance
#17
#18
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rockland County, New York
Posts: 5
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Hi Sonny,
It's a small world. I'm going to assume I'm a bit older than you (64).
Grew up in Brooklyn (Sheepshead Bay area), wife the Bronx (creston Ave)
My company moved us to Rockland in 1980.
My children both went to Woodglen. FF (i think D wing) and then Clarkstown North
They are 26 and 28 now.
I see you are in South Carolina (my brother in law), moved there a few years back.
my wife has been there I haveen't
Still in New City until she retires (I'm retired about 5 years now)
OK last question, The scratching / discoloration....Would you have selected something other than Plexiglas
for the project?
btw- I've been up because I had picked up my f-type base convertible TODAY and there is no way I can go to sleep, too excited, drove for a couple of hours.
Oh geeze you have the V8 OMG! whats the fastest you've got it to ?
It's a small world. I'm going to assume I'm a bit older than you (64).
Grew up in Brooklyn (Sheepshead Bay area), wife the Bronx (creston Ave)
My company moved us to Rockland in 1980.
My children both went to Woodglen. FF (i think D wing) and then Clarkstown North
They are 26 and 28 now.
I see you are in South Carolina (my brother in law), moved there a few years back.
my wife has been there I haveen't
Still in New City until she retires (I'm retired about 5 years now)
OK last question, The scratching / discoloration....Would you have selected something other than Plexiglas
for the project?
btw- I've been up because I had picked up my f-type base convertible TODAY and there is no way I can go to sleep, too excited, drove for a couple of hours.
Oh geeze you have the V8 OMG! whats the fastest you've got it to ?
#19
btw- I've been up because I had picked up my f-type base convertible TODAY and there is no way I can go to sleep, too excited, drove for a couple of hours.
Congrats on your purchase & enjoy her in good health!!!
Oh geeze you have the V8 OMG! whats the fastest you've got it to ?
At CMP in Kershaw, SC on street tires. Car is completely OEM without any performance mods of any kind.
#20
Thx Sonny
Just so I understand,
Your finished project.
Am I correct that the 2 things that you would have adjusted
1) make a slight gap between bottom of deflector and where it meets the car
2) use a piece of molding on bottom in addition to gap as you did on the top
Key takeaway is don't have the bottom deflector plastic rub against car.
I have to give this a try before I go and spend $345 for the WindRestrictor clear deflector
thx in advance
Neil TheGratefuldad
Just so I understand,
Your finished project.
Am I correct that the 2 things that you would have adjusted
1) make a slight gap between bottom of deflector and where it meets the car
2) use a piece of molding on bottom in addition to gap as you did on the top
Key takeaway is don't have the bottom deflector plastic rub against car.
I have to give this a try before I go and spend $345 for the WindRestrictor clear deflector
thx in advance
Neil TheGratefuldad
Last edited by jimishooch; 10-29-2017 at 08:29 AM.