Yesterday I designed, built, and installed a windscreen.
Last night I went for a drive, and found that while there is some improvement, it's not enough to get exited about.
Unless you desire the special effect ones with the etching and lighting, I would not pay full price for a windscreen, in my opinion.
Mine cost under $40, but 5 hours labour.
It removes or installs in 30 seconds.
I would like to see some wind tunnel results to support the claims being made.

 

GOOD JOB. I have a smaller version on both my Crossfires and the most positive effect is that I can hear in my right ear after I exit the car after driving on the expressway for 30 minutes. Oh yea, one more thing, my right ear isn't numb.

 

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I'm 6'2" and the only thing that bothers me is the wind from behind. I have the same windscreen that Golfergal and some others have and it only blocks about 50%. No problems with wind coming at me.

 

Hi Black Diamond, I am Looking for a few more details. I assume its a plexiglas type product, how thick? Size of the sheet (5 x 2)? Hand cut or jig saw.? Attachment method, I assume velcro, with Stainless bolts.? It's snowing here so I need a project to keep me busy till the streets dry.

 

From what I do know about the wind currents that come over the windshield, there is a lift to convertible tops, not down pressure. I followed the exact radius of the top of the windshield, but lower by 4 inches. Therefore I don't believe I'm scooping wind.
If I put the side windows up its great.
I don't remember who, but someone on the forum has already said that windscreens are best with the side windows up.
But my point is that even without the windscreen and the side windows up its much better.
Therefore I believe the winds come in from the side, and not over the top.
Again I state, we need to see some wind tunnel test results.

 

Lexan polycarbonate (unbreakable)
I made mine 6 mm (about 1/4 inch) but thicker would be better. If I did it again I would go 8 mm. It would be more stable in the wind. You lose a little on how far the seats can go back, but I also do use the seat to give added hold against the rollbar velcro.
Sheet size 9 1/4 x 40 inches
I have a band saw. I cut outside the line, then filed and sanded to the line. Rough to start, fine to finish. Last sanding was fine wet sanding paper.
Stick on velco. "Extreme" is the only one that comes in silver grey color.

 

I had purchased a wind screen from Chrysler when I had my 2002 Sebring Convertible GTC. It worked like a charm IF the windows were up. Otherwise there was not much difference.

Generally speaking if your windows are up on the freeway and you have a windscreen, you will see a DRASTIC improvement over leaving your windows down without a windscreen.

Granted the Sebring was a much longer car and probably tended to create more turbulence than a Crossfire roadster will. Either way creating what is basically a box without a top is much better than one with 3 open faces (Top and both sides).

Your design is very nice. I like the industrial grade Velcro ("Extreme" as it is marketed).

With the side windows up, does the line of the wind screen come above the windows? If not, then it is probably the perfect height.

 

I would have never guessed that you could put a wind screen in convertibles that have back seats.
Where did it fit?

Regarding the height. it is close to the same as the side windows. I'm thinking I will lower it to see if it gets better or worse. I'll report back.

 

I have no scientific reports or numbers to go on, but I do have the "hair style" test, and with my wind screen, I arrive looking the way I left...not like I've been through a wind tunnel. I drive with my windows up going high speeds to keep the wind at bay. That's just me. In the NW, we have cool evenings, so with my wind screen, I can keep the top down, the heat cranked, and feel very comfortable. Plus, the radio is easier to hear, and I can actually hear my cell phone and take the occasional phone, (hands free) if necessary.

I am tempted to go for the lighted style, but I like having my roll bars covered, and that style doesn't provide that type of coverage.

 

I do like the etched and lighted version for looks.
However, I do not want to look through and decal or etch when driving.
I bought a used Ram truck that had the Rams head decal right in the middle of my view. Hated it. Had it removed.

I was considering the etch and had come up with a nice font for what I wanted.

For anyone who has read this far, and is interested, you can use my idea:

Instead of CROSSFIRE I was going to have them etch:
GERMAN BUILT

 

Thanks for the info I will start the project tomorrow unless you are going to start marketing them, OR if the phone rings and I have to go to Fort MacMurray!

 

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Thank you, AMGLover

Do you think the spoiler up or down would make a difference?

 

Well, as per the suggestions of some on this chain, I have reduced the height of the windscreen I made to be the same as Mopar and etched versions.
There was a slight improvement.

The following are my opinions:
1. Without the side windows up, the windscreen is of little value, in reducing air current.
2. I prefer the looks of any convertible without a windscreen at all. I even feel like I'm cheating the car if I put the side windows up.
3. Any windscreen therefore, must be easy on, easy off. I have accomplished that.
4. If I had to do it over again, I would build mine thicker, like 8mm.

 

I must say Black Diamond you did a great job. It "blends" in very well.

 

It really does; and it looks great. The yellow/black combo is definitely one of the best there is, too.

 

I've had the Chrysler windscreen since last summer and it works best with the windows up. No windscreen cuts all the turbulence...that's part of the charm of a convertible at high speed. But it does make a difference, especially when its in the 30's here in Michigan.

The OEM product installs in a snap with velcro. I did not screw in the lower guide because I did not want to mar the rear plastic, especially when I drive w/o the windscreen. It's absence makes no difference.