As usual, I have little different solution for this. I am still stuck on the Formula 1 paradyme of the 70's. Make one part do as many things as possible. (These days in Formula 1, it's all built into the carbon fiber tub so one thing does EVERYthing.) So, I took a sheet of 1/4 inch thick MR10 Lexan and cut out a rear windscreen. I attached it with screws and spacers through the rear bulkhead. It does four things:
1. It provides a cushion if your head gets slammed backwards in an accident. It is flexible enough to absorb a big impact without breaking. You may not be able to see it in the picture, but there is a rubber block between the lexan panel and the rollbar upright.
2. It greatly reduces the wind that loops over the windshield and hits you behind the shoulders. This makes a big difference in cold weather! It does not help the top of your head, however, you still need a thick ski cap or balaclava.
3. It provides a headrest for the passenger to catch a nap if he wears a wrap-around neck pillow. This is important on the 8 or 12 hour rallies that we run.
4. It provides protection from small caliber bullets. It's made of the same stuff that banks use for "bandit Barriers". I have not tested this function, yet, but I do live in LA.
It does not look too bad. I have had compliments on the car in spite of the panel being in place. The sticker is our ITN Rally Team patch. If you are interested, you can read more about our rallies here:
http://www.itnrally.org. We will be running an all night event from Harris Ranch (Near Colinga, CA) to Monterrey and back on June 26/27.
Paul
