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Posted By: shaggy TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 2:53 pm
Who’s put windows into their engine covers, any photos? I’m looking for inspiration as I just bought a lovely new motor for my baby and it’d be a shame to keep it hidden. Can I put in Perspex/Makrolin windows in it or will these become heat damaged? I have a spare cover to work on thankfully.
Posted By: Virtual Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 3:06 pm
Glass Eagle has one of the best windowed engine covers I've seen:

[Linked Image]
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 5:16 pm
Hell Yeah thats the doggies danglies !!!! Is he on here couldn't find GlassEagle on the user list. I'd like to find out how he made it.
Posted By: Virtual Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 5:29 pm
No he's not unfortunately. But someone will probably chime in soon on how to build one.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 5:57 pm
Had a look at my spare engine cover and think I hve it figured out. Just hope the material I intend on using doesn't get heat damaged or melt too easily!!
Posted By: JJsRYD Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 7:32 pm
Shaggy, what you can also do is get another one and "WINDOW" that one. Just use it when your showing your van. That way, when your driving around town, you can use the one you have now and not worry about it melting on you.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 16th 2010 11:42 pm
Good idea I allready have a spare one. I've just been out in the garage cutting templates for the windows.
Posted By: Phoenix Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 12:19 am
I just would not get too close to the headers. Lexan is tough and if you plan right you can make replaceable windows as they wear out. you will sacrifice insulation and get a little extra heat from doing this but if you want to look at your engine ... go for it ! smile
Posted By: Westvan71 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 1:36 am
The early vans have it easy for us! I remembered opening the top lid while driving the Dodge on one of my trips. My friend riding with me was fantasied as he watched the slant 225 drone on smoothly! I lol'd at him about that!

The top lid could be trimmed to install glass as a window there.
Posted By: Twisted Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 1:51 am
MetalStorm has porthole windows in the doghouse.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 5:04 pm
I'm gonna use the idea JJsRYD posted and make my spare one windowed and use it mainly for shows. No worries about heat then.
Anyone got a photo of metalstorms engine cover?
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 5:12 pm
Go to showvans.com...click on events...click on 2009 NATS....click on Superbeast's photos and scroll down to Metalstorm...there are several pics there and a real good one of the engine cover off sitting beside the van. The port holes look like they are brass...and very well done.
Posted By: Doc 2% of Canada, EH!!!! Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 5:13 pm
I am not sure if Glen did this to Glass Eagle or not, but I have seen where you take the dog house off, and the insulation is just snapped in place on the inside with dome fasteners, and removed for the show, then simply snapped back on when you are on the road...Saves carrying an extra dog house around
Posted By: Superbeast Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 5:13 pm
yeah The portholes on Metalstorm are real ports from an old boat.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 6:19 pm
However you decide to install the windows into the motor cover wouldn't matter to me. I think it's a great idea! I have seen some guy's just remove the cover when showing the van. But for the Chevy guy's like me there is a lot more to deal with. You also have to first remove the plastic glove box and drink tray. Then remove the carpet cover. Then you are finally at the actual motor cover. Oh yeah, In my case I would also have to remove the CB radio and led lights. Way to much to be dealing with on Saturday morning. Those of you that attend truckins know what I'm refering to. When my engine is finished and all dressed up (by Lost I hope) I will be looking into doing some viewing windows myself.
Anyway...good luck with your project, and get some pics for us!
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 17th 2010 8:34 pm
Originally Posted by Lee7673
Go to showvans.com...click on events...click on 2009 NATS....click on Superbeast's photos and scroll down to Metalstorm...there are several pics there and a real good one of the engine cover off sitting beside the van. The port holes look like they are brass...and very well done.


[Linked Image]

Nice but I would prefer more glass/perspex like on GlassEagle.
Making the insulation removable sounds like a great idea. Or maybe if I could find some scrapped ovens I could use the heat proof glass from oven doors!!! I might see if I can do without the upper section of the Chevy engine cover or maybe make some kinda quick release fasteners for it.
Whatever I come up with I'll be sure to post pictures. I've got two weeks off at easter and I'm gonna try and get as much done on the van as I can.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 18th 2010 5:47 pm
Sounds like a plan, Good Luck.
I'm very interested to see what you come up with.
Posted By: motorjunkie Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 18th 2010 5:57 pm
Originally Posted by Phoenix
I just would not get too close to the headers. Lexan is tough and if you plan right you can make replaceable windows as they wear out. you will sacrifice insulation and get a little extra heat from doing this but if you want to look at your engine ... go for it ! smile
yeah

We mold polycarbonate here where I work into sign faces. It has to be dried in an oven 24hrs before molding to remove moisture, and then we heat it to around 340 deg f to just below the melting point and then vacuum to the mold. Any temps below 250 deg should be just fine.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 18th 2010 10:51 pm
Good to know. I might go on a few runs with the winowed cover in and see how it works out. I started work on it this evening. Did out the paper templates for the polycarbonate.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 18th 2010 11:15 pm
Here's another one, not sure which van it's from though, a friend sent it to me, from this thread.....
Second post by Boogie Van (you on here Boogie van ???).
clubroadster cool machines thread

[Linked Image]
Posted By: sasktrini Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 18th 2010 11:20 pm
Never seen those before, virtual and superbeast! Lovin' drool Glass Eagle! StarDreamer did his before Autorama last year... used LEDs too (?).
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 19th 2010 10:28 pm
Yeah stardreamer is beautifull!
Really nice how the chevy dash/two piece engine cover is incorporated in.
I found some photos on Jalopnik.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Eddie G Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 20th 2010 1:12 am
on the second page,the dodge engine cover looks like the "hemi van"?
Posted By: wookee Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 20th 2010 1:20 am
A lot of work went into the dash alone on that van!!!!

........Wookee
Posted By: VanVida_Israel Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 20th 2010 5:44 am
Doing windows on my 78 Ford engine cover would mostly just show the back of the engine. But I think it looks good on those posted on here.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 12:18 am
It's coming along nicely. I cut the windows out of 6mm polycarbonate. Three are in, 2 more side windows to go. The engine cover is made out of tougher material than I thought, I think it's glass reinforced nylon like Skyway tuff wheels!

Cut the Polycarbonate out.
[Linked Image]

Marked up the engine cover,
[Linked Image]

Two flat windows in,
[Linked Image]

The third window is curved so I used a ratchet strap to hold the curve in it while I bolted it in place.
[Linked Image]

Three windows in,
[Linked Image]

There's the two side windows to go then I need to upholster it which will be in red patent button tuck vinyl using chrome buttons. I then have to figure out how I am gonna sort out the dash issue. I'm thinking of making a fill in piece to make it more like a Dodge engine cover.I'm thinking also of having the bracketry sent off for chroming.

When I've it done and all photoed up maybe one of the mods could move this portion of the thread to the how - to section????
Posted By: PYSCHOWard Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 12:40 am
Nice work, that'll be a View to see.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 1:11 am
That is awesome bro!
You went way beyond anything that I have seen before. It looks like iron head! lol
Are you planning on installing some lights inside there?
Posted By: 86ed Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 3:50 am
damn that was fast, you don't mess around. looks great so far
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 2:28 pm
Looks great....can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted By: Superbeast Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 6:13 pm
Looks great so far.

Thanx Sask!

I'll move this to the how to section.

You may want to use a high temp sealer between the poly and the cover.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 21st 2010 11:11 pm
Yeah High temp sealer is a good idea. Should stop fumes coming through. I'm thinking of putting a new heat proof lining on it too. I used FatMat (like dynamat) under the bonnet of my '72 Scimitar (classic british car) before and it worked well. Not sure if it's heat proof enough to reduce heat transfer into the cab sufficiently though. Anyone got any suggestions, the original fibreglass mat is too bulky and in too poor condition to re-use.
I'm planning on some lights in there too probably a white LED array shining down from under the dash. Gotta do the upholstery on it first.
Anyway photos I know how you guys love photos, here's my solution to the chevy 2 part cover problem.Chop it to bits!

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 22nd 2010 3:34 am
Second Skin Audio sells several thermal management products. They are available as metalized mats or a water-based paint-on coating.

http://secondskinaudio.com/thermal-insulation/heat-wave-pro.php
http://secondskinaudio.com/viewproduct.php?id_product=355
http://secondskinaudio.com/thermal-acoustic-insulation/firewall.php

These products don't weigh a much as the obscenely heavy noise deadener products, so it might be *relatively* affordable to ship over seas.

Contact Anthony directly if you need more info; he's very helpful:

http://secondskinaudio.com/contact-information.php

Clear skies!
Posted By: Galaxy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 22nd 2010 4:51 pm
Oh I see, you cut the sides and bottom off the factory cover. But how will you attach it now? Only the two bolts behind the ash tray?
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 22nd 2010 6:30 pm
It hooks on at the top and I'm gonna put two clasps on the side, kinda like mini versions of the ones that hold the main engine cover on. Just have to find suitable chrome clasps now.
Posted By: Galaxy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 22nd 2010 6:33 pm
Yes I understand now. That should work out fine.
Nice job bro.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 22nd 2010 10:03 pm
Superbeast isn't his meant to be in the Generic how-to section? Paint and bodywork doesn't seem like the right home for it?!?!
Posted By: Star Dreamer Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 23rd 2010 2:35 am
Shaggy, looking good, should look great when you get it done. Like others have said, we use two engine covers, one without with windows that we use for longer drives and one with windows for the shows. We usually dont have any issues driving 30-40 miles with the one with the windows but it does get a little warm and is noisier as we do not have the dynamat on the inside of it like the one without windows. The windows sure area an attention getter at the shows.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 23rd 2010 10:13 am
I have one of the fabric covers that clip on to the engine cover with pop fasteners, I think it’s made by Krull. What I may try is using the windowed cover permanently with heat barrier matting on the inside in-between the windows. Then if I use the cover on the outside too that may cut down the heat and noise enough. I may have to sew fire blanket to the inside of the Krull cover too. If that works I won’t have to take the engine cover on and off at all just take off the Krull cover at shows!

If it doesn't work I still have the original engine cover to switch back to.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - March 27th 2010 11:33 pm

Did some more work on it. I clamped on the old insulation ,drew on where the windows willl be and cut out the holes for them. This will be glued back in after upholstering the top.
[Linked Image]

Then I glued on foam to the outside. I'm just waiting on vinyl material now which will be button tucked onto the out side , then I'll re-attach the insulation/heat barrier and then screw in the windows.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - May 31st 2010 8:42 pm
I finally finished the engine cover.

yay devil yay devil yay devil yay

Some on here have described a nicely dressed V8 with all the chrome shiny bits as "car porn" and I couldn't agree more so with that in mind I present the peepshow special.....

[Linked Image]
Thats scarlet red wet look pvc with polycarbonate windows. Wipe clean surface. shocked rolleyes
Posted By: jimdee Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - May 31st 2010 9:33 pm
hi my dog house in pegasus is split into 3 pieces i take off the right side to view it [Linked Image]
Posted By: Snotty Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - May 31st 2010 9:47 pm
Originally Posted by shaggy
I finally finished the engine cover.

yay devil yay devil yay devil yay

Some on here have described a nicely dressed V8 with all the chrome shiny bits as "car porn" and I couldn't agree more so with that in mind I present the peepshow special.....

[Linked Image]
Thats scarlet red wet look pvc with polycarbonate windows. Wipe clean surface. shocked rolleyes


WOW Shaggy that turned out GREAT! have any pics with it on the van?
Posted By: Ram4ever Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - May 31st 2010 11:42 pm
That looks awesome Shaggy! Now where are you going to fit the brass pole?

;0)

Clear skies!
Posted By: keystonekid1978 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - June 01st 2010 12:09 am
My friend steve and I were discussing the sad irony of "dolling up" the motor of a van, only to cover it with a large opaque shell. I mentioned the idea of adding windows or ports to the sides of the doghouse, he seemed to think it was a pretty wild idea. Which made me want to do it even more, especially now that my ol' 318 now has a little bling on her. Lookin good Shaggy, cant wait to see it on the van!
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - June 01st 2010 7:50 am
I’m waiting on a piston to rebuild the rebuilt engine I bought (that’s a whole other story eek see tips on engine install ) . Thanks for the nice comments as soon as the engine is back together I’ll post pics of it all blinged out to the max. smile
Posted By: Lee7673 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - June 01st 2010 7:37 pm
Looking GOOD!!!!
Posted By: wookee Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - June 01st 2010 8:14 pm
Nice "vanner porn" you have going there.......

........Wookee
Posted By: Superbeast Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - June 03rd 2010 2:22 pm
Nice job buddy! Came out sweet!
Posted By: frscke1 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 03rd 2018 9:42 pm
OK so where's the pic's in the van ? We want pic's or it didnt happen ....lol
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 06th 2018 8:47 am
Wow 8 year old post revival , OK I guess it's about time for some photo's. I'll try and take some over the weekend.
Posted By: shaggy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 06th 2018 9:00 pm
Here ye go....

[Linked Image]IMG_3478 by shagedemus, on Flickr

[Linked Image]IMG_3474 by shagedemus, on Flickr

[Linked Image]IMG_3470 by shagedemus, on Flickr

[Linked Image]IMG_3469 by shagedemus, on Flickr
Posted By: frscke1 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 06th 2018 9:08 pm
Way nice ! Thank you ...
Posted By: Rusty Pancelode Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 06th 2018 9:19 pm
Cool.

That last pic looks like a sloth face. lol
Posted By: Wedgy Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 07th 2018 6:43 pm
Nice work there Shaggy! Truly some high quality George Barris lookin' action definitely going on in there. Outlandishly Outstanding!
Posted By: Wizard78 Re: TMW engine covers???!!! - December 07th 2018 9:22 pm
That's Cool
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