a mack6

iTrader: (1)

For most of the summer I've just kept the t-tops in the bags in the back...even when it would be parked out at familiar (and safe) places like the gym, bank, friends houses, etc. My question is, what way of parking my car outside in the summer will do the least damage to the interior???

If i leave the tops out, the inside of the car doesnt get nearly as hot, but theres obviously going to be UV rays DIRECTLY on a lot of the interior. If i Keep the tops in, the interior will be much hotter but not nearly as much sun is getting in. Keep in mind my car might be outside for approximately 2-3 hours a day, 3-4 days a week. Does it even matter with it being outside so little?

NOTE: I use a sunshade when the car is parked (if the tops ARE out of the car, i put the sunshade over my seats in case a bird were to crap i wouldnt have to sit on it). I also use DuPont Teflon Vinyl/Rubber/Plastic spray on the all of the vinyl and plastic on the interior pieces.

briwar454

i feel that it best for the car to keep the t tops on. my cars interior as aged like vinegar just from sun through the back window and the t tops. the carpet is faded and the seat material becomes brittle. recently i made covers for the t-tops out of foam board just to keep me cool during the summer.

it may dry your t top weather stripping too. but, you can use mineral oil to keep them moist.

2tonedmaro89

well it sounds liek pretty much your car is shaded regardless lol. so if you keep the shade over the seats its not gonna make a difference interior wise if they are on or off( prolly better "off" w/ the sunshade protection.) but i would worry about the weather stripping as the sun is deff gonna dry it out and cause cracks if your not careful w/ will lead to leaks lol.

redfire82

ever think about one of those car covers to keep sun/poop from getting to the car?

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

On those days that I drive my IROC to work, I put the t-tops in, along with the t-top shades installed. I put one of those reflective windshield shades into the windshield, and put another oversized windshield shade in the back, resting it on the rear seat upright and extending all the way to the rear of the car. I leave the windows cracked about an inch. This keeps the inside of my car quite dark, and usually the interior is at or only slightly above the ambient temperature outside.

briwar454

what's the best shade to put in the back window? where did you get it? thanks!

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

I just bought another reflective windshield shade. It's not a perfect fit, but it's close enough if you fold one of the sides over.

compuwiz1937

iTrader: (17)

One of my old teachers drives a Miata and he keeps a blanket in the car and when he parked it he took the blanket and covered the interior.

BackInBlackGP

I use an elastic fitted bedsheet that I hold in place on the body with magnets...

Works for me...

briwar454

what size is the bed sheet? lol do you have a pic? i want to see it!

BackInBlackGP

It's a full size I think... Hideous yellow with tan flowers on it. I store the hard drive magnets on the backside of the steering wheel spokes. I haven't driven the car in the last 2 years, and I don't know where the sheet is, but when I find it again, I'll shoot you some pics...

HCR13

iTrader: (5)

I've left the t-tops off in the summer and then it rained. That wasn't cool. I have leather seats that get very hot in direct sunlight. So I normally check the weather to see if its going to be extremely hot (leave tops on) or overcast (obvious). But, like you, I'll leave them off if just doing minor stops around town...

freestylzz

I think it's best to leave the t-tops in during a hot summer day, and the t-top liners (those black padded ones) underneath the t-tops. I like to install a reflective sunshade in the front aswell and leave both windows open an inch or two (enough so as an arm couldn't fit through).

I use two pairs of cheapy seat covers (cloth) bought from like Wal-mart to cover the front and rear seats (yes you can cover the rear seats, you need to remove them and with a little fitting here and there make them work).

Parking in a shaded area free from any folage overhead (trees) that may have birds (avoid bird droppings) is ideal.

If you really think about it you're really fading out your interior in the hot summer daylight by having those hot ultraviolet rays beaming down on your interior. You risk fading cloth interiors and drying out and cracking leather seats and vinyl and plastic interior parts and padding. Who knows, it looks quite simple for someone to get into your car (wether it be to steal it or steal some items within it) if the t-tops are off. You also take a chance of having some freak raincloud pass overhead and douse your interior (water stains aren't cool). It's also easy for dust and dirt to build up on your interior with it open and exposed aswell.

And after a good interior and exterior cleaning it's a wise idea to use waxes and sprays to protect your car.

BackInBlackGP

Well, I can't find the ugly old sheet, but I did come across a nice blue one that matches the car! I only do this at work or at home. I rarely leave the car in a public parking lot/facility. There are too many inconsiderate a-holes on the planet for me...

briwar454

looks great!!