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I'm tired of having to wear a hat when I drive my car in the summer and I'm tired of all of the heat the T-Tops let in. I'm going to purchase some sunshades and I can across these two online:
The Hawks ones look nice but I'm not sure how much they reflect the sunlight to keep the heat down. Also at $105 after shipping is included that seems pretty steep. Another possibility is to find a local interior shop that would make some for me when I get my headliner redone this summer. What would you guys recommend?
I have the hawks ones, they helped keep sun/heat out about 80% better than what it was before. It's actually enjoyable to drive now with the sun out in full force. Before my scalp used to be on fire lol.
Word of caution, they are flimsy as hell. You will need to add longer strips of velcro to support the center and sides better. I haven't done this yet, and they like to sag in the middle and fall out sometimes.
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
that's what I'm planning on doing since my original shades were destroyed over time.
The OE shades are so simple they'd be easy to replicate. They're just ~3/32" thick black paperboard covered in headliner fur on one side. Then they finished the edges with a strip of cloth wrapped over the edges, and stitched. Local upholstery shop should have no problem. The edge is the only part that's remotely difficult, since the ol' lady's Kenmore sewing machine isn't up to sewing through cardboard. But for that matter, a person could probably get away with gluing the trim.
That basic huh? It seems like the black would absorb a lot of heat vs a white paper board. I was even playing with the idea of buying one of those reflective car window shades and cutting out two squares to fit the T-Tops then putting fabric on the bottom of them. That way they would reflect the sun out. It may look terrible through the T-Top glass though.
I purchased originals from CoverCraft years ago that were already "dead". What I mean by that is the headliner material on the backer board is dead, so they are worthless, but the board makes a perfect template for a shop to make new ones. When I got my headliner replaced, I had the shop make me the shades with the same material and lot number. CoverCraft was the original manufacturer of the OEM shades.
If anybody wants an original as a template, let me know. I paid $60 for 6 of the originals. Some of the boxes are still sealed, so not sure what condition they are in.
If anybody wants an original as a template, let me know. I paid $60 for 6 of the originals. Some of the boxes are still sealed, so not sure what condition they are in.
I'm interested in a pair. How much shipped to 33024?
Sorry. I forgot to mention that they are all one side. For the template, if you remove the failed headliner, you can recreate new ones using the same shade backing. That's what I did. I removed the headliner material and used the same board for both sides, just flipped it over. I did like Drew said and used the heavy black cardboard for my new ones.
Let me know if you're still interested in one or more than one
I got lucky a few weeks ago, and found a set of the factory shades in an '88 IROC, in the t-top bag. I only paid $10.00 for them. They're a nice addition, especially on hot sunny days.
I got the YoFab ones for my 1986 with factory T-tops. Wouldn't recommend them. They fit... OK. They look pretty cheap. It's just black plastic, and they intend for you to put adhesive on the glass to help support the plastic from sagging. Meh. There was zero reduction in heat, which you could just feel radiate from the black plastic which then gets soft and melty. I cut up an old reflective foil windshield screen to put between the top and the black plastic. That helped a lot.
Davidgou, I apologize for not responding to your request. I've been busy and the shades are in storage. If you're not in a hurry, I'll try to get them out this week and get you a quote. Otherwise, if you get up to Orlando, I can get them to you without shipping costs.
Good thread. Killing the sauna effect when parked somewhere in the sun for a long time was on my list for this summer. Do the 1aauto ones also require the little velcro stickers or do they sit just clumped right on?
My 84 Z came with a set of hard plastic shades that look exactly like
these GM units:
(on-line pic)
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
My 84 Z came with a set of hard plastic shades that look exactly like
these GM units:
The ***** on the exposed side are connected to a suction cup that stick to the
t-top. The shades are a bit larger than the t-top opening and the top fits over
them and hold them in place.
Interesting. I've never seen those before. So do they extend between the weatherstrip and the glass?
YES,
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
YES,
They are a bit larger than the top opening so the top itself is pinched in place.
I did have pics of my set around here somewhere or i will take new shots and post.
Mine have no printing or part #s on them IIRC.
There is a metal sticker/plate on them but the printing on it is about worn off.
Friend of mine got mine and his wife is going to make us a few sets. They help when the temps reach 100 down here. You can't beat that $39.95 set though that's a good deal well worth it i m sure.
Good thread. Killing the sauna effect when parked somewhere in the sun for a long time was on my list for this summer. Do the 1aauto ones also require the little velcro stickers or do they sit just clumped right on?
They come with Velcro pieces for the corners but aren’t necessary as they tuck into and are held by the headliner and ttop side bar.
I've been considering these too. Hot hot hot. ....obviously these are removable. Anyone ever consider a high UV blocking tint? Obviously not for the "stock" crowd. -I've considered looking for an extra set of tops on CL and tinting one set.
Technically, you don't need to use the velcro dots with the factory shades. Mine still have the peel off backings on them, never been peeled and stuck to the glass, er... Plastic... The outer edge slips under the plastic trim, and the inner edge will sit on top of the T-bar. The Velcro just helps keep them from falling out when you remove the tops.
I've been considering these too. Hot hot hot. ....obviously these are removable. Anyone ever consider a high UV blocking tint? Obviously not for the "stock" crowd. -I've considered looking for an extra set of tops on CL and tinting one set.
I'd like to have some of this in clear for all the glass, t-tops included.
Well the 40 buckers arrived from camarocentral. Nice medium gray fabric as ordered, solid stitching..no velcro I wouldn’t use..pretty sturdy...great!
...until I flip them over:
Bare cardboard! Lol. I think you could definitely see this through normal t-top tint.
Well ya get what ya pay for. I’ll save my final verdict since fit is pending (my shop is dragging *** on a slew of mods) but a can of black spray paint and hopefully these should do fine.
Solid coat of aluminum paint, then a solid coat of black or paint to match the headliner. 
