I want to prevent future damage to my interior from UV rays. I also want a car that is inhabitable in hot weather.

What are some ways to make cheap but effective sunshields for our cars?
Sunshields seam horribly over priced. I'm looking to cover all 6 windows.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Depends what you mean by / classify as cheap...

...most people use tinting film but be aware of the rules and regulations in your area. Many places in the world have a maximum % that is allowed.

Other than that there are often silver foiled backed folding out thingys for sale in "pound shops" (May be they are called one dollar shops where you are?) - these things fold out / get velcroed on inside the car

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Intersting. I'll need more time to think about this.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Have the side and rear windows tinted and use the sun shield of your choice in the windshield. Having done it for year, it makes an enormous difference, especially in a dark colored car. I'm a fan of the fabric sunshades that have the metal loop in them. They fold up small enough that they usually can fit next to the seat or in a door pocket.

Other biggie if you're talking about inhabitability: Fix the A/C. Nothing sucks worse than driving a super hot car around in the summertime in city traffic with no A/C. Been there, done that, not going back.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

I've got 15% on my wagon and I would never go back. That thing was like driving around a greenhouse. People can think I'm trying to be a gangsta or ricer or whatever they want. See which one of us is sweating.

Alternatively, I bought a roll of this stuff that's kind of like bubble wrap with foil on both sides from the hardware store for another purpose and it would be perfect to cut custom shapes out of. That would be for when it's parked of course. I can't think of a cheap way to do the mesh stick-on or roll-up ones. Get really handy with crafting and electronics and you could go full-Maybach though.

-Rog

The A/C is next on my list.

I'll do a full review on it once I get my engine back together.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Looks like tinting is next on my list.

__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

In CA you cannot tint the drivers and passenger side window and only 6 inches from the top on the windshield.
Can't remember about the rear window.

I know the above because I got a ticket while driving someone else's car that hand the all side windows tinted.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Obviously check your local laws as they vary widely from state to state.

It also depends a lot on the car you drive. I got hassled monthly when I had an '80 Monte Carlo. But there are plenty of brand new SUVs with 5% all the way around, and I've never been bothered in the wagon. So if your car looks like it might have drugs in it or no insurance then the cops will definitely get a stiffy for it.

-Rog

Put a ball valve on the heater inlet hose, this will make a world of difference when driving and reduces thermo siphon when the engine is off.

Make sure the tint blocks IR light to reduce heating , UV for interior protection. Not all materials block .

An in car silver bubble wrap blocker helps though I've seen external ones that go across the windshield and hook over the outside mirrors. I like this better because it blocks more heat from getting in the car in the first place. Think about it, heat goes through the glass then is reflected off the silver blocker then has to pass through the glass again.

Dark dark tint all around is a sure " Pull me over " signal as are hide it plate covers.

First off, tint the thing. Stay legal and avoid the hassles. I am too old to be pulled over by the police, let alone pulled over for having illegal tint.

Darkest legal up front for driver and passenger is around 35% here and out back is whatever you can tolerate. I tried 5% once, pain in ass at night so I do 15%. I also do that 15% down to the AS1 line now, helps keep glare out. Use high quality film, this is 100% a time where you get what you pay for. Cheap tint fades quick and is just for looks.

Use those $5-10 silver reflectors in the front windshield AND rear on your SDL. It seems silly, but really helps to help block it from the rear too when parked. More expensive ones last much longer and hold their shape. I seem to need a new pair once a year.

Obviously crack windows when parked. Drive with them down and AC on full blast when first going...it will be cooler outside than in your car. Once inside is as cool as outside, roll 'em on up!

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Where can I find those reflectors?

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Walmart. Autozone. Amazon even.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]