gearFX

Living in in the Southeast, I'm considering installing a high-quality window tint film for purely heat rejection purposes (it can be a clear film and not a dark tint for all I care). But is this pointless because of the fabric top? Are the tops actually insulated pretty well? If not, then tinting a convertible with a fabric/canvas top may just be a pointless endeavor (from a solar gain/heat rejection standpoint only. Obviously tint offers other benefits: UV protection, privacy, aesthetics, etc.)

Do people who have tinted their cabrio windows notice that their cars are cooler after parking under the sun (with the top closed and windows up) for an extended period, vs. just having the factory (bare) glass?

77tony

Been considering having the all windows (including the windshield) done with: http://www.motortrend.com/news/3ms-w...rk-tint-77391/ T

THPorsche

Yes.

gearFX

Just to clarify, is that "Yes, tinting a cabrio is pointless"? (Or were you answering the last question in my thread post body? "Yes, the car is cooler since I tinted my windows.")

THPorsche

Should have been more clear. I used to own a C2 cab (in N. California) and I have the top opened about 90% of the time. Tinting wouldn't have helped.

I have tinted windows on my other cars and I didn't feel the car was cooler after being baked under the sun. However, it does help while driving with the AC on.

R_Rated

Keep in mind that the top is more than a fabric top. It is in fact a hard top with a canvass cover. It attracts less heat than a black car would.

LexVan

Just park in the proper orientation to the sun (when possible) and use a sunshade for your windshield from Walmart for about $10. Works great. Stow under your driver's seat.

GJT

I had a tinted convertible E93 M3 done by the dealer. I don't remember it getting really hot ever even in the sun for hours. It will make some difference but agree with the above comment that a windshield shade will make the greatest impact (and long term save your dash). The most favorable factor is that a small convertible cools very quickly with AC since the interior space isn't that big (vs average car or SUV).

917k

Regardless of heat effect, I'd have it done in states like TX, AZ, NM as my eyes are sensitive to glare and I sometimes forget sunglasses.

U-Boat CDR

While not a convertible, I just had heat film installed on the glass sunroof and windshield of my C2 and it has made a big difference in the temp of the car. The film had a minimal tinting to it, so you don't even notice that it is there. The sides and rear were already tinted darker so now the whole car is done and it has helped quite a bit. I also did the same thing (except the sunroof) on my previous E93 M3 hardtop convertible and it helped there tons, as well. Also, as mentioned by others, the UV protection is a huge plus.

beaverlake

3M makes a ceramic film that has very little "color" but does an amazing job of blocking IR. I can drive the cab with the top up in sunlight without having to use sunglasses.

RobC4sX51

This^^^^^^^^^