63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

[Steve D.]

I have a black converiible top and AC (aftermarket). I have floorboard insulation and am not aware of heat coming from below. But when the sun is out I am aware of heat from the rag top and sun coming in through the plastic panel in the back. Has anyone found an effective screen for the back "window" ? I was thinking of trying to fabricate one out of some sloar screen and velcro. I am also thinking of trying to fabricate a reflective liner for the top. Has anyone been down this road?

Steve

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Steve;

I also have a 63 convertible, but I changed to a white top many years ago though I don't know if it helped all that much. I do not have A/C and would never consider it for a drop top. I also have the hard top, but don't use it. I live in Florida and only drive in the early morning or late day and evening as a matter of habit.

One possible route might be to do like I did in the north during the winter using a blanket to line (insulate) the top. Also, make sure you have the exhaust shields in place.

Stu Fox

[Terry D.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Best fix is to put the top down and drive fast!

[Steven B.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Steve, for the conv. top window try a vinyl tint like Gila Tint. There is a 442 conv. near where I live in TX that has had Gila Tint installed for ten years and still looks pretty good. I am unsure about the spray tint. It may work better??

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Steve

Thanks, I'll check it out. I am in Plano: are you nearby, perchance?

Steve

[Steven B.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Steve, by Texas standards I am just down the road a piece------about 125miles east at Lake Cypress Springs, south of Mount Vernon on I-30 then about 7 miles south on 115. Steve

[Roger P.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Hi Steve,
FWIW, someone on the CF posted that they had Al Knoch make them a new top with a removable rear window for a much cooler ride with the top up. It sounds like an interesting "old school" idea that might help with your problem. However, I don't know if they can retrofit an existing raptop vs. making a new top. If you are interested, this is the link to the thread with photos: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...new-top-2.html

Good luck,
Roger (50141)

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Pretty close. I made a run to Emory a couple of weekends ago; I should have kept going. I hope to make the Regional in the fall: if you are there, I'll look you up. Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Roger

Somebody is always thinking. Texas summers being what they are, I put in the AC as a jesture of good will so that my wife would be more inclined to join me on road trips. The AC works pretty well; I'm just trying to improve the set up a bit.

Steve

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

The reason you put in A/C is the same reason I have not. After 47 years of marriage and 49 with my Vette, why rock the boat. She almost convinced me to take her to our usual saturday night cruise, but she wanted me to drive over in our air conditioned family car "just to look at the cars". I talked her out of it. She won't ride in the Vette because, as she says; "it's noisy and rides like a truck, and it's too hard to get in and out of". Ok.

Stu Fox

[Roger P.]

Re: 63 Convertible _Cockpit temperature remedies

Steve,
As Stu mentioned, our Florida summers can get pretty darn hot & humid. I only drive my car with the top down (unless it starts to rain) which is usually very comfortable even on sunny days. However, it can get steamy when the traffic is slow and at traffic lights. I considered Vintage Air for my car, but I'm not sure that it would help enough to justify the cost. Someone once mentioned that it works great in a convertible if you like to freeze your knees .

Stay cool,
Roger (50141)