DIY sun block top of windscreen ? Options

[Literati914]

I’m drawing a blank on what the sun shade strips are called that are manufactured and act as advertisement displays at the outside tops of windshields.. but I’m thinking about trying to make one up and install on my “beater” 1.7L 914. I don’t want to advertise for anyone, though I might consider a small custom text - if anyone has any info on that. Also, I’m not really wanting it to be tall either. So yea a DIY custom vinyl shade. Anyone done this? Which vinyl for permanent or semi-perm installation. Just hand cut? Any info or suggestions?

[Superhawk996]

Window tint across top 6” is effective and cheap. Go with mirror tint if you want deeper shade assuming it won’t cause issues with the PoPo in Texas.

Dirt cheap. Easy to install.

If you’re dead set on vinyl go see your local sign shop - they can cut vinyl for you if you give them some dimensions.

[Cairo94507]

Back in the 70's we used Racer's tape to make the sun screen. I would love to add a tint strip, probably 6-7" on my windshield but I will need to pull the glass and have it added and then re-install the glass. The trim at the top of the glass contacts the glass and the tint shop did not want to damage the vinyl trim. If I ever suffer a broken windshield, I will tint the new one and then install it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Superhawk996]

Back in the 70's we used Racer's tape to make the sun screen. I would love to add a tint strip, probably 6-7" on my windshield but I will need to pull the glass and have it added and then re-install the glass. The trim at the top of the glass contacts the glass and the tint shop did not want to damage the vinyl trim. If I ever suffer a broken windshield, I will tint the new one and then install it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I used to put them on my 914 all the time.

I used to use mirror tint and would regularly get a fix-it ticket about once a year. Remove, get PoPo to sign off the ticket, reinstall later the same day.

Legal Tint (shade varies by state) would avoid the youthful rebellion and would be one and done.

[Literati914]

Window tint across top 6” is effective and cheap. Go with mirror tint if you want deeper shade assuming it won’t cause issues with the PoPo in Texas.

Dirt cheap. Easy to install.

If you’re dead set on vinyl go see your local sign shop - they can cut vinyl for you if you give them some dimensions.

Thanks - TBH I’m not crazy about the mirror finish.. but your post reminded me that I do have something very similar already, see pic “chrome vinyl”. I can use it for getting a good pattern, and easy of install when I get the correct material.

[Superhawk996]

Just keep in mind you can get the same type of product that is just conventional tint in a wide variety of light transmission. If I recall Texas allows some pretty dark tint.

Or . . . You could use the mirror vinyl then have your local sign shop cut some fluorescent vinyl letters to make the Andial logo 80s style. Lay that logo on top of the mirror vinyl. One of a kind! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Just sayin’ (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Chris914n6]

I think your thinking sign vinyl. Easiest would be to find a FastSigns and ask for a few feet. It costs them like $1 so it might be free. Or order it with a logo, just make sure to oversize it and mark for center, trim to fit afterward.

You can order vinyl strips from Amazon Ebay etc if you want special vinyl, carbon fiber look, sparkles, etc.

Window tint has to be applied inside and it takes skill.

[Ninja]

For Texas

Texas Window Tint Regulations
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 25% of light to pass through (VLT > 25%).

Back Side & Rear Windows: Any darkness (VLT %) can be applied.

Windshield: A clear, non-tinted film is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line, or top 5 inches, with a 25% or less luminous reflectance.

Reflectance: Tint cannot have more than 25% reflectivity, which limits excessive glare.

Color Restrictions: Red, amber, and blue tints are prohibited.

Sticker Requirement: A compliance sticker must be placed between the tint and the glass on the driver's side window.


Lots of my friends get away with dark 5% "limo" tint for the front windshield top.
Mirror finishes will get you stopped.
Normal 25% stuff works fine for this.
You cut this by laying it on the outside (upside down) and trim the ends 1/8" "in" from the edges.

Inside has to be cleaner than brand new, use lots of water and a soft rubber/plastic tool to work the bubbles out.

The bitchy thing is getting the bottom line even and "straight".

Buy extra because the second or third attempt is massively better than the first time you do it.

If it's screwed up remove it and don't let it dry. 20 times harder to remove after it dries.

I would expect a tint shop to do a top windshield tint only for $50.
I'd tell them I didn't need a receipt...

[Literati914]

Windshield: A clear, non-tinted film is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line, or top 5 inches, with a 25% or less luminous reflectance

..

Color Restrictions: Red, amber, and blue tints are prohibited.

..

Mirror finishes will get you stopped..

Wow nice write up.. I always wondered what the exact laws were around here. But I’m confused by “clear” being allowed at the top of the windshield, but then there are color restrictions ?? And I wasn’t going to actually use the chrome vinyl that I have but your note regarding mirror finishes getting you stopped, made me laugh… I hadn’t considered it would be blinding EVERYONE (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

ps - I was only considering something simple like satin black. I feel like I’ve seen people run around with professionally made advertisements - maybe it’s a thing a cop may or may not bother with.

[Ninja]

I copied most of the legal sounding crap from google (I'm lazy!)
The law actually states for windshield banners: 25% or higher light transference, at the manufactures AS-1 line (or top 5 inches).

I have NEVER seen an AS-1 measurement, but I haven't hunted for that.

If you put 5" of tint on a 914 it will be too low, and most folks don't like that.

I've run many "windshield banners", usually white with a logo on them. I've never had a cop complain and that is less than 25% IMO.

Lots of my buddies run 5% on the windshield and the cops don't seem to care.
Put that 5% on either of the side windows and you'll have problems as the cops cannot see you as they walk up to the car. I don't envy a cop's job. It scares them to not be able to see into the car and starts the traffic stop in a negative way.

My eyes are getting old and I can't see crap through the 5% at night. I don't use limo tint.

Modern tints are KICK ASS at blocking the heat generating UVs at almost clear tint levels.
You don't have to go dark anymore unless you want to.

[mepstein]

Yea, I plan to use the modern "clear" ceramic tint on my 67 to help with the a/c install.