Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Sunshade Blues


As simple as it seems, to me Sunshades are a big deal.  With old cars, or used cars, you are likely inheriting someone else's cracked dash.  There was nothing you could have done to save the precious padded vinyl on your 70 Cuda 3 decades ago.  Same goes for your late model acquisitions.  


However, when you buy a new car (like the Mopar 10), you have the chance to be that person...You know, the one who actually took care of their car...The rare person who did everything in their power to keep the dash immaculate.

Can the Sunshade keep the Mopar 10's Dash from cracking like my 01 Ram's dash?  I don't know...

Will it help, you bet!

In addition to keeping the dash in the best shape we can, the sunshade will keep interior temps down considerably. This means the air conditioning doesn't have to work as hard, you aren't as likely to get burned touching the shifter or seatbelt, and your leather might thank you as well.  A sunshade may seem negligible for some, but here under the scorching Texas sun it is a nice investment.

That said, we can't just run down to Walmart and pick up the bargain bin special.  The Mopar 10 deserves better.

There are a few options for custom cut, but they lack the personality the car has.  After some research I went wit this Blue Go Gear Sunshade.  It isn't a perfect fit, but I have found that I can have about half an extra pleat in each corner of the windshield with a slight bow in the middle (you can see it in the pics).  This covers the entire dash and that was my main objective.

Plus, it looks awesome in the true blue.  Check it out for yourself:




Here is some pertinent info on the Sunshade.  For what it is worth, I sourced mine from AutoBarn on Amazon.com:


GoGear
SP130802J
Jumbo Sunblock: Folding Automotive Sunshade
Snugfit: No Sagging, No Bunching
Cooler Interior Surfaces: Reflects Heat 
Blocks Harmful UV Rays: Prevents Cracking & Fading
Performance Rating: 100 For Advanced Durability
Protect your vehicle from the dmage and heat of the hot summer sun.
Block 99.9% of harmful UV Rays to prevent dashboard from cracking or fading.
Keep car cooler and use less A/C even in the hottest weather.
Convenient folding design makes shade eas to remove and store.
Made from high quality reflective materials and insulation.
Unique SnugFit Design
Innovative neckline hugs the mirror to help prevent sagging, bunching, and gaps that can damage your sunshade and potentially your vehicle.
Better Performance.  Better Protection
More Rigidity Delivers a Better Fit for Superior Sun Protection
To install, open and push sunshade tight against the windshield, aligning the SnugFit Design cut-out with your rearview mirror.  Attach suction cups for a more secture fit.  Fold down visors to hold the shade in place.
Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
428 Peyton/PO Box 1157
Emporia, KS 66801
Sunshade Performance Rating
50=2 Layer, Reflective Mylar, Standard Foam Insulator
100=3 Layer, 2 Reflective Mylar Layers, Extra Thick Air Insulator, Up to 10x More Rigidity than 2 Layer Shade
250=Premium 3 Layer, Ultra Reflective Barrier, Double Thick Foam Insulator, Donbded Mylar Backer, Up to 25x More Rigidty than 2 Layer Shade

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