Transparent Top
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 13
From: Central Florida
Transparent Top
Has anyone with the transparent top tinted the top like you would your windows? I know it is somewhat tinted, but my experience is that it doesn't seem to be enough. If you have tinted, what darkness did you settle on?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 132
Likes: 58
From: Long Island Ny
I agree with you. In my experience with sunroof etc sitting in the car with the glass it gets hot. I would do 5 percent tint but make sure it's ceramic tint so it also has some heat blocking abilities
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Admittedly, I haven't taken any measurements but to my eyes the translucent roof panel appears VERY dark, at least as dark as 5% windows. That's not to say you couldn't make it even darker by applying tint film but if you're going to darken it further why even have it? Keep in mind that more light is bound to come through a translucent surface that's pointed at the sky than through side-facing windows.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 158
From: Augusta Maine
It is pretty dark to start with imo. I don't really like the sun shining in with the top off, pretty light sensitive. I was conserned when I bought it that it would be too bright still. I was pleasantly surprised that it does a good job of blocking the sun while still giving you an open roof feel. So far I haven't noticed a significant increase of temperature inside the car.
You could probably tint it more but you should try it first the way it is.
You could probably tint it more but you should try it first the way it is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
Agree the roof is dark and the light coming in seems just right to me. I wouldn't tint it.
If concerned about heat in summer there are easy to install and remove shades you can buy for the interior underside.
If concerned about heat in summer there are easy to install and remove shades you can buy for the interior underside.
Last edited by mtaxman; May 14, 2017 at 03:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 13
From: Central Florida
Admittedly, I haven't taken any measurements but to my eyes the translucent roof panel appears VERY dark, at least as dark as 5% windows. That's not to say you couldn't make it even darker by applying tint film but if you're going to darken it further why even have it? Keep in mind that more light is bound to come through a translucent surface that's pointed at the sky than through side-facing windows.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 8
From: 29 Stumps CA
I talked with the tint shop when I had mine done (3M crystalline on windshield, color stable on others). The tint shop explained that the tint wouldn't adhere properly to the top and wouldn't do it. I didn't push the issue because I didn't want it looking like a POS in case they were right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
My vote is for a 10% darker transparent roof. Then I wouldn't have to change to a painted roof like I do now. I DD mine. My C7 sits in a open parking lot while I work and it gets hot in NC.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 167
Likes: 23
From: Terrell, NC
I applied one of the do it yourself ebay tint kits made for the underside of the transparent top and ended up removing it after about a week. It was too dark and defeated the purpose of having a transparent top. In order to cut down on the heating of the interior I purchased one of the interior panels that's held in place with suction cups. This works well and is easily removed once inside the car.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
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