Beating the Sun - Car Camping (The Sequel)

[Pixelchrome]

Hi All;

Just wanted to share what I've done to convert my Toyota Roastmaster Oven back into a car.






First thing I did was to buy a Reflectix for the front windshield.
But used on the interior, actually only improved the deep cooking ability of the car.
There goes $20.

Then I thought, it naturally belongs on the outside of the car like RV windshield covers.
So, that's where I put it.

It was just the right size that the upper corners could be folded around the pillars and held in place by the door window frames.
Add a few strips of industrial velcro, and I could open and close the door freely without it blowing off.

Tip:  Clean the paint with acetone where you stick the velcro to remove wax and dirt. (otherwise the velcro just peels off)







Con't in next post.

 

[Pixelchrome]

Con't.


The next thing I needed to deal with was the roof....which, thanks to the nice deep blue paint, would get as hot as a cast iron skillet in the sun. Seriously, it was too hot to touch with bare skin.
I thought first of a tarp, but then I thought why not mylar like a survival blanket?
So I found something even more durable in the form of a survival blanket/tarp - it's called a "Sport Utility Blanket" from SOL.
It was just the right size for my car and even had 6 grommets (4 of which are stitching reinforced).



Tip: This thing gives off the most noxious fumes from the second you open the bag. In a survival situation, the fumes would kill you faster than exposure would. It definitely must be aired out for several days, and then stored in a sealed bag.

I laid it on the roof of my car and sized it up.
I cut an opening for the antennae and trimmed off the excess on the sides.
I used 6 toggle balls to attach it to points inside the car.

At the front, they slide into the sun visors.





In the middle, they wrap around the chicken handles.





In the rear, I just open the hatch and toggle ball the corners to cargo tie downs that came in the car.
Badda bing!




One of the great things is that I can use the close the doors or hatch normally without detaching the reflective blanket or reflectix.

It all seems fairly gustproof especially if I put the wipers over the reflectix.

And, best of all, my tests so far today showed the car only slightly warmer than the outside temps, even in full sun and with the windows closed.

Yay!!
Pxl.

 

[tav-2020]

nicely done! and great pics for anyone wanting to replicate...stay cool!

 

[Pixelchrome]

nicely done! and great pics for anyone wanting to replicate...stay cool!

Thanks!