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All:
I remember that sometime ago there was discussion about tinting the
overhead areas of the plexiglas canopy to diminish some of the heat
intensity of sunlight during day-time flying.  As I recall, there was
mention of using similar materials and methodology as are used to tint
car windows---but, according to my local sources, the window tint and
its adhesives will not work on Plexiglas because of the heat needed to
apply the film, the flexing that occurs in plexiglas after the tinting
is applied and because of serious chemical reaction between the
plexiglas and adhesives of the tinted film.  In short, all of the local
practitioners of this art state that they flatly will not do this work
because hard and long experience has shown them that customers will
ultimately be unhappy with the results.  Bubbles, streaks and ridges
will eventually occur and the material will have to be removed at great
compromise (scratching and clouding) to the canopy.

So, who among us has experience with canopy tinting?  Can you enlighten
us as to the materials and methods you used?  How long have you "tested"
your results?  Under what atmospheric conditions?

This thread should interest nearly all builders because we all desire
cool cockpits when flying the hot summer months.

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.