FOUND SOME ON EBAY (34)cut to fit and finish myself(34) sunshade material-gctid818745

[HueyCrew]

Between dead ends, rude " go away small potatoes" implied email replies ( Guess CarCoverUSA.com already makes enough money) to polite requests to purchase from them OR if they cant, could they help with possible leads in the industry that might, and this computer going poof and my 2nd attempt to create this post just ceasing to exist, have me at wits end. The dash area on my 2655 was in such poor condition when I bought her due to no covering/ thermal protection that it went right on the "complete restore needed" list. Looks awesome now back in smooth shiny black with larger Ritchie compass. Don't want to have to repeat any of these "complete restore" projects so I'm trying to figure out affordable but "custom look", ways to protect and make unique, an old '90 2655 S.B. that I hope will turn a head or two. The 70's muscle "resto" car I never had now floats LOL! Those windows also I'm sure turn the cabin into an oven on weekends on the water and add strain on already taxed A/C systems. I have been relegated to the rest of my days sleeping with a unique CPAP type machine (thanks for the memories there Uncle Sugar) making a "can't sleep if I'm not cool" situation harder. I figured no sweat finding material should be a breeze LOL NOT! Plenty in China BUT the catch is the minimum purchase qty it tailored to mass production. eBay and the like seem to have tons of "firewall insulation" in more do-able qtys but look bulky and only one side has foil. Have any of you ever taken this path and if so had luck finding a foil/ mylar, bubble (or similar) middle, foil/ mylar or similar material? If I can locate I'm going to do the windshield and side glass along with the two fwd hatches. LOWES has something similar and I'm going to have a look tomorrow but it's house construction targeted and may not work. My upholsterer says he'll be able to finish the edges, and the slits and openings for the supports, etc and install steel hinge pin material to help prevent sagging and I'll install either small snaps or Velcro. Thanks in advance for any leads OR alternatives you may offer up!

Dave

[Ruffryder]

https://www.ebay.com/i/222337057581?chn=ps&dispItem=1

[HueyCrew]

That looks perfect! Never thought about camping section. I was too busy overthinking I guess. Whodda thunk it! Thanks Ruff Got that page bookmarked

[Ruffryder]

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[GearGuts]

If you want to look into something similar that is only foil one one side and exposed grey foam on the other, try looking into flooring underlay. There is a product that has a reflective foil type plastic bonded to a 1/16 layer of fairly sturdy foam padding. I currently use it under my sunshade canvas for the front windows and its been great. I keep the peices loose so I can slide them under the canvas when ever and where ever I need.

[HueyCrew]

"GearGuts" post=818855 wrote:
If you want to look into something similar that is only foil one one side and exposed grey foam on the other, try looking into flooring underlay. There is a product that has a reflective foil type plastic bonded to a 1/16 layer of fairly sturdy foam padding. I currently use it under my sunshade canvas for the front windows and its been great. I keep the peices loose so I can slide them under the canvas when ever and where ever I need.

I pondered that but wondered.... Have you had any issues with any moisture and or mold and /or odors? Any estimates on how long the exposed foam might last? I'll look it up. Thanks GearGuts

[GearGuts]

I've used the same three pieces for the front windows for three years or so now. I think the foam is plenty durable enough and it doesn't seem to wear the window frame or rubber trim like i think the foil side would. No moisture or mold issues it really wont soak up any water. I'm considering having the stuff sewn to the underside of my hatch canvas to stop some of the heat and the light from getting through. I'll post a thread about it if I actually do it. Cheers

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Take a look at SailRite. They have just about everything for canvas work.

[HueyCrew]

Took a look SKUA but the only thing I came across was a DIY article and in it they used and recommended their mesh material. But they do have other things (canvas related) now added to the ever growing "to do " list so I have their catalog ordered. 'Preciate the tip. That said, what my train of thought is, will be to first deal with the cockpit glass both preventing the sun from "cooking" the freshly repainted dash (and what I set up there while anchored out), new compass as well as to keep temps down inside during the day, hopefully reducing the strain on the heat/ ac unit at night. The remainder of the cockpit.... I stumbled on a '88 2655 just starting to get parted out and in addition to the crazy deal I got on other stuff, had the dealership include a lighter blue what they told me was a bimini shade extension with it's own frame and bag. Said I could have it provided I take the bimini and it's front and side windows (also with stainless frame and cover/ bag. Same color as the back so why not. If I unzipped and it was all rotted and a mouse condo, at least I'd have pieces to take to the upholsterer as patterns. Got it all laid out when I got it back home. Stuffed in that aft bag was a COMPLETE camper enclosure that had been taken very good care of. Finally a bit of good news in this 2655 odyssey. Upholsterer said all it really needs is to have the stitching, cracking zippers and vinyl edging redone and treat with waterproofing and replace the window portions. The tops will add to what the windshield shades will do. I am, given the even larger amount of money I saved, considering having him make roll up canvas flaps to let down over the window sections as well as zip in screens I can swap out with the windows at anchor overnight (NC ICW "skeeters" are brutal!) when either isn't in use I'll store them flat under the "V" berth mattress.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Sailrite also has a crazy number of how to vids on their site. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to navigate it. They are really geared to the DIY crowd. There is a mesh material, (I cannot remember the name at the moment), that is tailored like canvas that goes on the outside, for heat and glare reduction.

[ksanders]

I will also add a plug for Sailrite.

If you need it for any type of project involving fabric, they are the place to go.

I have one of their sewing machines. This spring I did a cockpit enclosure, and this summer I made new drapes. All with stuff and advice I got from them

https://Www.sailrite.com