[jsvette]

I decided to try out the CRL Static Cling Dot Matrix Window film by CR Laurence. It is purported to block 75% of the solar energy, be totally reusable and work specifically with our clear roof panels. I ordered mine from Amazon, getting the 24" x 48" size for a total cost of $18.38 cents delivered. Here are the steps I used to install it on RedHot's transparent panel. It took me a total of about 2 hours start to finish, and my guess is if you follow my steps you could do it in just an about an hour.

Here is the way the film came:

Here is the film unfolded. It has a clear plastic protective cover used in shipping:

Here you can see the protective cover folded back at one corner:

Next I cleaned the inside of the roof panel with Sprayway Glass Cleaner (very important to get any oils off of the panel):

Next I used the clear plastic protective shield to make a pattern of the panel, marking it with a permanent marker:

Here I used Frog (painters) tape to hold the clear plastic as I marked it:

Here is the rough cut pattern on top of the actual dot matrix film

Here is the first cut of the film just laying loosely for final marking:

I trimmed any excess with a pilot knife carefully against the frame (not the panel) and then used a decal plastic spreader tool to smooth the dot matrix film and eliminate any bubbles

Here you can see that when you are up close and there is light inside the car you can see the dot matrix. Actually, from the out side without light inside, it almost looks more like the carbon fiber top than the transparent top. You can of course still see out of the panel from the inside, but it is not anywhere as bright.

Here is the finished panel.

I will be 'testing' it out this week, we are supposed to get to 100 degrees, and let you know how it does. All in all, a very inexpensive fix and easily removable whenever you want. You can store and then reapply it the next season.

 

[Chip]

That should be a good test!

 

[c7pilot]

Thanks for the detailed instructions and information where to get it. I just ordered the film for my 2011 GS

 

[jsvette]

Thanks for the detailed instructions and information where to get it. I just ordered the film for my 2011 GS

Most welcome. It is hard to beet for the price!

 

[Vigilance247]

nicely done!

 

[jsvette]

Thanks Vigilance247. Tomorrow will be the first test of its effectiveness.

 

[mcginna]

Thanks for sharing, very detailed. Please let us know how well it works for you.

 

[jsvette]

First day with the CRL Static Cling Dot Matrix Window film per my post #1: It most definitely cuts the solar heat to the point that it is not noticeable when driving in full sun. It reduces the internal temperature when parked. It's only 'negative' is that you lose the clear view out of the panel. You can see out of it but you are looking through the tight dot matrix of the film. Since I really like the normal view I will be removing the film after our 'hot' season and then reapplying it the following hot season. So far the trade off of view for heat savings seems worth it. I don't know of a viable alternative to this approach other than using a baseball style cap or hat if you have no blockage on the panel while driving in the full sun and during the summer, and then using a total heat blocking shield like HeatShield or the custom covered insert mentioned on another thread here.

 

[Vigilance247]

glad it worked!

 

[jsvette]

glad it worked!

The price was right so I didn't feel compelled to keep it or use it if it didn't.

 

[Chip]

Your AC system thanks you!

 

[razrbx]

I used a similar process. The only real difference is that I used a roll of craft paper. It worked well for the template as you can crease the paper into the corner. It is a little difficult to get all the bubbles and wrinkles out of the dot matrix film (I used the exact same film as you). I found a j roller worked well. One other tip, I notice you did yours on carpet, I used a soft blanket. Be careful not to put your top on a hard surface.

 

[jsvette]

Be careful not to put your top on a hard surface when you are working with it. Excellent point razrbx!

 

[c7pilot]

Last night I installed the CRL film ON MY 2011 GS. The problem I found is that the package came folded and the creases did not go away when the film was applied. It does block the heat to some extent but some creases just were not removed no matter how many times I reset the film.
QUOTE
"I have ordered the CRL Static Cling Dot Matrix Window Film and will cut it to form for the transparent panel. I found mixed reviews on the film itself when I researched it. Once it arrives I will post pics and an evaluation."

 

[Senior Chief ret]

I had my 2011 Camaro SS tinted with ceramic tint. It comes in clear tint to dark and it all cuts the heat, (what its meant for). Not near as cheap as your dot matrix as I paid 275 to have all my windows and sunroof done but I notice the difference from previous tint jobs ive had on other cars.

 

[jsvette]

I had my 2011 Camaro SS tinted with ceramic tint. It comes in clear tint to dark and it all cuts the heat, (what its meant for). Not near as cheap as your dot matrix as I paid 275 to have all my windows and sunroof done but I notice the difference from previous tint jobs ive had on other cars.

In all of the tint professionals I talked with, including the ones who put a similar product on my Cadillac XTS large roof panel, they were in complete agreement that you can not put regular tint films on our Stingray roof panels. My Caddy has a glass roof panel, and probably so does your Camaro.

 

[jsvette]

Panel Sun Shade Options Study

I will be doing a mini-study on 3 alternative solutions to reducing the heat that comes through the transparent roof panel on our Stingrays. The alternative solutions will be:

• CRL Static Cling Dot Matrix Window film
• DSV Custom roof shade
• HeatShield roof shade

Here is what I plan on measuring against the base of the unaltered OEM transparent panel under both static (parked, full sun) and dynamic (driving, full sun) conditions:
-Amplification or Reduction on ambient interior noise as measured by a DB meter
-Reduction in transmitted heat
-Ease of installation and removal
-Does it interfere with the panel removal and storage if the shade is left on
-Fit and finish

Is there something else you think I should be measuring? Thanks

 

[Petercwelch]

There has got to be an easier way!

 

[jsvette]

All three alternatives that reduce solar pass through heat are relatively easy to use. It will come down to a personal preference for many. Blocking the solar heat is more critical for Stingray owners who live in areas where there is abundant sun and high temps, like we have here in the desert. It is not an issue during three quarters of the year even here. Then you just get to enjoy the great scenic view through the clear panel.

 

[Andrew6]