We had a similar problem, having painted the panel grey. We solved the
problem
by
installing a panel cover made of black carpeting, like has been done on some
upscale
cars over the years. The cover extends over the top of the panel, down to and
including the tray on the right side, with sewn edges. The cover was made by our
upholsterer, and has been glued on to keep it from moving around. There are no
reflections seen now in the windscreen. I believe the carpeting also provides
some
insulation that reduces heating of the panel interior from direct sunlight. We
have
multiple holes in the top of the panel for ventilation, with the holes hidden
from
view just in front of the forward edge of the windshield.
Even if we had painted the panel flat black to start with, I would still want
the
carpet panel cover.
regards,
Terry Seaver
A135/N135TD
Ami McFadyean wrote:
>
> I painted the top of my instrument panel in a light colour, for VFR day
> flight only; generally it provides a feeling of spaceousness in the cockpit.
> Big Mistake.
>
> In sunlight there is noticeable reflection onto the inside of hte windscreen
> that gives an effect of flying into haze; visibility permanently degraded
> whilst the sun shines.
>
> I'm fearful that repainting the top of the panel with matt black could
> overheat hte panel and/or cause heat distortion of the fibreglass.
>
> Has anyone with a "dark" colour panel (meaning grey or dark blue etc)
> experienced any difficulties as above? Are there colours complimentary to
> the brown-tinted windscreen that would reflect less?
>
> Duncan Mcf.
>
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