On our recent trip to Venezia where we had 35 degrees during takeoff at 9:30
AM, Stephan and I were quite puzzled by the negative effect our
metallic-grey cockpit covers had when it came to keeping the heat out. The
temperature inside the cockpit was HIGH.
I have now received the report from the Norwegian Institute of Advanced
Europa Cockpit Cover Research. The reason it took so long, was that only
today has the sun been out sufficiently long to carry out such an important
field study. Here is the summary of the institute's findings (temperatures
in degrees Centigrade):
- Ambient air: 23.5
- Under car window sun protection material (I have now made covers
to place inside all windows from a set purchased at auto supply store):
26.9
- Under white pillow case material (single sheet cotton, thinner
material than the metallic-grey cover, tight weave): 38.7
- Under metallic-grey cockpit cover, made professionally to many
Europas: 58.7
All cases: Temp. sensor held up against the underside of the test piece by
pins, to ensure minimum ambient air influence. All test pieces at right
angle to the sun's rays. No wind.
It is evident that the metallic-grey material is totally unsuitable for sun
heat protection. The colour is just for show, and has the opposite effect
of what we common folks believe. It is of course water tight, but I am sure
there is also white fabric available that keeps the water out.
If you see a Europa at Popham next year, all covered in white bed sheets,
it's mine!
May the sun shine every day the rest of the summer,
Svein
LN-SKJ
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