PIREP: Jet Shades removable tinted shades

[tim417]

The summer heat has once again reminded me how hot it gets in the cabin, so I decided to splurge and get a set of Jet Shades for my humble M20C. These shades are removable, flexible shade panels that are custom fit into the aircraft. According to the manufacturer, the premium version of the shades block 84% of the solar energy and 99.9% UV rays. While Jet Shades offers a single kit that encompasses all M20 models, it appears the kit is a six window configuration designed for the modern long body. I contacted Jet Shades by phone, and discovered the best option for me was to buy their DIY kit (only offered by telephone) and cut them to fit myself. This is actually a great option because the DIY kits are cheaper than the custom cut panels and really, you don't add that much work because even the custom cut panels need trimming anyway due to variations of interior trim.

The premium shade panels are lightly mirrored and labeled to avoid confusion as to which side should face out. They are semi flexible and can be rolled into a tube no smaller than 12" in diameter. Once cut, rubber trim is installed to clean up the look and also protect passengers from the sharp edges. I spent an afternoon trimming to fit, following the easy-to-understand instructions both in booklet form and also on YouTube.

After I installed all four panels, I dragged the plane into the afternoon sun and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Normally it would already be quite the oven inside the plane, but the shades made a significant difference. Yes it was still warm, but definitely less uncomfortable than before. Jet Shades says it decreases interior cabin temps by 15-25 degrees F. I believe it. I will report back with more time with them. The shades are set up to be removable so vision isn't obstructed at night.

Here are some pictures of the installed panels.

[Skates97]

Looks nice, tint does make a big difference in heat. I just use Gila static cling tint on my rear windows and keep a few extra pieces to put wherever the sun is coming in. I wrote a post on how to tint windows, it's pretty easy and inexpensive. The Gila tint starts to get a little blurry after a few years so I replace it as needed.

https://intothesky.com/2020/06/02/window-tinting/

[tim417]

3 minutes ago, Skates97 said:

Looks nice, tint does make a big difference in heat. I just use Gila static cling tint on my rear windows and keep a few extra pieces to put wherever the sun is coming in. I wrote a post on how to tint windows, it's pretty easy and inexpensive. The Gila tint starts to get a little blurry after a few years so I replace it as needed.

https://intothesky.com/2020/06/02/window-tinting/

I dont know if I am just terrible at it but I tried the static tint and could never get the bubbles out to my satisfaction and didnt like that it wasnt as clear as I would like. Probably user error on my part. Definitely cheaper than the Jet Shades, which appeals to me. 

[OneSaltyItalian]

Highly recommend the cheap option of the Kinder Fluff window shades. They are see through and stick to the windows. I use them on my full time plane and bring them along on Mooney flights as well. Absolute game changer and on a budget, too!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[PT20J]

Nothing humble about a C. It’s a great airplane. 

[Shadrach]

That looks like a useful setup. 
Years ago I removed the factory curtains from my bird, thinking that they looked dated. I reinstalled them on the rear windows a few years ago and now view them as a luxury for passengers.

[tim417]

4 hours ago, OneSaltyItalian said:

Highly recommend the cheap option of the Kinder Fluff window shades. They are see through and stick to the windows. I use them on my full time plane and bring them along on Mooney flights as well. Absolute game changer and on a budget, too!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
 

Ooh that is also a great option! Great for when I sit in other peoples' planes.

[natdm]

Been trying to get the Osh discount for a set of these. The Mooney on the site is not "all mooneys" and they knocked $300 for Osh and $200 for the extra panels, but I still might opt for a DIY kit to make sure it fits.

@tim417 not related to the shades but can I get a pic of that panel/yoke? That wrap looks stellar.

[tim417]

7 hours ago, natdm said:

Been trying to get the Osh discount for a set of these. The Mooney on the site is not "all mooneys" and they knocked $300 for Osh and $200 for the extra panels, but I still might opt for a DIY kit to make sure it fits.

@tim417 not related to the shades but can I get a pic of that panel/yoke? That wrap looks stellar.

I did the DIY kit for my C model. It was way cheaper than the six panel Mooney kit and was very easy to do. 

Hector at AeroComfort did my leather wrap. Phenomenal quality and great communication  

[natdm]

Holy crap. That two tone looks superb... I have leather-wrapped yokes and now you make me want to redo my entire interior. Those aren't the regular C yokes, no?

I went to look at their site to look at examples, and.. my plane is the example. https://aerocomfort.com/mooney/. Guess I should fly it to them some time and ask for a refresh like yours.

[tim417]

38 minutes ago, natdm said:

Holy crap. That two tone looks superb... I have leather-wrapped yokes and now you make me want to redo my entire interior. Those aren't the regular C yokes, no?

I went to look at their site to look at examples, and.. my plane is the example. https://aerocomfort.com/mooney/. Guess I should fly it to them some time and ask for a refresh like yours.

Yeah, he did a great job. No, my original control wheels had a leather wrap that was dried and cracked and the shafts had the 500hr AD. I scoured the Internets and salvage shops for the 201 style wheels and compatible shafts and then sent the wheels to Hector for wrapping. 

[chunko]

Glad you like the Jet Shades. I know the owner, and he makes a great product.

 

I'm too cheap to afford it though

[natdm]

Half-done. More of a pain than I thought. I scratched the front with scissors and over-bent the back in an area (I think), so it's got a crease. Don't even know when I did that.

Overall though, looks great. The custom kit came with enough to be able to do a strip over the front window when I'm done, if I can figure a way to keep it there.

[EricJ]

I have a windshield strip and a pilot's side upper strip that I made with the cling stuff from Walmart.   They've both held up for years with no issues.    They're easy to replace if something does happen to them.

[natdm]

25 minutes ago, EricJ said:

I have a windshield strip and a pilot's side upper strip that I made with the cling stuff from Walmart.   They've both held up for years with no issues.    They're easy to replace if something does happen to them.

Yeah I've heard that a few times from you and @Skates97. I've got the material but just didn't like the bubbles I saw in it. If you use soap to remove the bubbles, but then put it back on, there's more bubbles. Out the door with the OSH discount and DIY kit, $700, to get all 4 covered plus the front, isn't too shabby.

 

[Taildraggerpilot]

What made you decide to do the install with the edging instead of behind the window trim? 

[LANCECASPER]

23 hours ago, Taildraggerpilot said:

What made you decide to do the install with the edging instead of behind the window trim? 

Not sure what he will say, but I did the same thing and put the trim around it. These are removable. You don't want them on your front windows if you are taxiing at night, as an example. The tinted shades that I have use snaps and suction cups to attach  and remove it from the window. 

[Slick Nick]

@natdm that is some hangar floor you’ve got there, pardner!

[natdm]

On 11/9/2024 at 11:44 AM, Slick Nick said:

@natdm that is some hangar floor you’ve got there, pardner!

Not mine. A friend loaned me a space in MN and he had carpets over gravel for now. 
 

that’s a pain to use the manual towbar on. I’d have to rock it to get some momentum to move it.