Help with paint idea?

[California98Civic]

I want to repaint my car and do some minor ding detailing. I am considering just going with black again, or a midnight blue. But to reduce cabin temps I am considering a lighter roof color. My wife likes what she says is Celadon Green, which coincidentally would fit the name I gave this car on this site. Here is an example of the possible roof color:

QUESTION: Do you think just painting the roof and possible "C" pillars and trunk lid would be enough to accomplish the 60% cooling effect (over black) that studies have shown for silver car cabins?

[ecomodded]

I think it would help to a point of around 30 % rather then 60% to the fact of the sq. ft coverage of the roof as compared to the sides of the car which would be a higher temperature on at at least one of the darker sides at a time. Convection heat will be cooking the sides. I think a light color or shade is all that is needed, Without being to much of a stickler.

[redorchestra]

this reminds me of a joke:
This guy who is hard of hearing and a bit down on his luck, goes out to find a bit of work. He goes house to house in a rich neighbourhood looking for some odd jobs. He still has no luck untill he comes to the biggest richest house in the neighbourhood. this mansion has a pool, 25 rooms, electrified fence , separate maid entrance and a multi-car garage.
The owner comes to the door and listens to the man's story.
The owner says " I'll give you a days work and pay you 100 dollars."
the deaf man says "what", because he cant hear.
the owner says "okay fine 200 dollars" .
the deaf man says "WHAT".
the owner is pissed but yells back " FINE! 300 DOLLARS TO PAINT MY PORCH".
The deaf man excited for any money quickly agrees and asks where to find paint and brushes.
the owner points to the garage.
the deaf man gets to work quickly and when he finishes knocks on the door to get paid.
the owner brings the man inside and hands him the money.
he tell the deaf man " that was some great haggling you did, i pretended to be mad but i would have paid you 500 to do the painting"
the deaf man responded " yes, that is no problem, no hard feelings, oh and by the way, that is not a Porshe, it's a Lamborgini!"

[Tupelo]

I hadn't seen the 60% number and went looking. If this source is the one you were referring to, 60% refers to the percentage of sunlight reflected by a light colored car. A black car reflects about 5%. The study showed the interior temperature of the black car was 5-6 degree Celsius higher than that of the silver car. The authors also concluded you can boost your gas mileage by 2% by driving a light colored car, assuming the air conditioning is running.

Cool Colors for Cars Could Improve Fuel Economy, Reduce Emissions

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by ecomodded

I think it would help to a point of around 30 % rather then 60% to the fact of the sq. ft coverage of the roof as compared to the sides of the car which would be a higher temperature on at at least one of the darker sides at a time. Convection heat will be cooking the sides. I think a light color or shade is all that is needed, Without being to much of a stickler.

But the roof and maybe the pillars are more directly in the sun, especially at the time of day when heat is greatest. So wouldn't you expect something better that 30%? I could see painting green down to just below the windows too (maybe).

Originally Posted by Tupelo

I hadn't seen the 60% number and went looking. If this source is the one you were referring to, 60% refers to the percentage of sunlight reflected by a light colored car. A black car reflects about 5%. The study showed the interior temperature of the black car was 5-6 degree Celsius higher than that of the silver car. The authors also concluded you can boost your gas mileage by 2% by driving a light colored car, assuming the air conditioning is running.

Cool Colors for Cars Could Improve Fuel Economy, Reduce Emissions

Yes that's the study, I started a thread about it on the 22cd. You're right that I confused the discussion of the findings slightly. I didn't go read it again before posting this. This mod is about comfort and appearance, not energy savings. I deleted the AC, anyway.

[redorchestra]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

possible roof color:

are you sure that is celedon green?

I think you normally see light coloured cars with black roofs but i think this will look cool. I want to try something like this too.

[mcrews]

I would just follow the roof lines and NOT do the pillars. Mimic the cars that havethe blacked roofs.

[ecomodded]

[QUOTE=California98Civic;309821]But the roof and maybe the pillars are more directly in the sun, especially at the time of day when heat is greatest. So wouldn't you expect something better that 30%? I could see painting green down to just below the windows too (maybe).

I am thinking that all body panels roofs and sides are going to radiate into the inside of the car, i agree the roof would radiate more heat into the cabin if left dark, but this is do to its large sq. footage which may be as large as both painted sides next to the cabin.

[mcrews]

the pillars arent going to radiate anything. they are so thick w/ metal and re-enforcement for roll and integrity.

[mcrews]

similar to this but opposite