Front Window Sunshade

I purchased mine from the dealer it fits perfectly and it only cost me $26.00, If thats a higher cost than normal I didn't care..

 

I went into a NAPA auto parts store and asked for one that would fit the Prius. It cost about $10, and it consists of 2 lightweight, foldable-squishable fabric panels with sspringy wire rims and it works just fine (I've used the same type in several cars). They can get tears in them, but if you leave them folded/squished with the attached elastic around them, they do fine. And, they are so inexpensive, it's no biggie to replace them. I like these better than the big fanfold ones because they store in a smaller space (in this car, I keep them in one of the seat back pockets when not in use).

 

I tried the large squishy type but did not think it blocked as well as the thicker folding aluminium sort, so bought the latter in large size from an auto parts store for about $6. Surprisingly, it lacks a bit of height, but just reaches my strip of tint at the top of the windshield.

 

I use a HeatShield sunshade, It is very effective and fits great. They are available through PriusChat at:
http://priuschat.com/shop/index.php/cPath/1

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Jun 25 2006, 07:41 AM) [snapback]276467[/snapback]</div>

I find it odd that people seem to promote the HeatShield as much as they do. I bought one off of the store here, and although it shades most of the window, it collapses in the heat (Arizona - 110 degrees outside, who knows how hot inside) and does not fit tightly at the edges, which curl. The ideal sunshade would have the same reflective properties of the Heatshield but actually fit the outline of the Prius windshield and stay right up against the glass. I'm not in any way intending to knock the reflective or insulating qualities of the Heatshield, which seem to be pretty good, but frankly the fit has never been anything other than mediocre to OK for me. The shield is about 3-4 inches too short top-to-bottom and an inch short side-to-side. If it is fit to the base of the windshield, it is loose enough to slip off of the rear-view mirror and fall. If it is pulled backward and up to lean against the mirror, it opens a 3-5 inch gap between it and the window allowing hot air to accumulate and circulate in the car. I'm really not impressed, and in retrospect, $30 seems excessive for this level of performance. My simple, cloth and wire-based screens for my pickup seem more reliable (if not as insulative, physically).

Chris

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HybridVigor @ Jun 25 2006, 08:08 AM) [snapback]276478[/snapback]</div>

Chris,

Try flipping the visors open and all the way forward so that they hold the sunshield snuggly against the windshield. The mirror is not involved in supporting it at all. That's how I use mine and it works great. The Sunshield exactly fits the windshield, except for a little curling at the right and left edges and a slight sag in the middle. The curling is no greater than the thickness of the posts to the left and right of the windshield, so there really are no gaps, and it only sags about an inch in the middle. Maybe it has something to do with your extreme temperatures? It'll get up to 100 here for a week at a strech, but rarely gets above 90 for the most part.

Good luck!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(biff_debris @ Jun 25 2006, 09:02 AM) [snapback]276504[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, I do that already. The sagging is undoubtedly a function of the heat. The curling at the edges is just frustrating, and posts here led me to believe that the screen would actually be the same size as the windshield. It just isn't. Too short top to bottom --> Caveat emptor... Without the visors, the screen would just fall. Thanks for the suggestions though.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HybridVigor @ Jun 25 2006, 12:14 PM) [snapback]276508[/snapback]</div>

I wonder if you got one that was cut differently. Maybe they didn't use the right pattern when they cut yours. Mine is exactly the shape of the windshield except for the cutout around the rear view mirror. The picture on the Priuschat shop shows it without the visors holding it up, but the animation right underneath demonstrates that it is meant to be held against the windshield by the visors.

 

I have a small pillow that I throw up above the LCD to hold up the sagging sunshade. This is the same pillow I use for my right arm since the console is not high enough.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HybridVigor @ Jun 25 2006, 11:08 AM) [snapback]276478[/snapback]</div>

I bought a 'springy' one at an auto parts shop - the package said it would fit the Prius, where the same brand in a smaller size didn't say it would fit the Prius. It was too big. So I order the one from the shop here. It works, but I agree it curls around the edges, and it takes more room to stpre tjam than the squishy kind.

If someone can tell me the 'brand name' (more likely store name) of a correctly sized 'squishy' one, I'll probably try it.

I haven't used the sun shade much in NJ (only bought the car 2 months ago), especially since I got the 'weatherflector' thingies and can keep my windows open 1 - 2 inches and not worry about rainshowers.

 

I use the IntroTech custom fit sunshade available at your local Toyota dealership. Ask them for the Prius version. It can be identified by the yellow paper "cap".

I've used it before in my Civic for over 8 years and only had to replace it once. Stiff mylar covered foam with stitched edges. I've learned not to use the velcro bindings to roll it up and to be gentle when putting it up to extend its life (because it's bad to bind it when it's hot and soft; you'll curl it).

Looks like this: http://hondacuraworld.com/Merchant2/mercha...ategory_Code=HO

 

zzz

 

VERY happy with both front and back from the prius shop!

 

I bought mine from my dealer. I keep them folded when not in use and pull down both sun shades. I then prop up the center with my sunglass case standing up right above the Nav speaker. I know the HeatSheild is a bit more money but it is durable and highly reflective. This will save the dash and reduce heat build-up in the car. Do not roll up your HeatShield when not in use. Fold it left and right into three flat sections. It's easy. I try to face the sun when parked. I have no rear shield as yet.

My .02.

 

I am very happy with the fold out type I bought for $45.00 from autoanything.com
for my 2005 prius the fit is perfect.

here is the link:
http://www.autoanything.com/driving-access...0A1228A0A0.aspx

Warning ***
If the sun shade does not fit right you might end up melting the dash display.
read this thread:
http://priuschat.com/Distorted-dash-display-t19434.html

 

can't help but wonder if the one from the cars movie with the eyes would fit, its too cute and my son is so excited about this car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syncmaster @ Jun 25 2006, 07:34 PM) [snapback]276688[/snapback]</div>

How much space is there between this shade and the glass?

 

I have a HeatShield reflector that I got here at PC. One thing I did find out: If you get a front reflector, you probably need side reflectors as well. My wife inherited my 'springy' reflector. B)