Sun Shade for Hood/MFD

[Raider]

I am getting glare on the screen where it's difficult to quickly glance at the screen.

I'm using 3/32 black plastic ABS. Dimensions are 12"x5 1/2".

Future versions may have different dimensions depending on feedback.

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(Having trouble adding pics so I will add additional pics next.)

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2007 Classic Silver Touring #6 @ Oct 21 2007, 12:25 PM) [snapback]528460[/snapback]</div>

I am getting glare on the screen where it's difficult to quickly glance at the screen.

I'm using 3/32 black plastic ABS. Dimensions are 12"x5 1/2".

Future versions may have different dimensions depending on feedback.

[/b]

I didn't know if you knew or not, but there is at least one commercially sold hood. It's sold by the ebay store, Prius Hoods.

[Raider]

Additional pictures of the MFD shade.

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[Godiva]

Priushoods shade is really quite nice. It has texture to match the dashboard.

[Raider]

Costs for 2' x 2' 3/32 ABS was about $10.

Using these dimensions, I can make about 12 pieces from 2' x 2' sheet.

How much does this cost online, compared with making it yourself? Priceless.

I'm not making these for sale otherwise it wouldn't make any sense to share all of the details.

I took my time cutting and measuring and total production time was still less than 30 minutes.

I used a plastic heater
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=291&

plastic knife
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=10&

ABS plastic
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=335&




The ABS plastic I used is also textured but is not as elongated as the dash pattern.

[Godiva]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2007 Classic Silver Touring #6 @ Oct 21 2007, 11:47 AM) [snapback]528472[/snapback]</div>

Costs for 2' x 2' 3/32 ABS was about $10.

Using these dimensions, I can make about 12 pieces from 2' x 2' sheet.

How much does this cost online, compared with making it yourself? Priceless.

I'm not making these for sale otherwise it wouldn't make any sense to share all of the details.

I took my time cutting and measuring and total production time was still less than 30 minutes.

I used a plastic heater
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=291&

plastic knife
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=10&

ABS plastic
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=335&
The ABS plastic I used is also textured but is not as elongated as the dash pattern.
[/b]

I think it's great you have the tools and the time to do this.

2' x 2' 3/32 ABS plastic $10.00
Acrylic knife $2.35
Free standing 2' heater $209.00

total cost: $221.35


For me it's cheaper to get it from Priushoods. It's nicely finished around the edges and has a soft clothlike lining so it doesn't scratch my hood surround.

Prius hood on eBay.

[inventor00]

I agree with Godiva- PriusHoods is very nice- I got a leather one before she went to the plastic that matches the dash-both are great and Robin is very nice- just a click away- easy if you do not have all the tools- grin.

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2007 Classic Silver Touring #6 @ Oct 21 2007, 12:47 PM) [snapback]528472[/snapback]</div>

Costs for 2' x 2' 3/32 ABS was about $10.

Using these dimensions, I can make about 12 pieces from 2' x 2' sheet.

How much does this cost online, compared with making it yourself? Priceless.

I'm not making these for sale otherwise it wouldn't make any sense to share all of the details.

I took my time cutting and measuring and total production time was still less than 30 minutes.
[/b]

Oh I agree re DIY. Good work! I do similar stuff myself, e.g., I'm toying with a simple flat hood (around the size of a credit card) that would go on the bottom of the dash in front of the speedometer and that would block the projection of that bar of green light we see on our windshields at night. I was making the referral to the Prius Hoods MFD hood because you were asking for comments and therefore I thought you might want to check out their design.

[Raider]

I bought the heater used for a different project and only paid $50. (Might as well use it as often as I can.)

We have three Prius in our family so the next one will be better looking and have better measurements. Unfortunately, they don't live nearby so I'll have do the development myself and mail them theirs.

I guess I could apply adhesive felt on the smooth side to prevent any abrasions between the two surfaces. This would really be necessary if there was movement between the two surfaces.

Comparing my costs to the one shown on eBay, after I make just two of mine, the rest are free...or atleast costs are recovered.

I wonder about the eBay auction, it says it takes "10 days to 2 weeks for shipping since these are custom made?" Are they making them after someone buys it? If they are custom, you would think they would simply have a reasonable number of these in inventory. Or else how can you say you have # number of items available. Unless you have to submit a bulk order to someone else to make, and then ship them out to the buyers.

I'm making this available to everyone for free, soliciting comments for others to make their own, not so I can charge people more money for the next version. Do you really think it costs $35 to make just one of these?

I played with the idea of making one from fiberglass after making a mold of the plastic bezel but I'd have to buy equipment and plastic is much cleaner and easier to work with.

[Raider]

I forgot to mention that on this first prototype, the first bend is 67 degrees and the second smaller bend is 23 degrees.

Due to the long curve on the bezel, I wasn't sure if I could create the same. I may try using a profile gauge and cut out a wooden mold to form the curve after heating up a larger area.