What an interesting question.

The top is already painted white, like all the cars in Aridzona, so I
imagine that it is already pretty good at reflecting heat.

But I suppose that if the heat waves that really matter are infrared, a
mirror finish would probably reflect heat even better. I think that mirrors
reflect infrared but I don't know without researching.

You can buy aluminum tape at most hardware stores. Some may consider this a
whizbang solution, so I disclaim all responsibility for any acts or
accidents arising from this potential solution, not limited to but
specifically including the death or maiming of any wildlife or
commercial/private aircraft pilots. You must assume all risks.

However, this solution is no more bizarre than the penchant of some list
members to insulate their air cooled cylinder barrels with paint of various
colors. 8^)

But it might just make your van like the inside of a baked potato wrapped in
foil and tossed in the fire.???

Tom Cates
83 Air-Cooled Westfalia, 'Hammurabi'

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe L." <jliasse@TOAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 12:52 PM
Subject: Anyone ever try a Westy "Chrome Dome"

>    A whole lot longer ago than I really care to contemplate I spent a
sultry
> summer going through Marine Corps boot camp in South Carolina. On days
when
> the sun really beat down and the temps climbed our tormentors would hand
out
> "Chrome Domes". These were helmet liners painted silver to reflect the sun
> and (theoretically) keep our heads cooler than they otherwise would have
> been, thus allowing a continuation of the fun and games without the
> inconvenience of having too many collapsed bodies littering the area.
>    Every now and then I look at the fiberglass top of my
non-airconditioned
> Westy and wonder if a silver paint job would cool things down any better
> than the present white paint job. Anyone ever try this?