waunavet

Does the 'clear' roof panel material filter out UVA and/or UVB rays? For people who spend a lot of time in their vehicle with this option and especially those who are follically challenged, would wearing a hat be a smart thing to do? A friend of mine died from melanoma that started on the top of his head. He drove convertibles with the top down whenever possible and never wore a hat. Now, certainly nothing points to any cause and effect in his case. But his situation got me thinking about us owners who have the sun shinning in from above. Any dematologists out there care to weigh-in?

mksz51

No dermatologist here but a fair knowledge of healthcare and oncology. The abdominal girth of a man is directly correlated with the risk for cancer - in simple terms the fatter you are around the waist the greater your risk of cancer. I think many on the forum should have a greater concern for that than the amount of UV rays they are exposed to while driving a car.

cor28vettes

Rather than wearing a hat I'd get a solid top and rest any concerns. The Sun does not pick on belly fat people. It shines on all of us.

Smart for U to raise the issue.

rothchilds

To answer the original question, previous generations have filtered out close to 90% of incoming uv. I imagine this one is the same.

seCen

I thought it was a greater risk of heart diease?

mdiiulio

I recall Talon90 quoting something to the effect of "museum quality protection" in terms of light transmittance (i.e. UV filtering) of the top. It was an old thread where someone was worried about the leather fading faster because of the alleged extra UV exposure. In short; they thought of that and incorporated strong UV protection.

Anyway, I wouldn't sweat it. Now, on sunny days you may still want a ballcap. It can get bright and those tiny visors can only do so much.

mksz51

That also. Finally, and very pertinent to this forum, it's also associated with a high risk of dissatisfaction with the Corvette seats.

TennisFreak

To be safe I'd wear SPF 50 anytime you get in a Vette with a transparent roof.

Cant be too careful!

CriticalmassGT

Honestly I'd get the exposed Carbon Fiber roof, it provides more rigidity anyway. Skin cancer is a real danger and it doesn't matter if you are fat or skinny. Anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun is at risk for it. But everything in moderation as we need about 20 minutes a day in the SUN to benefit from the vitamins it provides and prevent depression. There's a reason why so many people in Seattle suffer from seasonal affective disorder and have to spend a lot of money on special lighting to help combat it.

corvettecop

Such an intelligent response.

golddog

I always wear a hat when driving the Vert and put sunscreen on my ears, nose, neck and arms. The most important thing is to buy a SAFE sunscreen. I truly believe that the increase in skin cancer is due to people using sunscreens that have chemicals in them that cause the skin cancer. There is a great website ewg.org that addresses this issue and provides a list of safe sunscreens. Happy motoring!!!!

Vetteman Jack

I wouldn't think GM would change that for the C7.

rstrait

Increased sun exposure will increase the risk of getting skin cancer. Darker complexioned people are at less risk than fair skinned, blue eyed people. I got basal cell carcinoma a few years back and had to have a fair sized chunk taken out of my face. I decided to always wear sun screen and a sun protection hat when out in the sun from that point on. There are hats that have a front bill, side and rear panels to protect your ears, neck, and most of your face. Knew a guy who died at the age of 39 from malignant melanoma. Car side and rear windows do not block out harmful UVA rays. Most window tints will block out a large percentage of the UVA rays. I'd rather take preventative measures to lessen the risk of getting skin cancer since there are easy things to do to that will greatly lessen the risk.

KenHorse

This isn't an issue of UV exposure as much as it is a matter of simple physics and the transmission of shorter wavelength UV through plastic/lexan.

Cliff notes: Much ado about nothing......

Black&White

Buy a snap in sun shade. Case closed.

aj98

was the least of my concerns when I bought my C7.
I opted for solid top b/c the clear top in my C5 was just too freaking hot during the summer.

I was more concerned w/ (not) frying what few brain cells I have left.

Vette_It_be

Are you kidding me? Some people have way too much time on their hands. Yeah Right. Getting cancer is the first thing I thought about when I bought my new C7. Yes sir. Get the solid roof or wear a freakin hat.

Z06 1of38

Buff it with coppertone instead of wax?

OnPoint

Probably more likely to get run into by another car than get cancer from your transparent top.

NSC5

Hmmm, carcinogenic fumes from gasoline and additives, outgassing from interior components, various noxious magic mouse milk interior dressings used by owners, etc.... I think UV induced skin cancer via the transparent top is down in the noise.

If this is a really a big concern buy a set of fangs and drive only after dark Otherwise you need to use blackout paint on the windows and windshield to keep UV ingress through those ports from hitting exposed arms or legs and blackout paint is sort of a safety hazard.