427_Roadster

I know this is a stupid one but...
When I go to car shows in the summer, very often I'll see that guys who have their hood open will cover the air cleaner with a towel or rag. Why is this?
:cheers:
Tom

trw

I've heard to keep the reflection from burning something.

Terry

Jughead

I've heard that with very shiney chrome air cleaners, the sunlight can reflect off the cleaner and melt/burn the hood. Sort of like a magnifying glass.

82dukman

Not to mention everyones eyes as they look into the engine compartment

ZD75blue

you guys have it correct... i'm wondering if you could nock the polish down a little, and still have it open

Why is it that i cant just use the simple idea? Any of you guys have the same problem? :jester

GaryS

The answers are correct. The sun, when at the right angle, can blister the hood paint on a car with a nicely chromed lid. I haven't seen it myself but I know of others who have seen this personally.
Gary

427V8

:bs

Give me a break!
Aircleaners are convex, how can a convex surface concentrate enough light to blister a hood !

I'll bet no one has seen this personally...

Maybe these guys are running those cool parabolic aircleaner covers?:rolleyes:

yellow 72

I'm convinced it can and does happen. I found some unexplained distortions in my hood. Someone told me about the sun reflection thing so I did some playin' around and check out the pic...that digital thermometer read 240* after 10 minutes! My car has sat outdoors at shows in the blazin' summer sun all day many times......I'm a believer :yesnod:

Chris O'

A chrome air cleaner will burn an underhood heat shield. Happened to me (not the 'vette). Was busy in the shed for a while and came back to see smoke! :eek:

The proof was in the smoke, but I'd doubt it'd catch on fire though.

:cheers:

427V8

OK :bb
I withdraw my nice guy comments....
and I'll park so the air cleaner is shaded :)


Edit:
I didnt say nice guy!
I said 'smart' 'Donkey'


[Modified by 427V8, 6:16 PM 2/12/2002]

PRNDL

Keith, The small area at the center of my air cleaner lid is concave, and it is that region that can create a concentrated reflcection onto your hood. Gotta love all this theoretical discussion. Just try it next summer and see what happens!! :) MJ

Golden80

Wow. I'm glad I have a nice, dull black, non-reflective, 22 year old air-cleaner! (J/K) :lol: