Soeley's 2019 Black SZ5

So I need to rewind a bit back to August 2019, thought I had posted this on here but hadn't.

My full set of sun/privacy window blinds arrived from Japan. Black on one side foil effect silver on the other. Some light still gets through but for car camping I thing it would be OK once dusk arrives.

All packs up pretty small and weighs nothing.


Silver side on the inside, I didn't use all the suckers for a quick trial fit.




This is the black side facing out.


Black side facing out.




Silver side facing out.

So after having a bit of a play, I found that the suction cups were pretty naff and a bit stiff to fit and remove. I wanted to be able to fit the blinds either way round, black side out for privacy and camping, silver side out to act as sun shields. Plus with the suction cups fitted they didn't roll up that well to fit in the storage bag.

Thinking cap on again.......

Well I have worked on the 2 rear side ones. I have sewn magnets into the edging tape and blanked off the sucker holes. They stick in place really well. Also made some tie straps to hold them in place when rolled up and not in use.

A good fit around the edges without any light showing.




Tie backs with magnets and washers to fasten together.


The end is folded over and stitched in the middle to create a flap that wedges inside the roof lining.


Easy to fit and remove if need be.


Rolled up blind, I just need to trim the straps to length now, but will drive round for a few days to make sure they stay put.
Barely visible from outside as well.


So those have been in place since October 2019. They roll down and back up very easily and they are always there. I did something similar for the rear window. The front sides needed a different approach as there is not enough overlap to use magnets.

I will update on the rest shortly.

Soeley wrote: Rear Door Internal Release.

It works! It is a little stiff, but it will only be used when I camp out and sleep in the car (or in emergency )
I will cover the exposed cable in black shrink sleeve and will come up with some sort of handle/lever to attach it to

Found out why the video isn't playing, I used the wrong tagging option

Here goes

Cheers Lambert, unfortunately I've not had chance to try them yet. My first camping weekend of the year was just before the official Lock-down and was cancelled

Found that the sunshade for the windscreen does an excellent job. Maybe use that. I keep it in drivers seat pocket. Just a cheapie off fleabay.

I have now made the lever for the inside rear door release. It works really well.

Handle, mounting bracket and reinforcing back plate
.

Handle/lever


Mounting bracket bolted to trim panel.


Reinforcing plate on the back.


With cargo nets refitted not too much to see.


All assembled.


Slight oversight, rubber mat needs either tucking under or just lifting to operate the handle.

Had a delivery from Direct 4x4 this week. Aluminium basket only weighs 9.8kg. They do a steel version which is £50 cheaper but that weighs 15kg. So aluminium is best option really.

Nice light option. I was hoping horn tools would have a partner in Australia but nothing for months. Their rack is nice.