Project Shades and Shield

Finally completed the minivan's removable shades for insulation and privacy.

It took a bit of effort over a couple of weeks (on and off). First I traced the shape of the windows using cardboard to create templates. Then cut out pieces of Reflectix, go back into the minivan to fit each piece against the windows and adjust as needed.

Could have stopped there, but I wanted to make the shades reversible. Thought about using this pretty fabric that would have matched the walls of the minivan.

In the end, I decided to stick with grey-black felt. Boring, but more inconspicuous when parked in a public area: the black facing outward would have looked like dark tint from afar. The felt was glued on to the Reflectix. I tried to sew fabric binding to the edges to give it a finished look but my sewing machine did not like the thickness of the layers. The shades should provide privacy and some insulation. Ran out of steam and materials, so I did not make a piece for the windshield. Will use a store-bought sun shield that is made of similar material.

My experiment to make a mosquito screen for the sun roof opening (inserted from the inside) was a complete failure. Instead I found a great product on Amazon that will allow me to keep the front windows open for ventilation but keep out mosquitos. It is an elastic window "stocking" net put over the door. The one I ordered was a perfect fit.

After putting it on, close the door and roll down the window partially or completely. The screen stays in place and allows air to flow through. The netting does not work for sliding door windows, but a hanging camping fan will keep air circulating.

Finally, Timberleaf emailed that my Arches conversion kit is shipping tomorrow!