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Islander9
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2018
Posts: 2
Location: Alameda, CA
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 Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 1:05 pm Post subject: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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For anyone who prefers a less invasive approach to a rear hatch screen, here is what I did.
Tent fly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LLXZZ7M/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Screen: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2YNK7W/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Magnets: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KTLWQ9/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$50 in material plus your time (took me a day). An extra set of hands helps at certain points along the way.
This was my intro to sewing so its not perfect. I added double stitching in most areas and made sure that the screen was flexible enough so that the finished product could be folded/rolled and stuffed into the sack that the tent fly came in.
The hatch cover fits very well and due to it being pulled over the weather stripping and having the magnets placed in the weather channel, there is a tight seal around the opening. This is an alternative to the snap version and no drilling for is required. Just get magnets that are plenty strong.
Future additions may include a privacy flap behind the screen (if my time permits). But for now I'll just lower the hatch and utilize the hatch curtain for privacy.
Initial fitting
Trimmed for rough fit
Final product with screen sewed in
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11BC2
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2017
Posts: 495
Location: Cool, California
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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| That looks very nice! |
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Aryana
Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2015
Posts: 568
Location: Southern CA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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| Nicely done! |
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tencentlife
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2006
Posts: 10078
Location: Abiquiu, NM, USA
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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Gee, that's sweet!
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Experience is kryptonite to doctrine. |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 7757
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 7:24 pm Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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Like! Nice work! 
- Dave
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"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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VicVan
Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2015
Posts: 1845
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 9:33 pm Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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Very nice !
Your idea of adding a privacy flap makes me think: why not make the hatch scrren off of a tent altogether? They often have two screens, one for bugs, and one opaque. Any used tent would do, provided the dimensions are in the range of the rear hatch's.
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'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH) |
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Islander9
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2018
Posts: 2
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 9:52 am Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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| VicVan wrote: |
Very nice !
Your idea of adding a privacy flap makes me think: why not make the hatch scrren off of a tent altogether? They often have two screens, one for bugs, and one opaque. Any used tent would do, provided the dimensions are in the range of the rear hatch's. |
I debated that option and I agree, sitting in a chair drinking a beer would have been time better spent than sewing all day. Now my wife also thinks I'm capable of sewing everything else in the house, so maybe this project was a mistake. When in doubt, sit in a chair and do nothing. |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7480
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 9:58 am Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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Very well done! Thanks for sharing.
It won’t be long ‘til you’re drinking beer and sewing at the same time. 
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 6586
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 10:35 am Post subject: Re: DIY Rear Hatch Screen |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| It won’t be long ‘til you’re drinking beer and sewing at the same time. |
A little friend informs me this is not a good idea. 
Sweet job, brings a little tent action to the bus!
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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