Retractable Cargo Cover

[GWTWTLW]

[plummerdesign]

1621 and I are on the same page here.
The cargo shade allows a bit less interest for those who peek in the windows while we are out doing the fun stuff. People cannot miss my green Westy. They leave notes under the wiper and noseprints on the window glass.
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So this month I will begin the process of designing a UV resistant, washable, tan fabric panel that will attach just like the sliding door window curtain. Perhaps even adding a set of front/back fiberglass stiffner rods to keep the cover taunt (these rods can stow up in the nook by the rear window). By keeping away from a roller-type shade it can stow easily with the window coverings.
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Will share how it comes out with the Samba. If someone wants one afterwards, maybe we do that too.
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Cheers,
Jeffery
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_________________
It is old and green and it makes me grin.
1984 Westfalia 1.9

[simd0ggie]

I don't see the width REQUIRED here in this post, and since I don't have a T3...
Anyway, my wife's Dodge Caliber has one of the nicest designs I've seen, and it is approx 50" wide. Retractable cover, and the roller unit (bar just behind rear seat) has springy ends that fit into notches, that you could easily replicate. The springy ends make it able to have a little play in the width, and easy to install and remove for laying the rear seat down.
_________________
-Matt
'85 Westfalia w/EJ25, '14 Tiguan R-Line 4 Motion

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.”

[PDXWesty]

Check the first post
45.5" wide by 35" deep
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[simd0ggie]

whoops!
_________________
-Matt
'85 Westfalia w/EJ25, '14 Tiguan R-Line 4 Motion

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery.”

[Zeitgeist 13]

A Mercedes double roller blind would be a cool addition, 'cause it not only has the horizontal cargo cover, but also includes a vertical pet partition. It's 50.5" wide and kinda pricey. They're available in a variety of colors. I have one in grey for my wagon.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-W124-300TE...53e4cbab41

Another option would be the Audi 100CS Avant rear cover which is 54.5" wide
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[1621]

I should probably update anyone interested in the progress I made. I had a roller shade trimmed down to my exact dimensions and mounted it just behind the rear backrest. I placed a dowel in the end of the fabric and made it possible to fix it into place at the rear. It was really effective except for the return mechanism. It seems the springs are set to return the shade from a vertical position, not from a horizontal position like in the van. Not a deal breaker, just a minor annoyance. My other issue was that if I wanted to grab something in the back from the rear seat I'd need to go around and roll back the cover. Still, the cover worked exactly as I'd intended from the beginning.

Ultimately though, the spring mechanism died, and I wasn't willing to go through the process again every year or so. I now think Jeffery (plummerdesign) is on a better path by keeping it simple with a sheet of fabric that can be folded up and stowed away. Perhaps even using snaps at the corners to fasten it would make it fool proof while also allowing for access to the rear from the back seat. Jeffery, I'm looking forward to seeing your design, hopefully in person on Dec. 19th when a bunch of locals meet up at the NW Lucky Lab.
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'85 Westy

[thummmper]

this is where window shopping at the jy is invaluable--lots of diversity and quantity. thats how I found out the F150 muffler would work. take a tape withya, and go on a fact finding mission.
Ill bet the isuzu rocky or amigo has something your size. the suby legacy has one too. most little wagons, like a 95 accord wagon. they attach to the rear strut towers and have lambchop fins on the sides to provide strait channels for the sides to slide in.

[carterzest]

[HAPIKAMPER]

1621,

I'm a damage writer for a large rental fleet, If your still interested in your original design I will measure a few for you and see if I can find something to your specs. Thinking i might want to do the same to my "fat bastard"
_________________
1997 VW Eurovan Camper Winnebago...aka "Bibendum"

" I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members'' - Groucho Marx

[1621]

[plummerdesign]

Just to follow up, I did install a simple roller cargo shade and offer up a visual guide to everyone.
My stuff is a bit more hidden when out and about. The less they see, the less they are tempted.
Cheers,
Jeffery
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_________________
It is old and green and it makes me grin.
1984 Westfalia 1.9

[plummerdesign]

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Image is to show that the shade extends WITH the rear hatch. OR it can be un-hooked and retracted prior to opening the hatch. Simple and useful.
_________________
It is old and green and it makes me grin.
1984 Westfalia 1.9

[SteelB12]

That is cool. I might even be able to do that

[dhaavers]

I like it - nice work!


_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[HeftySmurf]

Could always tint your windows too
_________________
-Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig

[Steelhead]

[supersooner]

Better, I think, because one doesn't have to close the curtains at each stop and open them again when leaving. Not a big chore, but the cargo cover is more convenient.

[1621]

[dhaavers]