Z Brackets Ver2 for gutter mounting awnings - New Run

[zander]

Do these brackets work on the Chevy Express Extended or only the Ford vans?

[1der]

Sorry, only Fords. The gutter on a Chevy is very different.

[regis101]

Threw some shade onto the 'ol beater van. Rear bracket fit well. Front bracket is a bit shaky. Dug out a strong 1/8" of gutter putty. I'll refit the assembly after the temp cools down. Hot today.
This is a really nice product.
I'm only using the fr and rr brackets for now with the Sidewinder 2 . It weight 25# so all is well.
( If ) I had to critique anything, it would be the Z bars. I kinda wish they were are refined as the attachment pic from post 5. I'd prolly fare a better fit. The three of mine are a lazy Z with each side the same length. Be it as it may, I did try to clock each z bar to the respective bracket. Here are a few pics from today. Not shown is the gutter putty removed.

Sorry about the sideways pics

[boywonder]

Regis: Look at the Z's closely....1der and I recently installed a group buy Fiamma on my van and indeed one leg of the Z is slightly longer than the other and it makes a difference.....we had one or two backwards.

[regis101]

I just measured with a dial caliper. Same same. Only thing that might be different is the 5/16 hole is slightly higher. This is why I clocked each bracket with a z bar. Lots of combos. Working with what I have.
Again, If my z bars were like the pic in Post #5 , all would prolly be well.

Anywho, I just refitted the awning it after removing some gutter putty. It fits much better. But then when I wanted to remove from the van, hence my choice for hardware, I couldn't wiggle the front loose. Put on a jamb nut and tapped it free with a blunt object. I then slotted the hole in the racket vertically and all is well.

Some thing askew since the z bar/ bolt assembly does not go thru the bracket perpendicular.

I got it to work. I have mad skills and three tools, of which one is a broken pencil, but I'm happy happy.

New pics. Hard to tell but the z bar is recessed into the gutter putty about an 1/8"

[regis101]

Here are the pics. My mad skills apparently do not include 'pooter skills.

[regis101]

Another thing that could be a thing is the sheetmetal as stamped for a slider vs cargo doors. The bracket actually fits better where I have it vs more on the front door jam.

[1der]

Thxs for the pics and discussion!



The bends should be the very close to the same as they are done on a CNC bender. The hole is slightly off center. The front Bracket Z "tail" usually sits up a bit in each of the bracket sets I have installed. Slotting the hole would help with it sitting flatter in the gutter but it also changes the pinching downward vector. Make sure it is really solid after the slotting. It will draw together more horizontally and less downward, at least that was our thinking. The pinching of the gutter needs the downward component, too.

Always open to suggestions!

[regis101]

Cool. Thanks..

Each of the three z bar brackets in my possession are exactly the same in every sense of the word as measured with a dial caliper. As mentioned, I noticed the slight off center of the hole and therefore clocked said z bar with its intended bracket to achieve the straightest positioning of both components.
Making the slot in the front was a remedy to help removal. It still tightens up quite snuggly since the angle of the dangle follows the , as manufactured, settling of the two. It aint gonna fall off.

I did everything i could with these parts to achieve success. Am I supposed to have three z bars exactly the same?

No harm no foul.

[regis101]

I'm seeing a discrepancy between the directions and my parts.
One, the directions state that the z bar short side goes to the gutter.
Two, the directions speak using a shorter bolt.

Again, no harm no foul. Just askin'