Skreenz and air/rain vents?

GreyDawg · 01-23-2010, 06:04 AM

Hi --

Y'all did a group buy of Skreenz last year, so I hope someone can give me a first-hand answer. I searched the archives but didn''t find this in any Skreenz threads.

My Econoline van has AVS Wind Deflectors -- you know, the smoke grey plastic parts that allow you to open the window about 2-3" without letting rain in.

Do the Skreenz for a 2006 (or earlier) van fit on the doors with the wind/rain vents?

The Skreenz website has a unilateral "no" for all vehicle makes and models, but I'm wondering if, in fact, anyone has made them work on an Econoline with vents.

Any other comments, pro and con, about Skreenz now that y'all have had a summer's worth of experience, would be greatly appreciated, too.

Thanks!

GD

jage · 01-23-2010, 11:30 AM

Love them, they fit right over the door every time, you can put the windows down and up with them in place. I do not believe they would work with vents as they are a moderatly tight fit to the door, which helps keep the bottom in place and bugs out... even if they fit over (doubtful) they would probably not cover the bottom of the window completely.

GreyDawg · 01-23-2010, 12:00 PM

Thanks, Jage. Sounds like I'll need to fabricate something similar on my own, with ease at the top for the vents, and perhaps an elasticated hem at the bottom to keep it snug on the door -- and some sort of work-around for the mirrors.

I'll put it on my "do while watching the Olympics" list.

-GreyDawg

**BroncoHauler** · 01-23-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreyDawg

Thanks, Jage. Sounds like I'll need to fabricate something similar on my own, with ease at the top for the vents, and perhaps an elasticated hem at the bottom to keep it snug on the door -- and some sort of work-around for the mirrors.

I'll put it on my "do while watching the Olympics" list.

-GreyDawg

Might be easier to get a set of Skreenz, cut the fabric and/or seam at the top and have a panel sew in place to expand the top section.

Herb

jage · 01-23-2010, 01:22 PM

The Skreenz are really well made and fit really well, but if you're going to start sewing, might as well make a custom set from scratch or find a window screen that doesn't interfere with the vents.

Incidentially, do the skreenz work over tow mirrors?

Langton · 01-23-2010, 03:21 PM

I too have the rain deflectors on my '03 Dodge.I contacted Skreenz and found they would not fit so I went with Skeeterbeaters. http://www.theskeeterbeater.com/ I haven't tried them yet but they seem well made and come in a nice bag.

**BroncoHauler** · 01-23-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Incidentially, do the skreenz work over tow mirrors?

Maybe.

When I got my set from the Group Buy, they sort-of fit. I knew this going in, and the owner of Skreenz indicated that would be the case before the buy, that they wouldn't really fit well over the tow mirrors. I got myself a set anyway. After I received and test-fit the Skreenz, I did notice some gaps due to the large plastic base of the tow mirrors. I got in touch with the owner of Skreenz who told me to cut them up and mark how they might better fit. I did that, took lots of pictures and sent them back. The owner had a new set made up for me (probably since I set up the group buy) and they fit great. I assume that he made up a pattern for the tow mirrors, but I never thought to get back in touch with him and ask.

Herb

Skywagon · 01-23-2010, 06:21 PM

I have Skreenz that I bought as part of the group buy for my "08. (Big mirrors) I think he made entirely new patterns for the "08's that have the tow mirrors and they fit perfectly.
Bill

stkshooter · 02-07-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Langton

I too have the rain deflectors on my '03 Dodge.I contacted Skreenz and found they would not fit so I went with Skeeterbeaters. http://www.theskeeterbeater.com/ I haven't tried them yet but they seem well made and come in a nice bag.

I have these also. After a 10 day camping trip where the wind blew them off the vehicle a few times I contacted them. They are making new screens for the ford vans as of Feb. 1

They use magnets sewn into netting which attach to door around window. the prob. was screen was too small and mag. was on edge so if it moved a little bit the magnet lost contact. Hope they can fix this prob. with a little R & D

Jon

LenS · 02-09-2010, 12:40 PM

First I have heard of the Skreenz. Looks nice.

We made our own front door screens.

Our first set (design) consisted of 1/8th tempered masonite cut to the shape of the window opening and the all but a two inch perimeter cut out of the center area. The screen material was hot melt glued to the frame. The manonsite was cut on the large size so that they snapped into the opening. The windows could not be rolled up when they were in place. Main issue was storage.

Our current set: installed 1/2 wide Velcro (industrial grade) on the window rubber seals (seals inside the van doors). Cut cat proof screening to size and shape of window opening and put industrial grade Velcro completely around its perimeter. Takes less than a 1 minute to install each screen. Seals well and the front windows can be opened or closed as required. We also have rain defectors on the van. So when it is raining we lower the windows 1-2 inches with the screens in place.