100% Blackout blinds or panels? Options??

[evy]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering what my options would be for blacking out my van's windows.

I have two windows in the back of the van (see picture)
I want to completely block light spilling out of these windows at night time, I don't want people to notice that there is light inside the van.
I know there are some good blackout blinds rollers out there but the problem is the light leaking on each side of the blind.

I was considering installing a plywood panel with reflectix on the outside and hinges of some kind.
I was also considering a good blackout roller and adding "U" tracks on each side that would prevent light spills, but I don't know if the top would leak?
I don't want buttons or zippers or a panel that I have to remove and store somewhere.

Does any one have any suggestions?

[Bbasso]

How about a mini pocket door or slider?

[evy]

Originally Posted by Bbasso

How about a mini pocket door or slider?

My first idea was a slider, a larger panel with "L" shaped rails on top and bottom.
But the wall around the window has a slight bend, I would have a small gap in the middle. Also the rails would be in my back as I'm seated on the bench.
But it would be simple to build.

I'm working on an idea I had yesterday.
You know those iPad cases with folding covers?
I was thinking of cutting two pieces of 1/8" thick boards, using super77 glue I would glue them in between two sheets of the same grey automotive lining and add super strong magnets in there so it could hold into place on the window or folded.
I would leave a 1/2" horizontal gap in between the two pieces and use the lining as hinges in the middle and top.
It's hard to explain I will draw up a sketch and post it later.

[daveb]

I have some of those fairly cheap magnetic cell phone dash mounts. Pretty strong attachment and at least (so far) has done much better in heat than velcro. I also want to replace the reflectix with something black instead of silver and use insulation to keep heat transfer down on my rear windows.

magicPLATE kit | MagicPlateâ„¢ Kit | by Scosche

[86Scotty]

Pretty good ideas here. There is something using strong magnets I remember buried in WVvan's build somewhere. Luckily he added an index but I haven't seen that thread in quite some time.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...-van-3004.html

[daveb]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Pretty good ideas here. There is something using strong magnets I remember buried in WVvan's build somewhere. Luckily he added an index but I haven't seen that thread in quite some time.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...-van-3004.html

I know it's been discussed for the door screens and somebody used magnets for a make shift awning. I have the one I posted about stuck to the dash of all my vehicles and the inside temps lately are almost off the charts (several days about 109 makes the inside like 130*+) and they never fell off.

[BroncoHauler]

If using velcro, years ago I called 3M and asked which velcro they recommended for high heat applications. They recommended RF9730, which is one of their dual-lock versions.

This has been holding up my triple pillar gauge pod (above my rear view mirror) in my Excursion since 2013 with no problems.


Herb

[Fitz]

We used magnets to hold the black-out curtains for the slider and both back windows.



We like to stealth camp and the combination of the magnets and the two-sided covers with black black-out fabric on the outside works really well with no light leakage. Here are the two fabrics:

[Jack K]

Nice job on the curtains, Fitz!

Neodymium (rare earth) magnets are the most powerful ones out there. I've bought them online (different vendors available), they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. This is how our side door screen gets attached to the door frame. Better than gluing velcro in my opinion, since the adhesive degrades after a while and then is hard to remove. You have to have steel of course on the opposing surface, but if one is building the van out, steel strips can be fastened around the window frame then covered with fabric. One thing, it's tough to work with these little devils when making the curtains: they attach very strongly to the steel in the sewing machine.

[evy]

Originally Posted by Jack K

Nice job on the curtains, Fitz!

Neodymium (rare earth) magnets are the most powerful ones out there. I've bought them online (different vendors available), they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. This is how our side door screen gets attached to the door frame. Better than gluing velcro in my opinion, since the adhesive degrades after a while and then is hard to remove. You have to have steel of course on the opposing surface, but if one is building the van out, steel strips can be fastened around the window frame then covered with fabric. One thing, it's tough to work with these little devils when making the curtains: they attach very strongly to the steel in the sewing machine.

I bought 50 of these Neodymium magnets today on ebay (3.67$)
I had a couple laying around at home and they are incredibly strong.
I have a feeling I wont only be using them in the van.