<p>I want to completely black out the side rear windows. That is where the new bed is and the mattress fits in right up against the lower sliding screen window on each side. If I stretch out completely either my feet or head will just barely touch one of the windows so the little space I give up by pulling down the shades makes a difference. I was thinking of painting them black, a quick google search tells me that might not be a good idea. Next option is black vinyl, anyone try this or have any other ideas? Thanks in advance for your advice, this site and it's members have been invaluable to me already, and I'm just getting started!</p>
Blacking out windows
- Thread starter tc112969
- Start date
Help Support Van Living Forum:
i tinted my windows with limo black tint 2.5% vlt (it only lets 2.5% of the visible light through). coupled with the factory tint (check you window etching), its almost impossible to see inside.<br><br>at night, if there is no ambient light outside, and i have my monitor on, then you can see a faint glow but only if you cram your face up against the windows. downside is at night, its hard to see outside so i have to shut off all light sources inside to do so.<br><br>during the day, good luck seeing in. i can see out pretty well during the day and the interior is nicely lit enough to read.<br><br>this tint also cuts down on uv transmission, and helps hugely with temps.<br><br>but i did make some shades just to eliminate any light getting out at all, and also so i can sleep, because i like it really dark. <br><br>i used black upholstery vinyl. i glued two pieces back to back after cutting them to shape of window. i then glued small rare earth magnets around the perimeter. i just throw it up on the metal lip around the window.<br><br>very convenient. i can roll it up and stick the bottom magnets at the top too.<br><br>not sure how long the vinyl will last but it is automotive grade and seemed pretty heavy duty.<br><br>i would not recommend using it unless you tint though. becuase the window will allow the sun to bake it and a lot of heat will build up.
caseyc
Well-known member
Are you tinting the windows for stealth, or to reduce heat, or both? All my van windows are tinted professionally except the windshield. However, I've noticed that if the sun is shining through the windows, it still gets very warm inside the van. Tint helps to reduce heat inside the van, but not enough in my opinion. That's why I also use those folding/collapsible sun shades to cover the large side bay windows on my van. The sun shades really help a lot, in addition to window tinting. Plus my van also has curtains, which are usually always closed. As for stealth, yes a dark-ish tint really helps to block anyone's view from peeking inside during daylight, especially if you have closed curtains or drapes too.
casey not sure if replying to me or OP but...<br><br>for me, both really.<br><br>my rear windows are currently untinted (just got more tint today). side windows are done.<br><br>in full sun i cannot touch the rear windows at all. side windows, barely warm.<br><br>right now, i have reflectix panels in the rear windows. i have to remove them because a LEO buddy said its illegal in nj to have a reflective surface in a window while driving. i can blackout all windows on the van, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">behind the cab windows</span> but for the driver and passenger windows, there are limits. LEO actually have a window tint meter/tool <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> i dont even think about the windshield.<br><br>for most days of the year the tint alone will be fine for temps. even better once rear windows are done. its the heatwaves that get me. every little bit counts during those times so yeah, putting up the shades does even better at temp control as they black out everything.<br><br>im using 2.5% tint applied myself. it was pretty easy. most of the work is prep/clean before applying.<br><br>
tc,
It sounds like you want that extra few inches of space that curtains may block. I had my windows limo tinted and placed reflectix up, just cut and tucked in along the inside of the window frame, basically against the glass. You can't see the reflectix from outside unless the sun is shining on it just right. Blocks all light, uses no space, helps lots with heat, and at night brightens up the inside. Also very stealthy, if that matters to you.
It sounds like you want that extra few inches of space that curtains may block. I had my windows limo tinted and placed reflectix up, just cut and tucked in along the inside of the window frame, basically against the glass. You can't see the reflectix from outside unless the sun is shining on it just right. Blocks all light, uses no space, helps lots with heat, and at night brightens up the inside. Also very stealthy, if that matters to you.
Ziggy Moon
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2013
- Messages
- 333
- Reaction score
- 0
If you want it completely blacked out (from exterior and interior), try black contact (shelving) paper. It's easy to work with, and very cheap ($5-$10 per roll)<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/88/88f74414-b91c-43ad-bbf2-5996e377d30c_300.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Con-Tact...elf-Liner-04F-C6U51-06/100388906#.UgJTc22K_Ec" target="_blank">http://www.homedepot.com/p/Con-Tact...elf-Liner-04F-C6U51-06/100388906#.UgJTc22K_Ec</a><br><br>Contact paper can be applied similar to window tint (first clean windows, then use a spray bottle of soapy water and a flat squeegee or plastic putty knife). I made a cardboard template of my windows, then laid it out on the contact paper and traced.<br><br>It works really well if you are wanting to do what you said; "I want to <span id="post_message_1279015391">completely black out the side rear windows".........</span> From the exterior of my van (looking in) the window looks as though it has an extremely dark tint... closer, you 'can not' see through it at all (100%). From the interior (looking out), during the day you can see the sun trying to shine through (a sort of glow), yet, you cannot see through it (100%) - and at night, complete black out. <br><br><strong>Below: <em>This is a picture of my van's rear window blacked out with with contact paper (outside looking in)</em>.</strong><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/hddotson/Van015S.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>
Thanks for all the great ideas,<BR><BR>At first I was just thinking about stealth, Casey brings up a good point about heat reduction (I didn't think of that). I won't be full time in the van until Nov. 1st (last day of work) so heat shouldn't be an issue until next summer. For now I'm going to go with the shelving paper, the picture looks awesome. Thanks again!
caseyc
Well-known member
I'm sure reflectix (spelling?) works very well functionally speaking, after all, that stuff is highly reflective. But personally, my .02 cents opinion is that I can't stand that stuff. I personally think that stuff is tacky, and shouts out the words "van dwelling living in here" to anyone walking by on the streets. I've even seen some YouTube videos whereby even the inside of the van is all lined with that same shiny reflectix stuff. It looks like you're living in a metallic space ship. Doesn't look homey or comfy to me. Again, that's my less than .02 cents worth of opinion. Obviously, I'm sure the stuff works great and is highly functional. I just don't like all that aluminum foil looking stuff for my personal taste. This comment is not meant to be a debate or insult to anyone, just expressing a personal opinion.
caseyc
Well-known member
Yes, heat will be an issue, even with tint added to your windows. I personally don't find tint to be enough to reduce heat build-up inside the van during warm summer days. But then again, I'm used to living in cool weather climate around 55 to 65 degrees on most days. So anything much warmer in the upper 80s or 90s is too warm for me. I keep multiple analog and digital thermometers inside the van, and I know the exact temperature at all times. Anytime my thermometer reads in the high 90s or even 100 plus, that's just absurdly warm for me to be inside the van, and I would be sweating like crazy. That's when I hang out at the mall or air-conditioned movie theaters! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif"> <br><br>This is an example of the folding/collapsible sun shade that I use for my van's large 3 bay windows. What's nice about this shade is that it's tall enough to simply stay put by itself inside the window-sill of my conversion van. In other words, I don't need to use tape or velcro or anything, the shade simply stays put on its own. The shade is not wide enough to cover the entire length of my bay windows, I would say roughly a few inches are exposed on the left and right sides of the bay windows. But that's okay for me, because I can use those few exposed inches to look outside of the window whenever I need to. This product below is *not* the exact one I use, but is a close match to the one I got from a local O'Reilly Auto Store. I use 3 of these sunshades for my 3 large bay windows of my van. It is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone outside to look through the window with this sunshade. Plus it adds extra heat reduction, without having to use that reflectix stuff. When not needed, this shade folds down into a compact circle.<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Altus-Platinum-Magic-Shade-Sunshade/dp/B000EBKG90/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Altus-Platinum-Magic-Shade-Sunshade/dp/B000EBKG90/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_4</a><br><br>As for my windshield, I use the jumbo size folding/collapsible sun shade. Here's an Amazon link for the windshield shade I use, which works great. I really like this product, and it's large enough to fit my van's windshield on a Ford E150 van. I like this type of design much better versus the usual accordian-like sun shade that over time will deterioriate and get bent out of shape. When not needed, this collapsible shade folds down into a compact circle. Here's a link.<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CHI9EC/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CHI9EC/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a><br><br>I also use this sun shade that blocks sunlight in between the windshield mirror. This is surprisingly useful and blocks out the sunlight from hitting your eyes while driving when the visors are not sufficient. Warning: Sometimes you might get a defective unit which will start peeling off over time, if so, send back for an exchange. Here's an Amazon link.<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B1LI7Q/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B1LI7Q/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a><br><br>I also use these folding/collapsible static cling-on sun shades for the side door windows (driver and passenger side doors). One brand is larger, and the other is smaller (I like the larger one better). Here are Amazon links below. These also help to block the view from anyone outside looking into your front door windows. You can still see out the windows with this shade on. You can probably even drive with this on too, but I don't recommend it. Really easy to use, and you can easily take the shade off in seconds and folds down into a small circle when not needed.<br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7M7BN4/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7M7BN4/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZVV0NO/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZVV0NO/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a><br><br>Here's the digital thermometer/clock device that I use from Radio Shack. I have 2 of these for the front and rear of my van. I always know the exact temperature to the 1/10 of a degree. This thermometer also has a separate remote sensor, but I don't use it. I like the bottom button which I can press to turn on the LCD light at night time to see the readings. Plus it has some type of weather forecast feature that is suppose to predict whether it will be sunny or raining soon.<br><a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11361231" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11361231</a><br><br>Plus I have at least 6 or 7 different types of portable fans in different sizes. Some are powered by 12 volts, others by USB, others by batteries. I have 2 of these 12 volt clip-on fans from Camping World which are clamped onto the wooden panel of my conversion van near the ceiling and are pointed towards the bed. The fan head also rotates automatically about 180 degrees if you want, or can be locked into same position. See link below.<br><a href="http://www.campingworld.com/shoppin...35393333&gclid=CKGK6Kje67gCFYai4AodtVAAvQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.campingworld.com/shoppin...35393333&gclid=CKGK6Kje67gCFYai4AodtVAAvQ</a><br><br>As you can tell, when it comes to sun shades and reducing heat build-up in my van, I don't mess around!! I take heat reduction seriously, haha! Heck, I would get an air conditioner too, but I simply don't have any more room inside my van! Fortunately, my van's built-in air condition works great whenever I need it! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif"><img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"><br><br>
@ziggy...great idea on the contact paper. that made me smack my head and say "duh".<br><br>@casey...reflectix showing on the outside is un-stealthy for sure. i didnt think about it much until a LEO buddy pointed it out (and its legality). i thought the van in general was fairly benign looking save for the red color. since he said that, i cant help notice it (and stuff like it on other cars lol). kind of a mixed bag outside today otherwise id be installing the tint i bought yesterday.<br><br>those links you provided are awesome. i especially like the one for the area behind the rear view mirror. didnt even know that existed. ive used a few of those cheap accordion shades but the are a PITA to put up and take down and they jsut fall apart. ive been mulling over a different solution, possibly a DIY. but those shades you linked to look like they will do the trick very conveniently. i have a bulkhead separating my cab from the living space but i still want to keep the temps down in there. thanks for the links.<br><br>your tolerance for heat is different than mine for sure. i suppose thats the case with all of us. i kinda felt like i was not going to be able to do anything about humidity, even with a/c on, so i focused on the rays of the sun increasing heat. my van is aligned with the sun due to the parking confguration so i get no shade at all. so far, its working out ok. going to be better when the rest of tint is done. and my cab with certainly appreciate some of those links. i ordered a bunch of stuff from amazon last night and wish id seen your post. i woulda grabbed a few of those things.
current conditions outside...76F humidity 56%. overcast. chance of rain 50%.<br><br>inside van with doors closed. 84F. dont have humidity reading inside. seems dry. fantastic fan and endless breeze both set on 1. comfortable albeit a little warm. no sweating (which is what i use as a benchmark really). no need for a/c though.
caseyc
Well-known member
You're welcome! Glad you find the products and links useful. I've been using those same items now for a number of months, and they work great! Don't know about years and years from now, but so far I'm liking those items I have.<br><br>Yes, those popular accordian style sun shades are wretched. I've had so many over the years that have fallen apart. The folding/collapsible shades I use now are SUPERIOR to anything I used previously, plus way more compact and convenient to use.<br><br>Unfortunately, I am a self-professed guinea pig when it comes to trying out products. Somtimes, you never really know if something will work or fit until you buy and try it. That said, you should see my closet and living room full of stuff that I bought and tried, but didn't work out. I have easily spent many hundreds on all kinds of items when I was experimenting for the past 2 years. <br><br>One day I will have a large garage sale to get rid of all my useless like-new stuff, haha!
caseyc
Well-known member
<a href="http://www.carid.com/1995-ford-e-series-deflectors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.carid.com/1995-ford-e-series-deflectors/</a><br><br>On a related note, I also have the above wind deflector visor installed on both sides of my front doors. This product is downright FANTASTIC and extremely useful in so many ways. I recommend anyone with a van or SUV to install this.<br><br>The wind deflector allows me to always have my 2 front windows to be cracked down about 1/2" to allow air ventilation through the van 24/7. I don't have to worry that an intruder from outside will try to force the window down for a break-in, because the deflector prevents such a thing.<br><br>While driving, I can have the windows down about 1" and the top of the window will still be within the deflector. That means you can have a nice flow of air while driving without the outside wind hitting you directly. This is especially useful when it's raining outside while driving. You can have the window down about 1 inch for air ventilation, but no outside rain will come inside and hit you! Seriously good sh!t !! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"><img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"><br><br>Plus the deflector comes in a nice dark shade to add extra sunlight/heat protection while driving. I've driven on freeways many times in late afternoon/early evening hours when the sun comes down at a lower point. Normally when the sun is shining at a lower angle, the sun comes from the side and hits me right in the eyes and is uncomfortable for driving. But because of the dark wind deflector installed, this helps to reduce the glare from the sun. <br><br>While camping at campgrounds, I sometimes use my Little Buddy propane heater at night for some warmth. I will have the front windows cracked down about 1/2 inch on both sides, which will allow for enough oxygen flow so I don't get carbon monoxide poisoning. The deflector helps to block out mosquitos and rain from coming into the van at nighttime, even though the windows are down 1/2 an inch or so.<br><br>Seriously, these wind deflectors are worth its weight in gold! It's that useful!! My van conversion shop recommended it to me, and I've been loving it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
you and i think alike...thats one of the first things i did to my van. i think i used AVS brand.<br><br>i keep the windows open year round in all weather. its the only saving grace in the summer to let out heat from the cab. and driving in the rain is a pleasure as you know. also, i dont get that annoying drip.<br><br>i also like it in the winter because it increases my fridge/freezer space by like 500% <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>the van came with a bug guard by Lund...that looks nice. i cant find the moon visor for it though. the one that goes at the top of the windshield and has lights. i really like the way that looks but cant find one for the express vans anymore.
i just noticed the oem GM etching on the glass says "Trans 70% MIN"<br><br>thought the 7 was a 3. not sure what it means now that i reread it. either way, its tinted somewhat at the factory so adding tint is even better.
caseyc
Well-known member
What a coincidence, I guess brilliant minds think alike regarding the wind deflectors, haha! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> Actually, I also have a matching bug deflector for the front of the hood installed as well. But I personally don't think it's useful, but it does look cool to have on, so it's really more cosmetic. Heck, speaking of useless cosmetic items, I even had the stock Ford grill replaced with something more cool looking! Nothing to do with reducing heat of course, just looks slick! <br><br>Here are some attached pictures of a couple sunshades I referred to earlier. One picture is a large folding/collapsible sunshade that I use for my 3 large bay windows. Notice that you can still see outside the left and right sides of the windows, which I rather prefer as opposed to completely blocking the outside view. As mentioned earlier, this sunshade simply stays in place on its own without any tape or anything.<br><br>The other picture is another form of sunshade that I didn't previously mention. I got this other sunshade from a local O'Reilly auto supply store, and I use it for my 2 small side door windows, as my van has the barn door design. This sunshade is easy to apply, just peel off the backing, and press onto the window which uses static cling to keep the sunshade in place. Amazingly, simple static cling works to keep this on the window, no glue or tape or adhesive needed. Plus I can still see outside the side door windows while driving, as I have the curtains open. The bottom corner of this sunshade says "SUN-SPOT" and is made in China. This sunshade is essentially the same type of design similar to the shade covering the windshield mirror. <br><br>EDIT: I also attached a picture of the front of my van that shows the wind deflector and bug shield installed. Plus the new front grill that replaced the boring stock Ford grill.<br><br>
caseyc
Well-known member
Yes, I'm pretty sure the Sun-Spot shade is removable and can be reapplied. There is no glue nor adhesive of any kind. Simply clings to the window like Saran wrap. However, that said, I probably wouldn't do that too often, maybe only once or twice at most for re-applying. I have also reapplied the shade behind the windshield mirror, but again, I wouldn't do that too often.<br><br>By the way, a hard lesson learned awhile back is to NOT use those pull-down sun shades that stick to the window via round suction cups. If your windows are tinted already, those suction cups will not, repeat *NOT* stay on the windows. In a short time, those window shades using suction cups will simply fall off. Again, this only applies if your windows are tinted. If your windows are not tinted, then the suction cup shades work okay.
<br> <br> I painted the inside of the side and rear windows on an Aerostar cargo van I had a long time ago. Surprisingly, it actually looked great and held up well for years. The best part was the few scratches that it did get were touched up in just seconds with a spray can. I ended up junking the van after an accident, but just out of curiosity I used a razor blade and cleaned all the paint off one of the windows. (You would never have known that it was painted)<br><br> <br> For prepping it all I did was clean the glass really well, taped it off, wiped it down with paint thinner sprayed several light coats of cheap flat black spray paint.
