Blinds/Curtains/Tape for FJ Cruiser windows

[Anon]

Does anyone know of a good option for adding privacy to an FJ Cruiser's windows? Especially since I think I still need the rear window or side windows to look out for other vehicles.

 

[afblangley]

I have a passenger van, its all windows and I keep them uncovered when driving. The only time I cover them is when I'm parked and want privacy. Before I bought window covers I used corrugated plastic, the same stuff used to make bandit signs. I made a template by taping wrapping paper to the window and tracing an outline. Once I had the form cut out, I laid it down on the Coroplast and traced it. I didn't bother to paint one side black, but I would have if I were going to keep them.

If you wanted more insulation, you could use the same process with foam board.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Coropla...te-Corrugated-Plastic-Sheet-CP4896S/205351385
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-C...Rigid-Foam-Board-Insulation-20WENGX/315197840

 

[RV411]

Michaels Craft stores sell black chloroplast. I used them on my tinted bus windows (awesome for blackout). Dollar Tree sells black foam board too.

Also, black Burlap will give you daylight visibility (out); and the appearance of tinted windows from the outside. ...after a while they do fade to brown though.

 

[SierraVanCampers]

Here I am again Gary.

We have a 07 FJ Cruiser in the family. I built the rear of the FJ out for a bed platform and storage underneath. When camping, for privacy, we use WeatherTech window coverings for ALL the windows. They are pricey compared to Amazon but are made in the USA and work great. Definitely recommend. They fit snug and stay put when camping. We also use them in our van. Their rain guards are great too as they allow you to have your windows cracked open in the rain. Especially nice when inside a vehicle for ventilation.

 

[Anon]

Here I am again Gary.

We have a 07 FJ Cruiser in the family. I built the rear of the FJ out for a bed platform and storage underneath. When camping, for privacy, we use WeatherTech window coverings for ALL the windows. They are pricey compared to Amazon but are made in the USA and work great. Definitely recommend. They fit snug and stay put when camping. We also use them in our van. Their rain guards are great too as they allow you to have your windows cracked open in the rain. Especially nice when inside a vehicle for ventilation.

Ah thanks for the advice again. Hey do you mind if I see the plans for that shelf-thing you did with your FJ? And did you have to remove the seats? Was it hard?

 

[SierraVanCampers]

Sorry I didn't make any plans for the platform build. I spent an hour just measuring and re-measuring. I basically figured out how high things were that needed to go under the bed and that dictated how high to make the platform boards. We also didn't want to be to high as to lose the space between the bed and the ceiling. Kind of a balance. We wanted to keep the rear driver side seat in place so the bed takes up as much room (width) as possible with the driver side rear seat up. We then removed the passenger seat back. (very easy) A piano style hinge was added (lowes or home depot) to allow the bed platform to increase in length once the passenger front seat is moved all the way forward and tilted up. When someone is riding in the passenger seat, the piano hinge just flips the board back over the bed and out of the way. Not shown is a PVC 1" pipe that works as a leg under the piano hinge to make the bed level. This then gives about 72+ inches of length. This pic attached shows best what the the lumber used was. I believe the platform is 3/4" sanded plywood and the extra bracing shown is 2 x 3 studs. I am not much of a woodworker and I would say most anyone with some experience using a circular saw, jig saw and a level can build it. The carpet gluing is easier then I expected. I just bought the right glue for laying down indoor/outdoor carpeting and used a medium sized putty knife to lay down the glue. Placed the carpeting on the wood and smoothed it out. Needed to dry at least in an area of 65F degree's or more. Once dry (24hours later), went back with a new razor bladed and trimmed it up. Its simple but works well. Been camping with the FJ and our van quite a few times.

On a side note, in an FJ, you are basically somewhat trapped while sleeping as the side doors cannot open (as you know) without the front doors being open first. Unless the rear window is open, it makes it hard to exit. There is a fantastic youtube video of how someone solved it. It requires drilling a hole into the rear door on the inside, removing the interior trim and adding a steel rod. We did this and this was awesome for being able to exit out the back of the FJ by just pulling up on the steel rod to unlock the rear door. I will try and get a pic of this and will try and find the youtube video of it. This was the hardest part of the build. LOL Taking my time was key and it turned out good.

 

[SierraVanCampers]

Here is the DIY video of how to install the rear door lock/unlock rod.

 

[GntlStone]

Onthe YouTube channel "Navigation Nowhere" they did a really nice FJ conversion last Spring or Summer. I highly recommend taking a look at it for ideas.

 

[Anon]

Here is the DIY video of how to install the rear door lock/unlock rod.

Yeah, I've also seen on the FJ Cruiser forum a guy who used one of those modular panels to install a 3D-printed door latch for the back door!

Door Latch & Lock Switch

 

[user 22017]

Did you figure out your curtains yet? I saw a youtube vid where a woman made her curtains from a table runner. She has a topper on her truck bed. Think she had to add a few inches of fabric to the bottom of the runner, but the rest was already sewn. Just do a search at Amazon or Walmart for "table runners". Here is her "no build" build video: