Reflectix back window minivan

[Kathleen]

I use velcro.to attach my reflectix shades to the windows..that way I can take them off for more light or when I'm driving

Do you have black felt on one side of your window shades? Wonder if daily removal of the covers would pull off the black felt, stapled to the reflectix for stealth and privacy. 

Have you used it long? I heard velcro comes loose in sunlight and leaves a sticky mess. I bought a roll of flat thin industrial velcro. Would be easiest solution for the sloping back window in my minivan if the adhesive stays good. Thx for your help.

 

[Kathleen]

I use dollar store silver sunshades on both front and rear windshields. The front one I use the visors to hold in place and stuff a piece of clothing around the gap at the rearview mirrow. The rear one I put up using binder clips with one  the silver handle parts inserted under the edge of the black rubber seal around the top of the hatch door. I don't know how much light shows through as I am not stealth anyway. The reverse side of the sunshade is white, which keeps it from getting too gloomy inside.

Thanks. I wish I had a rubber seal around the back window of my T & C but it is hard plastic flush with the glass. All the other windows do have the rubber seal.

 

[Kathleen]

you can get adhesive backed, peel and stick snaps from Sailrite.com .  https://www.sailrite.com/YKK-SNAD-Clear-25mm-Adhesive-Backed-Flexible-Base-Stud  They are purchased separately as the stud or the socket side. That would allow you to stick snaps onto to a piece of glass. Do follow the installation directions carefully. Of course you should not install one directly over the wiring traces for a rear window defroster.  

The adhesive used on the flexible snap pads is VHB tape. It does stick firmly and could damage the wiring on the rear defroster  if you tried to remove them. So never install them over a wiring trace.

Thx for the info. It helps to know that I should not install anything over the wire tracings. I've wanted an answer to that before using any application technique for that sloping back window.

 

[maki2]

The VHB Velcro types of fasteners that are sold in hardware and fabric stores are not made with high temperature rated VHB tape. That is why it fails when used for window coverings in vans. The high temperatures on and around the glass and metal is the cause of the failure.

Unfortunately the high temperature rated VHB Velcro is not suitable for use on polyethylene and polypropylene plastics or other non-stick surfaces plastics. But it can be applied to glass and metal. You would have to special order the high temperature rated version from the internet as it is not sold in hardware or marine supply stores.

Heavy Duty, Gorilla Glue Brand VHB tape, the black colored version is high temperature rated and works on the surfaces listed above. But it won't stay stuck to the back of Velcro. The cloth type of Velcro is made with nylon and nylon is difficult to glue to. However there is a work around. Scrape onto the plain side of fabric Velcro a very thin, smooth, coat of E6000 adhesive to serve as a primer coat. Let it cure for 24 hours. Then the Heavy Duty, Gorilla VHB tape will adhere nicely and won't peel off of the nylon. E6000 is one of the only, easy to buy adhesives that will adhere to nylon and it is a reasonably high temperature glue.

Remember that the regular nylon cloth type of Velcro is for indoor use, not exterior use.

I wanted to make some window screens that install with velcro to the inside of my aluminum framed windows in my travel trailer. That is why I got into researching what would work to get velcro stuck to the window frame at high temperatures. That is why I came up with the E6000 and Gorrilla Heavy Duty VHB solution. I tested it, it works on the aluminum frame that can get very hot in the direct sun.

 

[Kathleen]

The VHB Velcro types of fasteners that are sold in hardware and fabric stores are not made with high temperature rated VHB tape. That is why it fails when used for window coverings in vans. The high temperatures on and around the glass and metal is the cause of the failure.

Thank you, maki2, for the time you have taken to deliver that information to me. I ordered my Velcro from the internet and need to look at both that and all of the glues I have in stock. Due to a life of mixed media art work I have multiple glues. I do appreciate your information.

 

[BelgianPup]

Would Velcro tape help in that situation?

 

[mjbeam]

Could you glue small magnets to the plastic trim around your window frame or the very edge of the glass, then sew magnets into some sort of window covering material that would match up with the magnets on the trim/glass?

 

[Glynb]

I hope this is not a dumb question, but what is wrong with leaving the reflectix mounted in the back and side windows of the van (not the front driver and passenger side windows of course.)  I have my reflectix attached with small strips of gorilla tape that hold it in fine.  I have also have had no issues from LE on the reflectix in the windows.

I do not plan on urban stealth camping, but staying in the country camp sites.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Glynb]

I hope this is not a dumb question, but what is wrong with leaving the reflectix mounted in the back and side windows of the van (not the front driver and passenger side windows of course.)  I have my reflectix attached with small strips of gorilla tape that hold it in fine.  I have also have had no issues from LE on the reflectix in the windows.

I do not plan on urban stealth camping, but staying in the country camp sites.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I might also add that the rear side windows on the van are tinted, and the rear windows are almost totally blacked out

 

[B and C]

I leave reflectix up all the time. I do take some down when it's raining but normally put it back up at night to not attract bugs and the nights can get cold. I don't stay in the van much as I have a comfortable chair outside so I don't have a need to see out.

 

[highdesertranger]

nothing wrong with leaving them up when your driving as long as you have mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

^^^

This - and know how to adjust and use them.

I won't drive without having convex mirrors on both sides of the van - there's a spot where you can lose a school bus if the mirrors aren't adjusted properly.