Flap Flap... Flap Flap Flap... DIY
 

Once and for all get rid of the cargo shade flapping on you. Here is what you do. First make couple of rubber band loops like this. As you see they are about 1/4 inch wide and 6-7 inches long. I used white one for illustration. Black is a better color. I also tied a tie wrap to the loop so it holds better under the speaker cover (explained later)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01912.jpg

Then you will need couple of handles from old blinds. These are the Plexiglas type with a hook at the end. Cut both at the other end and duct tape them together. The final length is about the width of the roof. Better yet measure your cargo cover length, should it have shrunk over time, and match it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01913.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01914.jpg

Insert the rod you made in the cargo cover.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01915.jpg

Here is where you tuck the rubber loop you made under speaker cover. It is between the hatch strut attachment and where speaker cover bends. There is a sweet spot with soft carpet area there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01916.jpg

Needless to say, attach the rubber loops to the rod hook.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01917.jpg

This is how the final product looks like. Amazingly when the top is stored in the hatch, the rubber bands pull the shade passing the top and it does not get stuck between anymore.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01911.jpg

Then you go and get the free Grilled KFC for Lili the cat. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...p/DSC01909.jpg

Great solution. Your poor cat, though. Someone stole his little face.

I see you got those free coupons too.. photocopier is your friend :leaving:

Good idea.

you could have started a business. Instead you let us all know how. Thanks!

other fixes proposed on past threads but loop fasteners is a neat addition. I used a 1/4 inch steel rod and inserted it in the pocket at the bottom of the flap. heavy enough to stop the flapping but still allows the hatch to be raised, etc.

Great! Thanks. Now, if I can find some old blinds.

Himalayan cats look like this. She is actually very cute.

KFC stopped taking coupons. Now one needs to fill up a form, mail it to KFC, and then they mail different coupons back.

You are welcome my friend.

I used a steel rod. I found out it is very heavy and on turns it was banging to the speakers. Then I used a brass tube with same issue. This Plexiglas thing job is to keep the cargo shade end straight. The rubber bands do the pull down job.

You do not have to. I have seen some hardware stores carry spare parts for window blinds. You can also other lighter material like plastic tube or wooden dowel. I suggested blind Plexiglas rod because of the hooks at end will help for quick release.


One more thing folks: Make sure the rubber bands do not pull down too hard. Otherwise over time the ends of the bottom of the cargo shade stitching will come off.

very good stuff there! :cheers:

That's my solution, too. I used a threaded rod and screwed on double hex nuts at each end which helps keep the rod from working itself out of the pocket. I have to stretch the pocket opening over the nuts...

Z//

Good idea

I put a steel rod in mine. About 1/2" diameter.

Hobby shops are a good source for wooden and plexi dowels.

Home Depot gardening has barbed plant post for under $6.00. They come in different sizes and are plastic that can be cut to length.

I've got one of those plant poles (that you put in the garden) in the lower slot, still flaps a little (but not noticeable).

What would happen if you just sewed a small hook into the end of the flap and attached the rubber band to that?

I've seen some really weird things happen in accidents and don't want to have those rods where they might come loose and spear me. Not likely, but not impossible either.

Someone posted about crimping split-shot sinkers onto a piece of fish line and pulling that through the "tunnel" on the bottom of the flap. I tried that and it helped only a little; I ended up with so much shot in the flap that it was resting on the trunk floor but still it would flap around somewhat.

That I tried. I used rubber band attached to an alligator clip biting the corner of end of flap. Did not work: Flap wrinkled in mid section and I was getting flapping noise of a different sort.

Neat solution! The only thing left is to get a fabric dye pen and paint that band black! :thumbs:

I used white bands for taking pictures. Actual bands are black.

Great idea but where did you get the rubber bands that big?