Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Merle Hench on May 01, 2011, 05:32:42 am
Title: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Merle Hench on May 01, 2011, 05:32:42 am
Greetings,
Dumb newbie question - I did search the archives but did not find anything.
My 91 U225 has a pair of exterior quarter turn fasteners on each side where the windshield/side window glass ends. Looks to be original equipment (ie aged ;D). Near as I can figure, this appears to be an attachment point for some kind of outside windshield sun shade. Can't think what else they might be for. Am wondering if anyone else has these fasteners on their coach? (I can take a pic after the sun comes up, if that helps). And if these are for a sun shade, is this something Foretravel offered, or an aftermarket deal?
I'd like to fit an outside shade when parked for awhile. While the curtains inside work, they don't block all the light and heat, and the dash is still exposed to the sun all day. Guess I should pick up some wheel covers as well... I did see the inside roller shades, but I'd rather have something outside completely blocking the sun.
I've seen several companies offering exterior windshield shades, but they all seem to be generic. Given the slope of the windshield I find myself wondering if and how that would actually fit a Foretravel, especially when all the photos they show feature a coach with a flat frontal area.
Any light you could shed on these mystery fasteners would be appreciated. :)
Steve
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Barry Beam on May 01, 2011, 10:29:09 am
Dumb newbie question - I did search the archives but did not find anything.
My 91 U225 has a pair of exterior quarter turn fasteners on each side where the windshield/side window glass ends. Looks to be original equipment (ie aged ;D). Near as I can figure, this appears to be an attachment point for some kind of outside windshield sun shade. Can't think what else they might be for. Am wondering if anyone else has these fasteners on their coach? (I can take a pic after the sun comes up, if that helps). And if these are for a sun shade, is this something Foretravel offered, or an aftermarket deal?
I'd like to fit an outside shade when parked for awhile. While the curtains inside work, they don't block all the light and heat, and the dash is still exposed to the sun all day. Guess I should pick up some wheel covers as well... I did see the inside roller shades, but I'd rather have something outside completely blocking the sun. I've seen several companies offering exterior windshield shades, but they all seem to be generic. Given the slope of the windshield I find myself wondering if and how that would actually fit a Foretravel, especially when all the photos they show feature a coach with a flat frontal area. Any light you could shed on these mystery fasteners would be appreciated. :) Steve
I had some outside shades made that use those 1/4 turn fasteners. I need a ladder to put them on & off. That got tiresome real fast & so we elected to go with inside shades.
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Kent Speers on May 01, 2011, 10:51:04 am
Merle, I think you are right about it being for a sun shade. My 93, U225 had an external, one piece shade that snapped on the outside. I was able to climb up on my bumper on my 225 to attach the exterior sun shade. Now, with a U300 the bumper is another 14" higher and I can't get my leg up high enough to climb on it. So I have an interior sun shade like Barry suggested. It has 4 pieces, one for each side window and one for each section of the windshield. They attach via Velcro and are very easy to put up. The brand is Sunguard and their phone is 800-334-5533.
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Paul Smith on May 01, 2011, 11:03:20 am
We discovered the need for an exterior sun shade when we spent a Summer in El Centro, CA (!) with our Foretravel pointed South. I'm pretty sure that's what cracked the windshield. We now carry an ordinary household ladder to put up our exterior shield.
(One year they were interviewing for a president for an an El Centro college. A local opined they should interview them in the Summer, and if they didn't self-combust: Hire Them!)
best, paul
Quote
Merle, I think you are right about it being for a sun shade. My 93, U225 had an external, one piece shade that snapped on the outside. I was able to climb up on my bumper on my 225 to attach the exterior sun shade. Now, with a U300 the bumper is another 14" higher and I can't get my leg up high enough to climb on it. So I have an interior sun shade like Barry suggested. It has 4 pieces, one for each side window and one for each section of the windshield. They attach via Velcro and are very easy to put up. The brand is Sunguard and their phone is 800-334-5533 (http://tel:800-334-5533) .
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Bill Chaplin on May 01, 2011, 11:56:04 am
Kent, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU LEG, that you cannot craw on it anymore!!!!!
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: oldmattb on May 01, 2011, 05:12:59 pm
Kent, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU LEG, that you cannot craw on it anymore!!!!!
Bill, 61 years of abuse to this body has limited my mobility somewhat. The 10" incision on my lower back may also have some bearing on my limited mobility and for Steve's benefit don't forget the bad shoulder I would need to pull myself up. But, the biggest reason not to crawl on my bumper is the beautiful paint job. The stainless steel bumper on the 225 didn't care whether I stood on it or not.
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Merle Hench on May 02, 2011, 07:54:24 am
No, it's not a DZUS fastener. Forgive my incorrect terminology - it seems the correct term for this type of fastener is "twist". Pic attached. I called it a quarter turn, because, well, it locks with a quarter turn. :)
Going to see about a sun shield up front, once I get some other things sorted out.
And while I can still climb up on that bumper, I'm not getting any younger either, so may resort to a ladder. ;D
Steve
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: oldmattb on May 02, 2011, 08:14:38 am
I have no idea how I knew what a Dzus fastener was. I would have called your 1/4 turn fastener a "chromey metal captive chicklet twistama-slot mounting thingey."
oldMattB
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Merle Hench on May 02, 2011, 11:08:48 am
I have no idea how I knew what a Dzus fastener was. I would have called your 1/4 turn fastener a "chromey metal captive chicklet twistama-slot mounting thingey."
oldMattB
Now, I would have understood that description. But a parts guy? Hit and miss. :) I learned a long time ago a good parts guy or a good mechanic is like gold. Treat them well and buy them coffees and donuts, and they will take care of you. ;D
I knew of Dzus and Camloc fasteners from my days with aircraft and race cars. They worked well, until, your screwdriver slipped and messed up the paint, or, they broke. ;)
Steve
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: oldmattb on May 02, 2011, 01:20:52 pm
I sure miss good parts people. The last one I encountered was a twenty-something latina, believe it or not. It is so frustrating to go in needing a generic relay for some fog lights or something, and have to go through the year, make and model with two people, only to find out they don't know what a relay is or does. In the old days (or with my latina friend), you get a response more like, "What is it for, this Ford horn relay is cheap and durable."
I built a street rod years ago, and I got so tired of trying to explain it had a small-block Chevy engine, like eight zillion other cars, it did not matter that it was a 1951, that it was six-volt at one time, that it was a two-door, what a 350 is in liters, or if it came with air conditioning. It just needs spark plugs like the one I just placed on the counter.
I buy most of my parts online now - at least I can be frustrated here at home.
oldMattB
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Merle Hench on May 03, 2011, 09:43:42 pm
Well, I called Foretravel today, and among other things, asked about those fasteners. Mike Grimes in the parts department told me they did put those on for solar shades, which were a special order. Apparently, you can still get them from here --> RV Windshield Covers - The Best Way to Stay Cool! (http://www.rvtoystore.com/cool.html) and they have the patterns for the older Foretravels.
Haven't checked into it yet, but thought to pass this info on.
Steve
P.S. Matt - Mike is like the old school parts guys I used to deal with. Just describe what it is and he not only knows what it is, he has it in stock. I'm likin' it. :)
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: oldmattb on May 03, 2011, 10:27:47 pm
I am surprised this conversation has not turned to the "nut" just behind the windshield...
oldMattB
Title: Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield
Post by: Merle Hench on May 03, 2011, 10:44:27 pm
Just ask anyone who knows me. ;)
Nuts is a relative term, as with most everything else. Compared to what? ;D