I removed all the original day/night shades in my 95 U320 for a cleaning.
The plastic spools that hold the shade cording taught have weakened from age and need to be replaced, some have crumbled on removal.
I tried to use plastic sewing machine bobbins but they don't seem deep enough or strong enough to last.
Any suggestions from somebody that has done this,on where I can purchase replacement spools?
RV Day/Night Shade Tensioners (http://www.fixmyblinds.com/category-s/4892.htm)
Cheap, no - available, yes.
RV Day/Night Shade Cord Retainer Tension Spool - Clear (http://www.fixmyblinds.com/RV-Shade-Cord-Retainer-Spools-Clear-p/rv-cr-01-spool-clear.htm) all the other places, same price.
google search 'RV Shade spool'
I bought some at Camping World.
I used metal sewing machine bobbins and never had a broken spool after that.
e.g. - Class 15 and Class 2518 Metal Bobbins (http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/2518-20pk.php)
20 for $7.99 = $0.40 ea. Use a second SS screw through a set of bobbin holes, to "lock" the bobbin in place, if you need (I just threaded the tension cords from outside flange through inside flange, to "pinch" the two cords between the bobbin and the wall). I never needed to use a second screw.
Works well, lasts a long time.
Neal
Now that you know where to buy them you can look forward to the maddening process (at least for me) of trying to thread that cord through those little guys. Sounds like Neal may have a better idea. Hope it goes well!
jor
Neal, I saw the metal bobbins at Walmart, about a buck for 4. I decided I didn't want to paint them to the wall color so I picked up the clear plastic ones.
When I hit the check-out and saw the line I put them on the checkout counter and ran for the door ( a Chicago Walmart at 5pm, with only 2 open check-out lines, is a very unpleasant place to hang around, like the black hole of Calcutta).
I looked in my wife's sewing basket and found 2 clear plastic bobbins, they will do until I can stomach a return trip to Walmart for the metal.
JOR, I put the plastic bobbins in the drill press and enlarged those small holes.
Thanks for the help!