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Topic: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield (Read 1188 times) previous topic - next topic

Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

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

1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Merle Hench –
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
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #2 –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #3 –
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 .
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #4 –
Kent, WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU LEG, that you cannot craw on it anymore!!!!!
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bill Chaplin –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #7 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
1/4 turn fastener?  Is it a Dzus fastener?

[just curious.

oldMattB

Hi Matt,

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



1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #8 –
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
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #9 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
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
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #10 –
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
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #11 –
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!  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.  :)

1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #12 –
I am surprised this conversation has not turned to the "nut" just behind the windshield...

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320
 

Re: Quarter turn fasteners just behind windshield

Reply #13 –
Just ask anyone who knows me.  ;)

Nuts is a relative term, as with most everything else. Compared to what?  ;D

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa