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2014 MCD Windshield Shades

June 19, 2014, 11:04:11 am

I am hoping some one recently installed MCD shades in the windshield on a coach like ours (2001 U320).  I am in the process of ordering and have some questions.

1) What did you do to allow heat to get out of the center defrost vents when using your AquaHot?

2) What is the shape and size of the rod in the shade?  (Examples ... Oval, 1" x 1/2" or Round, 3/8")

3) Does a long flap seem like it is hanging too far down while driving?

Thanks,

Roger

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #1 – June 19, 2014, 02:46:25 pm

Roger, MOT installed the single MCD electric front visor, love it, easy sun visor, when needing heat at night, I use the flip lid of the notebook (VMSpc mode) to hold the flap toward the windshield, works fine for me. In fact had one installed over the entrance door steps so the sun can be hidden when needed.  I travel mostly alone.
No issues in 4+ years.

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #2 – June 19, 2014, 04:52:02 pm

Roger, if you mean the weight rod in the bottom of the shade, mine is maybe 1/4 round steel.  I can answer your other questions and show you photos and will do that later this evening.  The part that hangs down I had removed and trim built to direct the shade to the windshield and behind the vents.  Looks and works great.  I will post photos later this evening.
Its now later this evening.
When our shades were installed (at FOT) several months ago, there was a flap, about 8 or 9 inches that had slits in it to conform to the windshield hump on the bottom of the shade.  When the shades were retracted, I was loosing 8 or 9 inches of view which I did not like and they jiggled sometimes when driving which was a distraction.  But my main complaint was the loss of windshield view.
I had David at FOT construct a wedge shaped piece of trim that could be attached to the pillars at each end of the windshield (with Velcro) that would guide the shades forward to miss the dash hump and vents.  And removing the additional 8 or 9 inches of shade.  I now have a straight shade with no slits and my windshield view restored.  David did a great job of fabricating the parts.  I had made prototypes of cardboard and duct tape to show him.  Donna and I are very pleased with the results.  I have attached labeled pictures that hopefully will show you how it now looks. If you have questions, send me a pm.
Good Luck!
Bill

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #3 – June 19, 2014, 09:08:15 pm

Roger, I have updated my previous post.  Any question, just ask. 

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #4 – June 19, 2014, 09:35:38 pm

Looks great Bill. 

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Reply #5 – June 19, 2014, 10:11:54 pm

Thanks for the ideas Bill.  Do the angled A and B pillar trim parts impede your vision?  We mocked up this with cardboard last summer and weren't sure how it would work.  But it looks good.

Dave's laptop idea probably does the trick as well.

I don't want the big flap hanging down either.  I have a novel idea (at least I think it is novel) that I want to try.  It involves a two or three piece weight rod to accommodate the shape needed to clear the heat vents. It might be wonderful or not. But there are options. Then we think how many nights do we actually have the heat on.  On an annual basis maybe 1/3.  Remember we are in MN.

Thanks for the input.

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #6 – June 19, 2014, 10:38:40 pm

Roger, the angled pilars are attached with Velcro so when traveling I remove them and store away, they are easy to take on and off.  If left in place the right one does somewhat block the mirror and might be a hindrance for tight maneuvers. 
I was going to fashion the body and find a upholster to finish them but while at FOT for some other work, I explained my thinking to David and he said they could modify the shades and construct the pilars for under $200.00.  Seemed like a bargain to me so went with that as I'm not sure I have tools for the job or a place to work.  Good luck with whatever you choose.

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #7 – June 19, 2014, 11:04:52 pm

Very nice.  Having them be removable makes sense. I have tools, materials and space.  Time is another thing.  There is always lots to do.  Glad I'm "retired"

Roger

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Re: 2014 MCD Windshield Shades

Reply #8 – June 20, 2014, 08:33:47 am

Bill - I am so glad your plan came to fruition so quickly and nicely.  From our meeting in Albuquerque I know how much that flap was bothering you.  Nice job. 

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