The blinds have fixed bars top and bottom with a string between them and the open/close bar slides up and down the strings; Tensioned Pleated Blinds - The Blind Shop.
We have fitted many like that (by that I mean shaped blinds) in conservatory roofs etc and the operate on the two outer tention strings. As @VanBlanc says the blind will not open further than the wiper motor and then you have to add the stack on top of that resulting in more of the window being covered but as I see it there is not much more of an option for pleated blinds.
The bottom of the window is wider than the top so it always as to open from the smallest place first which unfortunatly in this case is the top.
Imagine it an a more extreme circumstance ie a triangle (the principle is just the same). It would be impossible to close the widest section to the triangles point.
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Ah-Ha, Now I understand what the problem is, I thought the window was rectangular and thus did not matter if it went up or down. So, if I have the blind made rectangular (with the cutout for the motor, and like Vanshades have an outer edge covering to hide the gap that increases down/up the sides, can I then open it from the bottom being careful to raise each side bar to ensure it raises evenly.
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In theory yes but the biggest problem will be is if it was rectangular it would not cover the bottom corners of the glass because there is no addition room at the top to make it wider to compensate.
You lose more light / glass with the Vanshades things than you would living with the bits either side of the wiper motor (that you cant see anyway behind the seat).
We are trying to get rid of curtains because of how much light they loose in the back. Every version of cassette / surround we have seen takes us back to this problem. So in the end I think we will be going minimalist. There will be some light leakage but then we are going for a Cali roof which lets loads of light through.
We are trying to get rid of curtains because of how much light they loose in the back. Every version of cassette / surround we have seen takes us back to this problem. So in the end I think we will be going minimalist. There will be some light leakage but then we are going for a Cali roof which lets loads of light through.
swellshades Dave
New Member
Just thought I'd post this pics of a tailgate blind. It's for a T5 not a T6 but the principle is the same. Hope this helps. 
Thanks @swellshades Dave thats what I wanted to see. I am erring my towards a set for our Kombi conversion.
The strings will hardly be noticeable, no more than the heater wires, and the amount resting on the wiper motor won't be visible behind the rear seat. However how easy and practical are they to remove regularly to clean behind? Not just the glass but because of the way they are installed all the deadbugs
The main difference between T5 & T6 tailgate is that the the bottom corners are square.
The strings will hardly be noticeable, no more than the heater wires, and the amount resting on the wiper motor won't be visible behind the rear seat. However how easy and practical are they to remove regularly to clean behind? Not just the glass but because of the way they are installed all the deadbugs
The main difference between T5 & T6 tailgate is that the the bottom corners are square.
swellshades Dave
New Member
The blinds are fitted using a small spring clip bracket. Just timed taking one out of my van, under 25 seconds, not bad!
swellshades Dave
New Member
You are more than welcome to visit me Mr Van Blanc, I'll look forward to it, but in the meantime have a look at my website www.swellshades.co.uk,I have a full range of colours on there.
Been to see @swellshades Dave today. We're convinced - definitely going this route for our new van.
Hi All, Have been away for several months and now getting back into working on my van conversion. Has anyone got any further with the blinds and seen them in the flesh or fitted to the OEM slideout window? I am getting to the point where I should be thinking about ordering a set for my LWB T6.
Garry
Garry
I've got the swellshades in my van and they are excellent.
Gingercoastie,
I would appreciate if can I get a couple of photos of them, particularly the rear door and the slider door. You can use my email bytemarkspty@bigpond.com
Thanks
Garry
I would appreciate if can I get a couple of photos of them, particularly the rear door and the slider door. You can use my email bytemarkspty@bigpond.com
Thanks
Garry
I have been advised that Vanshades have now designed a new pod to suit the OEM opening window on the sliding door and also have a pod now for the rear lift hatch. Anyone yet seen them. I now need to proceed with my shades and am going to fit them to my LWB T6.
