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Topic: Need to tighten my rear string shade. (Read 428 times) previous topic - next topic
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Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Hi All,
We're just back from a trip where one of our recently replaced string shads started slipping down with no pulling required. I'm wondering if it is just a simple matter of pulling the strings a little tighter through the plastic fasteners screwed into the wall just below the shades. It seemed like when I pulled a little slack out of the strings, the shade stayed in place, but my little test may be off the mark

If I am correct about removing the slack, how can I untighted the fasteners so that I can pull the strings tighter?

Thanks,
David G
2005 MB
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #1 –
You’re actually on the right track IF the cord is just loose.  However, if the cord is broken, the shade will provide some resistance for using it.  As you try to tighten it, the cord may just keep coming. 

In that case, it’s necessary to restring the shade which isn’t difficult but just tedious.   Hope this helps. 
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #2 –
Hi David; I had a similar problem with my large back window shade a few years ago. I was out camping so I just did an extra wrap on each bottom post. One at each bottom end corner.  I think it was just the string stretching and time takes it's toll.  When driving I take a bolster and stick it in one corner to keep the shade high enough to see out of the back window. Rarely now it sometimes works its way down without the bolster.  When camped the shade stays up where I put it.
    A friend with a 2002 MB replaced his back shade with a blackout shade from the factory. I had planned to switch mine out (not as long a shade with 8' wide E350) but I didn't follow through fast enough. I do know that I need a 90"
 wide shade. A rare thing out there.  At nearly 25 years old, I'd like to replace it, if I can find a black out type.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
You’re actually on the right track IF the cord is just loose.  However, if the cord is broken, the shade will provide some resistance for using it.  As you try to tighten it, the cord may just keep coming. 

In that case, it’s necessary to restring the shade which isn’t difficult but just tedious.   Hope this helps.
The shades are pretty new so I don't think it is a broken string. I will definitely check it out. Thanks!
David
2005 MB
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #4 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi David; I had a similar problem with my large back window shade a few years ago. I was out camping so I just did an extra wrap on each bottom post. One at each bottom end corner.  I think it was just the string stretching and time takes it's toll..  RonB

I'll give that a try, but I would really rather figure out how to tighten the strings properly. If they are held in place by compression, I could just unscrew the fasteners a bit and pull the strings tight. I'll give that a try first. Thank you Ron.

David
2005 MB
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #5 –
Quote from: David Gardner  - 
I' I would really rather figure out how to tighten the strings properly. If they are held in place by compression, I could just unscrew the fasteners a bit and pull the strings tight. I'll give that a try first.

You may need to adjust the tightness of both sides to get the shade to go up and down evenly, it can be a bit tedious.
A friend restrung one of his shades on our dining room table two weeks ago, and reinstalling it took a while to get it adjusted right. It's not rocket science.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
You may need to adjust the tightness of both sides to get the shade to go up and down evenly, it can be a bit tedious.
A friend restrung one of his shades on our dining room table two weeks ago, and reinstalling it took a while to get it adjusted right. It's not rocket science.

Larry
Yes I would expect that both sides would need adjusting. I don't think it will need much. They are just loose enough not to hold up the shade.

David
2005 MB
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #7 –
One simple method that I've used: while holding the transparent spool at the bottom of the string, loosen its screw just enough that you can turn the spool. Starting with about half a turn, turn it to wind the string a little tighter around it, then retighten the screw to lock the spool in place. Do this on both sides. Test the shade, then repeat if necessary.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Need to tighten my rear string shade.
Reply #8 –
I discovered while inspecting the spools a little closer that one had gotten loose. I could pull the string pretty easily through. I tied it off around the spool. so now it seems tight enough, but I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks for the help.

David G.
2005 MB