MCD Rear Window Shades, Organized Obie and Weathertech Bumper Step

One project I've been wanting to do for a while is install MCD shades over the rear windows.  The fabric covers that come with the van are certainly well made and easy to attach, but it is kind of fiddly to adjust them so you can see out the back window when driving.  If you remove them, then that is one more thing you need precious room to store.

So enter FitRV.  They made this project easy as they created a form to order exactly the shades you need and a great instructional on how to install them.   I may not have ever attempted this without the ground work they did.   Here are links to their blog post and video on it:   Fit RV MCD Window Shades Install

The shades aren't cheap, that is for sure.   If memory serves, they were around $100 each. The build quality is amazing though.  The casings are metal, not plastic.  They shipped the set in a single box.

To do this project, you'll need a couple items.  Oddly, it doesn't ship with screws.    A #6 sheet metal screw will do, but the holes are big enough to use other sizes if you have some that are close.   A drill bit, of course, is also needed, that matches the screws.  Also, a center-punch can make this an easy project.  It helps you make a precise, small dent in the metal, to aid in the drilling.  Very handy device - Link to Center Punch Device on Amazon.  Also, some 3M VHB tape can hold the shade in place while you are driving in screws.

This is a 30-45 minute project if you don't have issues.

So much handier now.  I put the stock fabric covers in storage.

Another item I picked up is the WeatherTech bumper step.  It simply fits in the rear hitch reciever.   It acts as a step to help you get in the van, but it's also a heavy duty item such that it will protect your rear bumper if someone were to tap it parking their car.   I like that it doesn't stick out too far and also fills the unsightly receiver when it's not being used.  Of course you can buy it direct from WeatherTech, or from Amazon:  WeatherTech Bump Stop on Amazon.  Around $40.

The final thing I worked on today was installing some Organized Obie storage pockets.  These are well made canvas pockets with a mesh front to hold your items snuggly.  They come with snaps that you screw to the wall to hold them.  I suppose that is so you could remove them for cleaning or to carry your items somewhere.  Really a snap to install.

These are the two I got:  10" x 12" Pocket and 10" X 20" Pocket

I put the large one on the side of the kitchen cabinet behind the driver's seat.  This may be a good location to store travel guides, maps or campground papers.

It was too wide to fit in the back.  I put the smaller one back there on the rear bulkhead to hold some small items:

A bit better organized.  Coupled with the rack up top for holding my handled items, and a bit of decluttering (why carry 3 types of hoses?), I'm more organized.

Note the clear hose that is hanging from the rack.  This is a new item I just got that I'm going to test out.  You can get one here, but I can't yet vouch for it's durability:
  Clear Flat Water Hose on Amazon

Replacement Grill Madness!

I've had several projects I wanted to do, but with limited time, they have sat on the shelf.  Today I had some time at home, so I got to several of them.

One that I've really been wanting to do is replace the garish RAM grill. Chrysler wants all their vehicles to have the same cross-bar grill no matter how goofy it looks.   I think the original Ducato grill from Fiat is a much cleaner look.

So on to Ebay I went to find one.   I found a brand new OEM grill from a fellow in Germany.  It was $74 US plus $65 shipping!  It took 4 weeks to get to me, but DHL delivered it without a scratch.

As you can see, I also ordered a new Fiat emblem as well.  Some folks I mentioned this two gave me a bit of crap about this.   So just for fun, I decided to order a variety of emblems to use and can interchange them whenever I want.  More on that a bit later.

The grill replacement is a snap.  There are 4 screws and two plastic screw-clips to remove and she will pop right off.  But first things first.   Here is the original Chrysler grill:

Here is the grill removed.  All you do is remove the 4 screws on the top, and then the two clips on the bottom.  Then lift off the grill from the top and pull it toward you.

In this picture, you see my little magnetic cup (highly recommended) holding the 4 screws and 2 plastic clips.  Note that they are a star head.  You need a T27 star head for your screw driver to fit them.

To install the new grill, you just reverse the process.   Starting at the bottom, you place the lower part of the grill into the slots in the bumper cover, rotate toward the van, and press down.  You'll snap the built in plastic guides into their respective clips in the bumper cover.  If everything is snapped in place properly, then the 4 screw holes at the top of the grill line up with the threaded holes in the van.   Now all you do is install the 2 lower plastic clips first, then the 4 screws at the top.  Done!

Now for all the emblem fun.  First you need a way to affix them.  You need something that will hold tight, yet can be pulled off as desired.  You can go with two methods - magnets or industrial velco.   I couldn't find my magnet tape, so I decided to use the "extreme" velcro I bought online.  This is not a fabric type of velcro.  It's made by Scotch (get on Amazon) and it's interlocking plastic pegs.  It's very grippy, so I have no concerns with it coming off.  Scotch Extreme Velco on Amazon

All you do it cut it to fit and stick to the flat part of the space for the logo.  It doesn't have to be pretty, since only you will know it's there.  A rough cut will do.  You just want to make sure it's fully seated in the space.

For the emblems, you also need to find something to use as a mounting plate.  I found these   cheap plastic disks that gamers use to mount model statuettes for their games. They were 3 for a couple bucks on Ebay. The only requirement is that it be 120 mm in diameter.  If all else fails, a CD rom disk would also work, as they are also 120 mm in diameter.  These plastic disks are probably more durable than a CD, so that's why I went with them.

So all you do is apply some more velco to the back and you are good to go.  Again, it doesn't have to be pretty, just put some in the center.

Now the fun begins.   I got a variety of stickers and some plastic emblems and went crazy sticking them on the disks.  Look thru the following and let me know which one you like the best.

Fiat logo:

Stealth RAM logo:

Autobot logo:

Zombie Biohazard:

Smiley Face:

Peace/Flag Symbol: