Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Cheap front window bug screens
From:Malcolm Stebbins
Date:Wed, 16 Jun 1999 13:51:55 -0300

I also found that the magnetized bug screen for the front doors do not fold or
store well, so i'm also looking for an alternative similar to what Steve is doing:

I will will sew a combo of ripstop and no-see-um mesh so that it will form a
bit of a sleeve for the 3 sides of the the front door.  With the mesh on the
outside of the door, I will sew a flap on the right, top, & left side of the mesh
so that the flap will wrap around the sides of the door about 3 inches to the
inside of the door around the door/window frame so that it will 'sit' by itself on
the opened door.  I then will sew an elastic on the flap at the level near the
bottom of the window to keep the mesh in place as I close the door.,  Then I
will use some magnets to keep it tight against the door at the bottom of the
window (the other three sides (right, top, & left ) will be kept in place (and
tight) by the weather stripping of the closed door).  I will also be able to
regulate the air by being able to role the window up/down as I see fit.

It should look like this (X = ripstop inside and outside the door - an 'open'
sleeve, / = mesh):

                             XXXXXXXXXX
                             X/////////////////X
                             X////////////////////X
                             X//////////////////////X     <----  bottom of window
                             X//////////////////////X    <-----   magnets go here

So It should just slip over the opened door, close the door, and place the
magnets.  It will also wadd/ball up into a small ball for storage.

I made a very nice "shower-cap" bug screen for the rear lid and the above
design will be a three sided 'shower-cap' without the elastic around the
periphery.   I "know" the above design will work.  When I finish it, I'll post my
results.

Malcolm S

Steve wrote:

>  <<Snip>>> Last night I trashed these screens and made up a new set that
> addresses > these issues.  I bought a roll of black fiberglass screening
> material > ($5.00) and some regular magnets (2 8-magnet packs at $2 each)
> from Home > Depot.  I then cut the screening material in the same basic
> shape as the > front windows (including side vent) but about 3 or 4 inches
> bigger all > around.  From the inside with the door open simply place the
> screen > against the window with the extra 3 or 4 inches hanging over the
> front, > top, and back side of the door.  Then close the door.  Place most
> of the > magnets on the inside of the window around the bottom to seal it up
> (top > and sides are sealed by the closed door), and a couple on the top and
> > front and back sides to hold it on so that you can open and close the door
> > without it falling off.  It only takes a minute to install it.  It cost $9
> > for both windows and it all folds up and stores in a little zip-lock >
> sandwich bag.  It does not interfere with the window operation, and >
> opening and closing the door didn't seem to damage or cut the screen >
> itself since it contacts a rubber door seal all around.