The old and the new! In this picture you can see our old pleated day/night shade on the left above the dinette. Both shades are in the "Night" position. Notice the light coming in where the 2 vertical string holes are located. The new pull down MCD light blocker shade is pictured on the right window above the couch. The new shades are superior to the old. There are six different light blocker fabrics to choose from.
In this photo, both shades are in the "Day" position. The Day shade utilizes MCD’s exclusive ClearView™ Solar Sun Screen to provide superior outward visibility, unsurpassed daytime privacy, and outstanding heat protection. You can see out, but no one can see in. The night shade material, in the first photo, provides complete light blocking, 4-ply vinyl fabric. The advanced design allows you to effortlessly raise either shade with just a pull-to-release motion.
Since we installed the new shades ourselves, we decide to include step by step instructions for our friends who own a Monaco RV. We found it easier to start by removing the existing window valance. Remove the screw from the bottom left and right supports.
Next, remove the plastic string holders on each side. Be prepared for the blinds to drop open as you release the tension. I could not believe that these screws were 3" inches long.
Pull the metal portion of the shade below the bottom of the valance and twist it side to side, then pull out and up on the shade to access the upper screws that hold the shade in place. See next photo.
With the shade pulled outward its easy to access the upper installation screws.
To make things easier for me, I got Kathy to remove the upper screws. It was easier to open the window which allows you to see and access the upper support screws.
Use a long Phillips Screwdriver #2 to remove the upper screws. One on each side releases the old shade. Move it out the way.
Next remove both upper screws that hold the valance in place. Longer widths may have 3 or 4 screws to hold the valance.
You can then remove the entire valance. Lay it on the floor with the back facing up.
Next, you installed the metal clips that will hold the shade in place. Normally only 2 clips are used for shades under 30" inches. For sizes larger than 30 inches, 3 clips are used .
Here you can see the clip installed. The clip incorporates a slot in the center so you can adjust the clip from front to back.
We also removed screws from two of the upper support brackets. This was done to allow use of these holes for installation screws to reattach the valance.
Here's Kathy fastening the new shade into the clips. You can see she is placing the shade in the top of the clip then rotates the shade to clip it in place. You will hear it click into place. Once installed, the entire assembly is ready to be mounted. In the photo below, Kathy is pushing straight down to get the shade to click into place in the middle clip.
In this photo you can also see the gold metal clips used to hold the top and front of the valance together. They will be used to help with the installation.
Here Kathy is starting the screws for anchoring the valance. Be careful to only install these screws a 1/4" into the wood support or you will attach it to your floor. You can see there's a gap that makes re-installing the valance fairly easy.
Notice that the clear plastic wrap is still left in place around the blinds. You should remove the small cardboard piece during this step, but leave the clear plastic wrap.
While I held the valance in place (I'm really there you just can't see me), Kathy uses a drill to fasten the 3 screws to anchor the unit to the bottom of the cabinet. The final step is to Very Carefully remove the clear plastic wrap around the blinds.
And we are done! You can see the "Clear View" Solar Sun Screen shade pulled down on the two large windows and the complete light blocker shade pulled down on the smaller window. We installed 9 shades in about 3 hours.
Here's our left over screws. The long screws were used to fasten the plastic string holders back on the 4th photo. Can't remember where the other screws came from. We are delighted with the new shades. Complete measuring and pricing information is available on the MCD website.
