Magnetic Strip

Fredb

Member
So, a minor item I’m trying to replace and wondering if other Westy ‘inmates’ have any recommendations.

I need to replace the magnetic strip that mounts on upper portion of porthole windows on either side of the skylight. Think it is the same as used on all of the windows to hold up the window shades.

Found what looks like a decent replacement on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Master-Magnet...462942108&sr=8-1&keywords=3/8"+magnetic+strip)....

but it’s way more than I want/need and so am wondering if others have discovered other/better sources.
 

OldWest

2004 T1N Westfalia
Informational Background:

The magnetic strips were used only for the two upper awning wing windows. Each window had a matching magnetic pair, with one side glued to the upper screen and one glued to the bottom shade. One side is very flat and the other matching side has a bit of a raises profile. Brown in color.

Do not know where to find a matching magnetic set but someone here might know.

The earlier Westfalias came without those magnetic strips, which Airstream/Westfalia installed in the big retrofit campaign.

Side Note: The large awning window screen and shade does not have any magnetic strips unless there was a change in design along the way. The white corners at the end of the screen and shade rails snap together.
 

Fredb

Member
OldWest,

Thank you for the background... Your knowledge is remarkable!

Given that magnetic strips were only used for the two upper awning windows, this is truly a 'minor' issue, as I'm not sure when I'd ever actually close those shades... That said, if someone has a good source for the strips, I'd like to repair as it appeals to my "Germanic" sensibility (my last name is 'Benz') to have everything working properly.
 

Kiltym

Active member
We had the same issue and used these items to replace magnetic tape:

https://amfmagnets.com/magnafix-12-5mm-x-1-6-mm-per-mtr-with-3m-adhesive-part-b.html
https://amfmagnets.com/magnafix-12-5mm-x-1-6-mm-per-1-metre-lengths-w-3m-adhesive-part-a.html

These magnets used in the upper windows are "complementary". As in the top is part "b" (with a groove in it) and the bottom is part "a" (smooth). This is why the magnetic strips look different. The replacements above need to be narrowed a bit, but cut easily with scissors.

In our situation, the top portion (which is a raised strip) was missing 75%. We built up the channel for the magnet strip we purchased with double-sided automotive trim tape, and then attached a strip of the magnet so that is was flush with the existing raised portion. Works great and the shade stays in place now.
 

220629

Well-known member
I don't know if this will work.

I pull out the rubber strip magnets from refrigerator magnetic door gaskets. They are surprisingly strong and can easily be cut to size. I've used them to secure insect screen to my Sprinter windows, and a few other applications.

Goop glue will fasten the harvested strip magnets to most anything.

There is an example of the typical magnet size in a picture in this thread. The magnets are attached to a small facial tissue box.

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?p=41255#post41255

:cheers: vic
 

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