The Ford Barn

TommyCoupe · 08-24-2016, 07:47 AM

I saw another thread relating to window shades in A's, and I've always wondered why would anyone need a window shade in the rear window of a coupe.

Is it so they don't have to look at the passengers in the rumble seat ?

Is it to block the light so you can fall asleep at the wheel ?

I'm sure there's a reason.

Tommy-

Big hammer · 08-24-2016, 07:51 AM

If we need to tell you, your not old enough to tell you :-)

Mitch//pa · 08-24-2016, 07:55 AM

Rear window shades are installed to prevent the reflection of the headlights from cars that are behind..Being the w/shield is straight up and down it causes reflections, cars following look like they are heading at u

Afordman31 · 08-24-2016, 07:58 AM

If it is like my Pickup, when someone is following you at night and their headlights shine in your back window, it puts a glare all the way across you windshield. The only spot that you can see without the glare is where your head is positioned looking out the windshield.
Have often thought that is why Henry produced the slant windshield. My thought on this subject.

Not copying what Mitch said, I was typing at the sametime. He and I have the same thoughts.

Bruce · 08-24-2016, 08:21 AM

Or ... it could be to provide privacy to the couple in the rumble seat -- where the double clutching is going on.

Smitty · 08-24-2016, 08:22 AM

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That is why the Slant, if you crack the windshield open a tad you will see an improvement. Reflections from straight windshield can be startling as it sometimes looks as if a car in coming from the side window when it is actually a reflection from the rear.

C26Pinelake · 08-24-2016, 09:12 AM

Strictly a reflection issue. Wayne

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-24-2016, 09:44 AM

Window reflections in COUPE are WEIRD, especially at night! I can sit on the parking lot @ the 99 cent store & see the cute girls coming from EVERY direction! Signs that normally look BACKWARDS in your mirror, can look correct??? Opening the windshield helps some. Also helped by pulling down the rear shade & opening the door windows.
Bill Dizzy

Bob Bidonde · 08-24-2016, 10:28 AM

I had some experiences driving my Coupe at night with the shade up where it appeared due to reflections that other cars were going to have a head-on collision with mine. Actually, the other cars were behind my Coupe.

The OEM rear shade has a weave that lets some light through, so you can see the headlights of a car that is behind.

TommyCoupe · 08-24-2016, 11:00 AM

I love it. A simple solution

Maybe the shade should have a sign on it that says "Back off Buddy"

Tom Wesenberg · 08-24-2016, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyCoupe

I love it. A simple solution

Maybe the shade should have a sign on it that says "Back off Buddy"

Tailgating and "herd mentality" is now the norm in driving.
It's so stupid and doesn't get you there any faster when you drive 15 feet behind the car, instead of 75 or more feet. I live on a 30 MPH road, which means they drive 45 to 60 MPH, and you see them in groups of 3 to 6 cars just a few feet apart.

TommyCoupe · 08-24-2016, 11:23 AM

You should try driving the highways in Ct.
If you're following someone and using the 2 second rule, you're leaving too much of an opening for someone to slip in, so now your following someone using the 2 foot rule. That's always fun

I'm not sure if they're "following" or "drafting"

Y-Blockhead · 08-24-2016, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Tailgating and "herd mentality" is now the norm in driving.
It's so stupid and doesn't get you there any faster when you drive 15 feet behind the car, instead of 75 or more feet. I live on a 30 MPH road, which means they drive 45 to 60 MPH, and you see them in groups of 3 to 6 cars just a few feet apart.

They're "Drafting" as in NASCAR. Let the guy in front 'pull' you in his "vacuum" and push thru the air so you get better gas milage.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-24-2016, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

They're "Drafting" as in NASCAR. Let the guy in front 'pull' you in his "vacuum" and push thru the air so you get better gas milage.

Chief taught me drafting, when following Navajo Freight Lines trucks on Old Route 66. He'd show me that we were going 50, with LESS throttle. Then he would have me monitor the temp gauge & tell me when it started going UP, then, he would back off, to cool it down.
Bill Traveler

nhusa · 08-24-2016, 05:50 PM

You must be forgetful.

In the 1960's I liked to take my dad's model A town sedan to the drive in movies.
My "friend" would sit in the back and help me align the car with the screen.
Then I would join her in the back.

The shade would be drawn down and - forget it the rest is not available for publication.

KGBnut · 08-24-2016, 10:04 PM

I drive mine year round, day and night. On cool nights, when the windshield is fully closed, it is like driving looking at a mirror. I pull that shade down all the way.

If it is warm enough to open the windshield, even a little, the angle solves the problem. Flat, plumb glass is a pain.

Ken

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-24-2016, 10:18 PM

I "wonder" if POLAROID glasses would help???
Bill Blind

ian Simpson · 08-24-2016, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Tailgating and "herd mentality" is now the norm in driving.
It's so stupid and doesn't get you there any faster when you drive 15 feet behind the car, instead of 75 or more feet. I live on a 30 MPH road, which means they drive 45 to 60 MPH, and you see them in groups of 3 to 6 cars just a few feet apart.

Tail gating is endemic in our locality. My attitude is "the closer you get - the slower I go".

Had the Tudor down to 20 mph (30kph) in a 50 mph (80kph) zone today when an idiot driving a tandem gravel truck thought it ok to follow ten feet off the back bumper.

Big hammer · 08-25-2016, 08:46 AM

On a trip last week, I had a couple of big trucks behind me. When they could pass me, I moved over in my lane and signaled them to pass. When the truck was beside me, I slowed downed so they could pass me quicker. When they got back in our lane, they signaled me thanks with there lights! They are trying to make a living and I am out there just having fun! If everyone would show respect for each other, maybe we all can get along on the roads ;-)

roblesterjr04 · 08-25-2016, 09:29 AM

Based on all these responses, I'd say the rear shade is the equivalent of today's modern "dimming mirror." Keeps the headlights behind us out of our eyes.

Art Newland · 08-25-2016, 11:23 AM

Is this something all coupes were supposed to have? Or a dealer add-on/accessory maybe?

Tom Wesenberg · 08-25-2016, 12:56 PM

To the best of my knowledge all closed cars had a rear window shade, even my 29 Tudor.

bettlesr · 08-25-2016, 02:18 PM

On my Sport Coupe, the rear window moves back and forth as the car bounces. Not only does the windshield reflect the lights but the reflection from it to the rear window and back causes the image to move up and down.

Originally posted 2/10/2014:

I found some static cling film on e b a y it's called 'CRL 24'' x 48'' Static Cling Dot Matrix Window Film - Black'. The sample piece I tried was shorter than the window so it was pieced. When the new film shown comes in, I will replace it. I am afraid you can't see much through it in the pictures as all you can see is the inside of the garage door. Too cold out to leave the door open. This is similar to the pictures they put in the back windows of pickup trucks except it is all black from the outside. The 24" by 48" piece was just under $18 including shipping.
Attached Thumbnails

Attached Images

Special Coupe Frank · 08-26-2016, 10:37 AM

I found the glare / reflection from flat, vertical glass on all four sides VERY disconcerting... as other have said, reflections off the windows made it appear that I was about to be hit from front or side !

I found an economical get-by at Wal-Mart: a perforated roll-up sun-shade that clips onto the top of the garnish moulding above the rear window.

Pull that down for night-time driving, and it makes driving a lot more pleasant. Swinging the windshield out a bit also helps.

As for privacy, many "7-window" sedans of this era also had shades on the side quarter windows, as well as the rear window.

08-24-2016, 07:47 AM	#1
TommyCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 204	Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I saw another thread relating to window shades in A's, and I've always wondered why would anyone need a window shade in the rear window of a coupe. Is it so they don't have to look at the passengers in the rumble seat ? Is it to block the light so you can fall asleep at the wheel ? I'm sure there's a reason. Tommy-

08-24-2016, 07:51 AM	#2
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) If we need to tell you, your not old enough to tell you :-)

08-24-2016, 07:55 AM	#3
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Rear window shades are installed to prevent the reflection of the headlights from cars that are behind..Being the w/shield is straight up and down it causes reflections, cars following look like they are heading at u

08-24-2016, 07:58 AM	#4
Afordman31 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 580	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) If it is like my Pickup, when someone is following you at night and their headlights shine in your back window, it puts a glare all the way across you windshield. The only spot that you can see without the glare is where your head is positioned looking out the windshield. Have often thought that is why Henry produced the slant windshield. My thought on this subject. Not copying what Mitch said, I was typing at the sametime. He and I have the same thoughts. Last edited by Afordman31; 08-24-2016 at 08:00 AM. Reason: added text

08-24-2016, 08:21 AM	#5
Bruce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sun City West, AZ Posts: 489	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Or ... it could be to provide privacy to the couple in the rumble seat -- where the double clutching is going on.

08-24-2016, 08:22 AM	#6
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Boston North Shore Posts: 752	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) That is why the Slant, if you crack the windshield open a tad you will see an improvement. Reflections from straight windshield can be startling as it sometimes looks as if a car in coming from the side window when it is actually a reflection from the rear.

08-24-2016, 09:12 AM	#7
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Strictly a reflection issue. Wayne

08-24-2016, 09:44 AM	#8
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Window reflections in COUPE are WEIRD, especially at night! I can sit on the parking lot @ the 99 cent store & see the cute girls coming from EVERY direction! Signs that normally look BACKWARDS in your mirror, can look correct??? Opening the windshield helps some. Also helped by pulling down the rear shade & opening the door windows. Bill Dizzy __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

08-24-2016, 10:28 AM	#9
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,464	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I had some experiences driving my Coupe at night with the shade up where it appeared due to reflections that other cars were going to have a head-on collision with mine. Actually, the other cars were behind my Coupe. The OEM rear shade has a weave that lets some light through, so you can see the headlights of a car that is behind. __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-24-2016, 11:00 AM	#10
TommyCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 204	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I love it. A simple solution Maybe the shade should have a sign on it that says "Back off Buddy"

08-24-2016, 11:23 AM	#12
TommyCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 204	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) You should try driving the highways in Ct. If you're following someone and using the 2 second rule, you're leaving too much of an opening for someone to slip in, so now your following someone using the 2 foot rule. That's always fun I'm not sure if they're "following" or "drafting"

08-24-2016, 05:50 PM	#15
nhusa Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 549	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) You must be forgetful. In the 1960's I liked to take my dad's model A town sedan to the drive in movies. My "friend" would sit in the back and help me align the car with the screen. Then I would join her in the back. The shade would be drawn down and - forget it the rest is not available for publication.

08-24-2016, 10:04 PM	#16
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I drive mine year round, day and night. On cool nights, when the windshield is fully closed, it is like driving looking at a mirror. I pull that shade down all the way. If it is warm enough to open the windshield, even a little, the angle solves the problem. Flat, plumb glass is a pain. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

08-24-2016, 10:18 PM	#17
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I "wonder" if POLAROID glasses would help??? Bill Blind __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

08-25-2016, 08:46 AM	#19
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) On a trip last week, I had a couple of big trucks behind me. When they could pass me, I moved over in my lane and signaled them to pass. When the truck was beside me, I slowed downed so they could pass me quicker. When they got back in our lane, they signaled me thanks with there lights! They are trying to make a living and I am out there just having fun! If everyone would show respect for each other, maybe we all can get along on the roads ;-)

08-25-2016, 09:29 AM	#20
roblesterjr04 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 130	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Based on all these responses, I'd say the rear shade is the equivalent of today's modern "dimming mirror." Keeps the headlights behind us out of our eyes. __________________ -Rob 1929 Fordor Leatherback

08-25-2016, 11:23 AM	#21
Art Newland Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Lynden, WA Posts: 1,564	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) Is this something all coupes were supposed to have? Or a dealer add-on/accessory maybe?

08-25-2016, 12:56 PM	#22
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) To the best of my knowledge all closed cars had a rear window shade, even my 29 Tudor.

08-25-2016, 02:18 PM	#23
bettlesr Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Florham Park, NJ Posts: 396	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) On my Sport Coupe, the rear window moves back and forth as the car bounces. Not only does the windshield reflect the lights but the reflection from it to the rear window and back causes the image to move up and down. Originally posted 2/10/2014: I found some static cling film on e b a y it's called 'CRL 24'' x 48'' Static Cling Dot Matrix Window Film - Black'. The sample piece I tried was shorter than the window so it was pieced. When the new film shown comes in, I will replace it. I am afraid you can't see much through it in the pictures as all you can see is the inside of the garage door. Too cold out to leave the door open. This is similar to the pictures they put in the back windows of pickup trucks except it is all black from the outside. The 24" by 48" piece was just under $18 including shipping. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images __________________ 1965 Lotus Elan S2 1930 Model A Sport Coupe

08-26-2016, 10:37 AM	#24
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: Rear Window Shade in a coupe (why?) I found the glare / reflection from flat, vertical glass on all four sides VERY disconcerting... as other have said, reflections off the windows made it appear that I was about to be hit from front or side ! I found an economical get-by at Wal-Mart: a perforated roll-up sun-shade that clips onto the top of the garnish moulding above the rear window. Pull that down for night-time driving, and it makes driving a lot more pleasant. Swinging the windshield out a bit also helps. As for privacy, many "7-window" sedans of this era also had shades on the side quarter windows, as well as the rear window.