Panorama sunshade lubrication?

theguywiththelongestname · 06-27-2008, 06:02 PM

has anyone here discovered any special lubrication for the rails of the panoramic roof sunshade? it seems that the fabric of the sunshade does not ride smoothly on the tensioned silver rails on each side. the fabric seems to catch and bind up/bunch up on the rails.

i tried CRC (electrical grade) silicone spray lubricant on the rails, and it seemed to help to smooth the sliding operation of the sunscreen a bit...but the whole contraption still seems a bit sketchy.

I am on my second sunshade: the original arrived with a broken pulley and a rail that was out of its retaining u-clip...although the broken sunshade was replaced with no hassle, i really don't want to replace another if i don't have to.

has anyone tried graphite lubricant? any other secret miracle lubricants out there that might work with this "plastic fabric on metal" sliding device?

jonnysan · 06-27-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

has anyone here discovered any special lubrication for the rails of the panoramic roof sunshade? it seems that the fabric of the sunshade does not ride smoothly on the tensioned silver rails on each side. the fabric seems to catch and bind up/bunch up on the rails.

i tried CRC (electrical grade) silicone spray lubricant on the rails, and it seemed to help to smooth the sliding operation of the sunscreen a bit...but the whole contraption still seems a bit sketchy.

I am on my second sunshade: the original arrived with a broken pulley and a rail that was out of its retaining u-clip...although the broken sunshade was replaced with no hassle, i really don't want to replace another if i don't have to.

has anyone tried graphite lubricant? any other secret miracle lubricants out there that might work with this "plastic fabric on metal" sliding device?

As good as anything. I would think that dry graphite will be too messy.

I have a malfunctioning shade as well and am due to get it replaced some time in the not to distant future. I am going to ask if I can have the old one to perhaps improve the design of it and then try it on my own car.
I, too, think the cords and pulley and *all that* are not robustly designed at all and need improvement....more like some good old American ingenuity.I was thinking that plastic "C" clip that retains the rear of the shade rail/slide bar should be closed-ended so that it can't open up and allow the rail to come out....just a fleeting thought.

theguywiththelongestname · 06-27-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnysan

I was thinking that plastic "C" clip that retains the rear of the shade rail/slide bar should be closed-ended so that it can't open up and allow the rail to come out....just a fleeting thought.

i too, have been pondering "a better engineering solution".
perhaps a motorized roll-up with improved groove or rail system...

i sure hope something better appears soon...i'm not too keen on the current design...

mendo · 06-28-2008, 04:20 AM

I used a lubricant from a local sail shop, spray on, dry. it works great!

McLube Sailkote Dry Lubricant for Marine Environments

Old smart · 06-28-2008, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mendo

I used a lubricant from a local sail shop, spray on, dry. it works great!

McLube Sailkote Dry Lubricant for Marine Environments

Yup. Got some; use it (on the sailboat mast and boom track, goosenecks, and mainsheet horse-and-traveler). It is a very clean lubricant.

theguywiththelongestname · 06-28-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mendo

I used a lubricant from a local sail shop, spray on, dry. it works great!

McLube Sailkote Dry Lubricant for Marine Environments

I was looking at some marine lubrication today...this "sailkote" stuff seems like it just might be the ticket! thanks!

**JPaul** · 06-28-2008, 04:09 PM

Just down from my place is a Marina shop, got some CRC Dry Lube "Marine" (for rigging, mast track...). Will report after a while.

theguywiththelongestname · 06-28-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPaul

Just down from my place is a Marina shop, got some CRC Dry Lube "Marine" (for rigging, mast track...). Will report after a while.

that's exactly the brand I was looking at today...CRC dry lube marine.
please let us know what you think...

Luckysmart · 06-28-2008, 04:13 PM

Good to know, I will buy those lubricant..
Sadly, I just found out my shade rail is is out of track for the right rear C clip. Besides going back to dealer ( 3 hours away). It looks like i have to take the whole track down... maybe? Should I tackle this problem?
thanks in advance.

**JPaul** · 06-28-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

[...]CRC dry lube marine.
please let us know what you think...

Just to be sure, I tried some on a lock. It seems to facilitate the key's entry, just like graphite. But it left a while cloudy film. So, I'll take some precaution before applying to the tracks, especially towards the clear roof...
More tomorrow... or shortly thereafter.