Pleated window shades have lost their mojo

[dfw11411]

The pleated window shades of my Cherokee 6XT (same as in all the Saratogas) have lost their willingness to properly compress into nice, neat pleats. I’ve learned that Piper no longer offers replacements and the various places I’ve researched don’t offer pleated shades or solid pull-down panels - like on commercial aircraft - for the PA-32 series. The assembly seems too complex for repair by a residential window shades company. I’m aware of the window tint panels/inserts but thus far the marketing hasn’t convinced me. The benefit of pull-down shades is not only blocking solar but concealing what’s inside as well.

I’m not sure there’s another viable option, but I’m asking here just in case.

 

[Gary Ward]

The pleated window shades of my Cherokee 6XT (same as in all the Saratogas) have lost their willingness to properly compress into nice, neat pleats. I’ve learned that Piper no longer offers replacements and the various places I’ve researched don’t offer pleated shades or solid pull-down panels - like on commercial aircraft - for the PA-32 series. The assembly seems too complex for repair by a residential window shades company. I’m aware of the window tint panels/inserts but thus far the marketing hasn’t convinced me. The benefit of pull-down shades is not only blocking solar but concealing what’s inside as well.

I’m not sure there’s another viable option, but I’m asking here just in case.

I believe our RV has the same type of shades?
What exactly is wrong with them?

 

[JOhnH]

I love my "Jet Shades". Not cheap though.

 

[Jim Carpenter]

Have you tried AvFab? https://avfab.com/
Don't know if they can do PA-32 or not.

 

[dfw11411]

What exactly is wrong with them?

When raised, the fabric crumples rather than folding neatly. The shade pushes out of the side tracks and bulges into the cabin.

Have you tried AvFab?

Pretty sure I did. I contacted several, but they won't work on smaller aircraft. Turboprops and jets are their target markets. The AvFab website has a detailed listing of the specific models they will work on. PA-32 isn't one of them.

 

[Flyer Scott]

There is a great easy fix! It works awesome. 1. Get a can of heavy spray starch. 2. With shade down, spray a moderate coating of starch on the shade. 3. Neatly align the pleats and raise the shade to the upper or open position so the pleats are neatly compressed at the top. 4. Wipe any excess starch off the surrounding areas. Allow the shade to dry 24 hours. It will work like new after. Feel free to call me if you’d like additional details.

 

[dfw11411]

There is a great easy fix! It works awesome. 1. Get a can of heavy spray starch. 2. With shade down, spray a moderate coating of starch on the shade. 3. Neatly align the pleats and raise the shade to the upper or open position so the pleats are neatly compressed at the top. 4. Wipe any excess starch off the surrounding areas. Allow the shade to dry 24 hours. It will work like new after. Feel free to call me if you’d like additional details.

Thanks! I really hope this works for mine. I won't be able to go to the hangar until next week but will let you know how it works out.

 

[dfw11411]

I finally found time to try this remedy on one of the shades. As you said, it works well. I applied a second treatment and after another few days found that the pleats were well formed. I'll do the rest soon. Thanks again for such a great idea.

 

[AA5Bman]

Dang. That's awesome - for once a cheap and easy fix in aviation. I didn't believe such a thing existed!