Now you're talking! Since I already have a factory windscreen I'm not likely to buy the new one. However, a tonneau cover would be perfect! I'm sure this vendor would offer it complete with an abbreviated version of his windscreen. As I've taken the backseat out I'd have the rear covered with a tonneau most of the time.

 

Looking at the pictures, here are my concerns:

• Since I don't drive Cecilia, the passenger head rest is all the way up for me, will this be an issue?
• Possible no access to the rear cup holder.
• My left arm constantly hitting the deflector while sitting in seat.

I to would appreciate a tonneau cover.

 

Ok, I have been using the new windscreen for about 2 weeks now. Just to address some of your concerns with Cecilia I'll let you know my opinion.

#1- I didn't get the headrest adustable option because I drive with mine down all the time. Ev does make one that has elastic on the headrest material so they can be adjusted. I would imagine that this would allow you to have them at different hieghts.
#2- You will still have access to the cup holder from the front, it will block it if used from the rear kinda... if you had someone in the back they could still use it, they would just have to move it out of the way to get to the drink.
#3- My arm doesn't even come close to the windscreen while im driving. I have free range of motion.

My gereral consencus of the product is that it is a SUPER great buy For the price you absolutely cannot beat it. I can actually talk on my cell phone on the freeway with my windows up and the windscreen in place. My kids have tried moving my seat forward to get into the back without unzipping the windscreen causing all sorts of undue stress on the material. With no ill effects. It has held up great thru heat, kids, wind etc. for a couple weeks now and its still in perfect condition.

The only thing that I wish mine had is a zipper on the drivers side. I beleive that Ev has addressed this for the next gen windscreen.

Overall I am completely satisfied with the product. In fact, I have had several non mini convertible drivers ask me about it. Might be a good idea for you to branch out Ev

 

Thanks for that response, Intense. I think we are going to go ahead and get it to try it out. After all, it does sound like a Fantastic product! And I for one really don't want to have to shell out all the cashish for the OEM one.

I don't have to worry too much about accessing things from the back seat, my kids are the MINIs.

 

Thanks for posting your findings Rob, and for addressing some of the concerns. I will try and post a pic of the windscreen with a headrest all the way down and the other up.

One of my primary goals in the development of the product was to keep the cost down. I believe that if you provide the customer with a good product at a reasonable price, it will sell itself. This ideology comes into play when making changes to this product. So, I'm really trying to analyze what is really necessary and what falls under the "wish" list. Any of these changes can be done but at what cost and will the consumer be willing to pay for it?

So again, I need your input.

Would you rather have a product that has all the features at a higher price or have the ability to pick and choose your options in menu type format with a price for each additional item? As an example, not everyone needs adjusters, not everyone wants color stitching etc. so the basic offering would meet their needs. I will put together a menu list of options and a price for each.

Thanks again to everyone for their input in the development of the product as well as those who have tested the product and have provided their invaluable feedback.

Rob, I would appreciate more input on your comment on the driver's side zipper. What benefit will it provide you with? Ease of loading? Full detachment of windscreen? Did you find the single zipper to be lacking? What instances did you find it necessary or desired? You can PM if you wish. Thanks for the input.

And yes, I'm developing other applications. I'm currently testing 2 more. So, I should have a full line in the comming months. I'm also moving forward with patenting the product. This is all new to me so it's been a great learning experience.
Ev

 

Ev- the one reason I can say why I would want to have a zipper on the driver side, is this: There aren't children/passengers who will be accessing the back from the passenger side. It is really only me driving the car, and occasionally my husband as front seat passenger. So to have the option of switching the zipper to the driver side is to make it easier for me to access things I may have in the back seat if I need to without having to go around the car.

I like the idea of having the stock product, as you have it now, but with a list of options, so we can order it to fit our needs. But I sure do hope it doesn't strain your supplier/manufactuer to customize each individual windscreen.

So, I will be PMing you with my order soon (need to get paid agin!)

 

Well, I would want a zipper on both sides for the reasons you listed.

#1- Full detachment
I would love to have the option to just unzip the windscreen and remove it without undoing the headrests. This would be better for me when I take my 2 kids for a quick jaunt to the store say. That way I don't have to take it down and put it up for them to get in & out. I would be able to unzip, unclip and in the boot for that trip. Personally I would rather the option of a quick unzip than take the covers off the headrests.

#2- Ease of loading
This was just an observation. Not necessarily earth shattering as far as a problem mind you. I went to the home depot to get a couple yard tools. I unzip the screen so I can run them from the passenger side floor thru to the rear seat. The windscreen was still attached to the drivers side and the passenger side was hanging. When I was driving home I noticed that the screen flapped around and even came between the seats and flapped on my arm Not a big deal mind you but there is no way to secure the side thats hanging there so on the freeway it tends to get blown around. I was worried that the flapping might cause undue wear and tear on the seams and material. I wanted to just unzip both sides in that instance and remove it.

This is just an Idea Ev so take it with a grain of salt Have you thought about using some strong flat magnets instead of velcro where the zipper ends on the headrests? I think that instead of the velcro a magnet type deal or even snaps might be a little easier on the eye.
I can see how a snap might be to hard to press together with the location being on a soft headrest. Thats where the magnets come in! I dunno man, they might not hold up to the wind at freeway speed..... I might be crazy

 

I agree with Intense that I'd want #1 and #2. I'm not nuts about the magnet idea, though with long hair, velcro is also not a favorite!

You can be sure I'm ordering one of these as soon as I get my Sidewalk ordered, Ev! I talked to my sweetie about the tonneau cover and he agrees with me that it would be a great thing to have. We were trying to figure out how you'd attach it. I was thinking the same sort of clips that you use now for attaching the straps to the sides of the seats. Whatever you come up with, if you are even seriously considering the idea, I want to get in line to get one of those too! I might have to do the Golden Retreiver head holes on my own.

 

Yes, a tonneau cover. Now you're talking. Snaps seemed to do it in the old days. Perhaps the hard plastic molded panels could take the snaps, even if they may need to be removed for the installation.

 

Here are the options for the windscreen:

Basic Offering:

 

Looks like you might have hit the post button a little to soon eh Ev?

.......or is it really that "basic"

 

Here are the options for the windscreen:

Basic Offering:
All Black-------------------------------- $170.00
Zipper can be placed on passenger or driver's side at no additional cost.

Custom Additions:
Color Stitching --------------------------$ 15.00
Color Vinyl ------------------------------$ 20.00
Combo Color Vinyl/Stitching-------------- $ 30.00
Headrest/seat position Adjusters----- 2 / 4 $ 5.00/10.00
Double Zippers--------------------------- $ 15.00

Any custom additions would be added to the base price. This should give everyone the ability to customize it to meet your individual needs.

 

Yeah, I wanted to make it nice and simple...

 

Wow and such a reasonable price too! Can't wait to place my order. I get paid friday and I will PM you then! I can't wait to get it now

 

Does the netting come in black only, or will you offer grey, black, and beige (the three colors offered for MINI floor mats)? Personally, I'd like navy blue netting to match my two-tone orange/navy interior.

PM sent.

 

I want to let everyone know that my mesh supplier has not shipped my last order of Mesh material. And as of today, I have been unable to contact them.

So, if you do order a windscreen keep in mind that production time frame will take a bit longer.

You can PM, email brownflyer2000@hotmail.com or call 707-330-5823 if you have any questions.

Thanks for your patience.
Ev

 

Penelope,
Currently the only mesh color is black. I know that my supplier does have other colors. I will check the selection, if I can get a hold of them!!

 

Any more info on this potential product? I'd definitely be interested in something like that.

 

Fabric,
Yes, we're still working on it. Without going to much into the details, we had a protoype ready to go but we encountered some issues with a material we were using. At this time, I'm trying to locate a suitable material to replace it.


By the way, check out this custom windscreen we just finished for the Sidewalk....

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=105046

 

The mesh will be here the middle of next week, so we're ready to roll again.
Thanks,
Ev

 

Hey guys I'm curently in Afghanistan and just now after 6 months logged into NAM. I have been avoiding it due to the fact I figured I might get home/car sick. I am glad to see this new product it looks very cool indeed. Just a couple of questions.

Are you able to silk screen a checker pattern on the mesh?

For those of you who have been using it for a while how has it held up?

Gotta get one ordered befor I come home. Keep up the good work enjoy your Mini's for those of us who can't and please be safe on the road.

 

Hi DSA,

First - the important stuff. Thank you for your service. Happy 4th of July! Keep your head down, and come home safely.

As for the windscreen, I just passed the 1-month mark. It hasn't been out of my MINI and it still looks like new. It had a bit of dust on it, so when I cleaned my car last weekend, I used a tiny bit of SimpleGreen mixed with water on a paper towel. Cleaned right up.

 

To me it seems the material is similar to the windscreen for the moonroof. I would think soap and water would work to clean it or try 303 Aerospace Fabric Cleaner available here.

 

Hi DSA,
The mesh material is the same as the OEM one. It is a polyester/nylon mix. If I remember correctly, there is no heat generation when doing silkscreening, please somebody correct me if I'm wrong. So as long as there is not significant heat generation, yes it can take silkscreening.

Take care of yourself out there DSA!
Ev

 

Just opened my DHL package with my windscreen, hoping I can find a little window between the rains that have settled into central Texas so that I can try this out.