Rear Parcel Shelf

[zx1.9td]

problem i got is the poxy strings dont retract so when i shut the boot there hanging over the rear lights this really bugs me so i just leave the shelf with out the string attached to the boot but every time i want to put something in it's like a juggling act any ideas ?

:D

[Pierre]

problem i got is the poxy strings dont retract so when i shut the boot there hanging over the rear lights this really bugs me so i just leave the shelf with out the string attached to the boot but every time i want to put something in it's like a juggling act any ideas ?

;)

 

The strings start out being attached to pieces of elastic under the back ridge of the parcel shelf. After a while, those bits of elastic stop being stretchy, which leaves the strings un-retracted and hanging out of the boot when you close it (I've seen a few of those!).

 

I bought some cheap haberdasher's elastic from a stall on the market (or any sewing shop) and replaced the elastics. It took a little bit of measuring and experimentation but now I have retractable strings again and I don't have them flapping around out of the boot when it's closed.

 

HTH.

 

: P

[heartsnotinit]

The strings start out being attached to pieces of elastic under the back ridge of the parcel shelf. After a while, those bits of elastic stop being stretchy, which leaves the strings un-retracted and hanging out of the boot when you close it (I've seen a few of those!).

 

I bought some cheap haberdasher's elastic from a stall on the market (or any sewing shop) and replaced the elastics. It took a little bit of measuring and experimentation but now I have retractable strings again and I don't have them flapping around out of the boot when it's closed.

 

HTH.

 

: P

 

I'm a bit confused, how did you get to the ends of the strings? I can't seem to get 'inside' the parcel shelf to replace the elastic!

[Guest Colin Hunter]

The cords and elastic are in a tube which is cast into the body of the shelf. If you look at the ends of the tube you will see that the end plugs can be removed. Prise them out gently with a knife blade or some such. When they are out you will see that the cord runs through them and the (now knackered) elastic is made fast to the side of the plug.

 

Take the elastic loop off the little peg in the plug and tie a string to it. Pull it through with the cord from the other end. When you have done that with both ends, untie "Your" strings and leave them in position.You will see that the elastic has been stitched to the cord.

 

Lay the cord along the parcel shelf so that it is in the position it would be in when "retracted", remembering to take account of the amount which is left outside the tube when the cord is on the tailgate hook. The length of elastic you need is slightly less than the distance from the end of the cord to the plug on the opposite end.

 

Cut off the old elastic and stitch on new peices to the cords with a needle and thread. You need strong thread, as for sewing leather for instance. Make a loop in the other end the same way. Tie your new elastic to "Your" strings and pull them through. Make the new loops fast to the little pegs in the side of the plugs.

 

Replace the plugs. Job done! Cheers.

[Shemer]

A cheap solution would be just rotating the strings around themselves several times. This will make the string to twist when the parcel comes into its place, not hang out of the trunk.

[heartsnotinit]

Excellent tricks guys, many thanks!

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Depends whether you want to repair something properly or just "BODGE" it! Cheap solution! My elastic only cost about 50P! how much cheaper do you want to be?

[Shemer]

The cost is not the material.

It's finding the time to go to the shop, then change the string, with all the little tricks needs to be done for the change.

 

If you got the time - be my guest. The one I suggested takes about 20 seconds of your life max. (Even less than it took to post this meesage) :blink:

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Fair Comment! To be honest the elastic didn't cost ME anything. I pinched it and the needle & thread from the missus! It took about an hour but it was P***ing down so I had to defer the job I had planned for outside on that day. (happens a lot here!). The end result is a continuing source of joy and enlightenment to me as well! Cheers lads! :blink: