Privacy: How To

This is white blackout fabric on the roll

Hey all! I've been getting some questions lately about my black out curtains from some first timers looking for incognito privacy. I'm not sure that I ever did a full post on my latest privacy methods so it might be helpful to those still outfitting their vehicles.

First off, a car is tough to privatize.

1. The whole thing is pretty much windows
2. Tinting can work but many states have laws about how much tint can be on windows
3. It needs to still look like a car so you won't be spotted

My solution was found at a craft store where they have rolls of blackout fabric which they will cut to size (tip: Overhang is fine, get the pieces cut larger than the windows you're covering). I spent about $15 on material for the two back passenger windows and the rear window.

Also pick up a package of black Velcro squares so that your shades will be removable. This is good for a few reasons.

1. If the popo call you out for having stuff on your windows you can remove it in a few seconds
2. You can take it off in the morning and put it up at night if you're someone who uses your car for commuting during the day

It's an old pic but see: dark back windows.

So from here the process is pretty self explanatory (ie: stick the black out material to your windows using the Velcro). At night your car will look like just another dark vehicle in the parking lot. Honestly, I leave mine up all the time because a) my commute is so short and b) no one's ever called me out on it. Just keep in mind that backing up is a process when you can't see anything behind you. Not only can no one see in but it blocks a lot of the light from street lamps and other cars while letting in very soft light in the morning.

I also have a tension rod and curtains to divide my sleeping space from the front of the car. The whole idea is to hide in plain sight so try to look as "normal" as possible:) Good luck to all and let me know if you have other tips for privacy.

The Day After

I met a gentleman at the bus stop today who was such a grouchy old man that he could have been a sitcom character. He wore a New York Yankees jacket and hat (which in Massachusetts boarders on heresy) and passed the time complaining about the stupidity of college kids. There was a lot of "when I was that age" and melodramatic horror stories about working at a liquor store in the 80's. How old do I look that I am a potential companion to crotchitiness?

Thanks to everyone for checking on me this weekend, I like it that there are people out there who would notice if I disappeared. 40% of the town has power today and the college is open (no classes yesterday). It's getting pretty chilly at night (high 20's) but the shelter opens tonight and I might check in for the evening. I've discovered that while I can deal with extreme cold my electronics cannot. I grew up in a house heated by wood and constantly in a state of sweltering heat or freezing cold. My mother and I were talking yesterday about when I was a kid and we use to take the toothpaste to bed with us so it would be thawed when we brushed our teeth in the morning. One thing I can say for my folks is that they taught us to live through anything.

Good luck to all you New Englanders who are still digging out.