Neodymium magnets as an alternative to the VW trim clips

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I recently bought 100 of these small neodymium magnets for $15 from ebay: LOT 100 PCS Strong Magnet D 10 X 2 MM Disc Cylinder Neodymium Rare Earth AU | eBay

I have used then with great success to hold up the blackout blinds which now stick to metal around the windows. I initially got the idea from here: However in my build the magnets go all the way around the material and there is no curtain rail, so the whole curtain can be easily removed in a second.

I am really happy with the results holding up the curtains. I am using blackout curtain material which is quite thick, but the magnets still stick really well.

I am in the middle of a T5 camper conversion and I am often removing and replacing the trim panels on the sides and the roof as well as making some custom side trim panels. With the custom trim panels I had made I was having issues trying to perfectly line up the holes for the grey plastic trim clips. I decided to try and use the extra magnets I had. This was a complete EUREKA moment and is absolutely fantastic. To start with I just used duct tape to stick 1 magnet every 15-20cm on the inside of the trim panel just near where the plastic trim clips go. I have since just used a dap of superglue for a more permanent fixing. Now the trim panels can be removed and replaced in seconds. You know all the trouble you may have held trying to hold up the roof panel while getting all the clips in?? Not any more ! I am now laughing at those stupid grey trim clips that i believe were designed by satan himself.

I can highly recommend these magnets as they seem to have an almost endless array of uses. you can use them to attach cloth storage pockets, stick cloth to the inside of the van and use that to accurately form a template.

With the custom trim panels that I am making I was considering using either rivet nuts or trim clips to attach them. However I would have to go out and buy trim clips because this is a new panel going on, it's not replacing an existing piece of trim. However $40 for the trim clips (701-867-299/30T / 70186729930T - Panel Trim Clips for T4 and T5 - 70186729930T, 70186729930T, 1189550102, 7H0867299Y20, - :: Just Kampers Australia) was a bit pricey and the rivet nuts would not give the best finish. However now with the magnets the finish is great because there are no visible fixings.

Another idea that I had was to use the same method for the curtains to create a flyscreen for either the side windows or tailgate for when I am camping.

SCIENCE !!

Anyways, just thought I'd post this as I have not read this anywhere. Thoughts?

[Sunny43.5]

Those trim clips are rather well over priced when you consider you can buy 50 of them from the United Kingdom for $16.16 with free postage 50X VW Volkswagen T4 T5 Transporter Eurovan Light Grey Trim Panel Lining Clips | eBay , one of those things where we are being taken for a ride by local suppliers . I never buy anything until I have researched the whole world options , we are being seen as a cash cow in Australia by suppliers . The magnets are a good idea as quite a few care makers use similar magnets to hold up the roof linings in cars , how is the depth though does the trim sit as close as the original ? just wondering .

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I would say that the trim sits as close as original. I cannot tell the difference. The magnets are only 2mm thick.
One note is that before I said that you ca use duct tape to hold the magnets to the inside of the trim panel. I found out today that is only a temporary solution as when it gets over 30 degrees the duct tape glue melts and falls off the trim panel. Superglue or a dap of liquid nails is a much more permanent solution and still going strong.

As I start looking at the other parts required for a camper conversion such as vents, fans, etc.. I am really noticing the difference in pricing between UK and AUS. Different size markets I suppose.

[Sunny43.5]

Not sure about size markets , I find in my line of business that prices for car parts in the US can be anywhere from 50% cheaper and up to 70% . Seems a bit odd to me .