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crazeevw · 10-11-2011, 08:51 PM

The wooden mini blinds in my 345LE are stained by water everywhere. I've tried to 'clean' them up with no success. Has anyone replaced their mini-blinds? Did you stick with mini-blinds or use something different. I really like the appearance of the wood mini-blinds. Kinda like the pleated shades, but would want the day/night version. But, don't know if the day/night pleated shades would work.
Appreciate anyone's thoughts.
Thanks, Derek

t7389sg · 10-12-2011, 07:42 AM

I had to replace the mini wood blinds in my classic and I got them from http://www.stevesblindsandwallpaper.com/

The blinds look great but they were a little bit wider at the top than the ones Airstream fitted so I had to use the hangers that came with the blinds.

When I took down the orginal Airstream blinds they still had a sticker on them that had the size printed on them so I ordered that size and alls well.

crazeevw · 10-12-2011, 05:45 PM

Hi, Thanks for the link. Already ordered some samples. See that they have wallpaper too! Uh-oh....
Thanks, Derek

Sonia · 10-13-2011, 07:30 PM

Do the new blinds come in different colors and do they make a lot of noise when you drive down the road?

Thanks,
Sonia

crazeevw · 10-13-2011, 08:19 PM

Sonia, on my Airstream, there are valances that are all around each blind. Plus, at the bottom, there used to be catches to hold the bottom of the blind in place. All of mine are broken, or the bottom part of the blinds have the end plastic pieces missing. Really haven't driven my Airstream that much since purchase, work, work, work, pay for the Airstream......I sure do love my Aluminum Home in my driveway!

Sonia · 10-14-2011, 06:43 AM

Hi Derek,

Mine has the blinds and the valance. The blinds are in good shape except for the one by the kitchen sink. I am thinking of replacing them with day/night shades that I have in the trailer. Less weight.

Sonia

t7389sg · 10-14-2011, 09:51 AM

The original wood blinds in my Airstream had 3 inch pieces of clear tubing sticking out and hot glued to the edges of the slats about every quarter of the way down on each side. 4 per side. This prevented the shades from swinging side to side and making any noise while you were driving with the blinds down. I always put the blinds full up when I’m driving so I left the tubing off the new ones. Mini wood blinds don’t make a lot of noise compared to aluminum blinds.

crazeevw · 10-14-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonia

Hi Derek,

Mine has the blinds and the valance. The blinds are in good shape except for the one by the kitchen sink. I am thinking of replacing them with day/night shades that I have in the trailer. Less weight.

Sonia

I'm actually considering this for the Airstream kitchen, at some point, so will keep what I have for the kitchen blinds until I can make this happen, at that point, will go with metal blinds to match.

Sonia · 10-14-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

I'm actually considering this for the Airstream kitchen, at some point, so will keep what I have for the kitchen blinds until I can make this happen, at that point, will go with metal blinds to match.

Sweet! That will be one gorgeous kitchen to cook in!

crazeevw · 10-15-2011, 02:04 AM

My thoughts are 'easier' to clean (spray on Windex, wipe off with paper towel). I've already got the Corian countertops, so I'm halfway there, right??? The expense of the aluminum tiles is really reasonable, and from the posting of the installer, it sounds rather easy to install. Think it would brighten things up in the kitchen area, plus make inside a little bit more modern, than with that old sponge paint that one of the previous owners thought was just the 'bomb'
Thanks, Derek

ScrapIrony-2 · 10-16-2011, 09:18 AM

My approach to dusting the blinds is to open all the windows and drive faster than usual down the road...it spreads the dust evenly

.
I saw a conversion with accordian pleats(horizontal)...the owner removed the valances and vertical side channels and used stainless cables anchored with eye screws to hold the blinds in place...it was pretty amazing how much more light was available.

crazeevw · 10-16-2011, 02:08 PM

Mike, any idea where you saw the conversion to the pleated blinds? Love to see the end result. Really do like the wooden blinds, but if something I like better comes along....

crazeevw · 10-16-2011, 03:20 PM

Below is the company that was mentioned in the post with the aluminum kitchen tiles. Honestly, a GREAT price per box! Thinking at the most 2 boxes of tiles, depending if you decide just to use the squares or rectangular tiles. Down the road for me, but really do like the look. Thanks, Derek

https://www.handywalltiles.com/ORDER_FORM.html

ScrapIrony-2 · 10-16-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazeevw

Mike, any idea where you saw the conversion to the pleated blinds? Love to see the end result. Really do like the wooden blinds, but if something I like better comes along....

Derek,
I've been in a few 345s, and do NOT remember who did the conversion(I've slept since then...)...anyone else out there, maybe...?

crazeevw · 10-27-2011, 07:30 PM

To those who have a coach that hasn't been modified. Are there wooden mini blinds in the bathroom, as well as the bedroom? There are plastic blinds in bedroom and bath right now. Would really like to get my Airstream back to 'original' interior condition, even if it means a few more $ to do it. Plus, my thoughts are that the wood blinds would block out a bit more light than plastic, which are in need of replacement anyhow.
Thanks, Derek

t7389sg · 10-27-2011, 09:07 PM

I think my Moho has the original blinds in the bath and bedroom. They are aluminum mini blinds that are known as day/night blinds They are strung with strings that are affixed at the bottom and you just push them up and and they stay where you put them if the tension is correct on the strings.

crazeevw · 10-28-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t7389sg

I think my Moho has the original blinds in the bath and bedroom. They are aluminum mini blinds that are known as day/night blinds They are strung with strings that are affixed at the bottom and you just push them up and and they stay where you put them if the tension is correct on the strings.

Hi, saw something similar to what you describe at Home Depot over the weekend, only no strings affixed at the bottom. Would guess what you're describing would be better, as it would keep the blinds from bouncing around while under way. Guess I need to keep looking. Thanks for the reply.
Derek

8rmesse · 02-22-2012, 06:09 AM

I am late posting this I know. My blinds are all original. In 1988 you got wooden blinds in the living room and kitchen/dinette and aluminum blinds in the bathroom and bedroom. I have no plastic (or vinyl) blinds anywhere but yours may have been replaced or it could be that the factory went to vinyl after mine was built? Vinyl blinds have pretty much taken over as the industry standard. They flex back when bent unlike aluminum but do tend to let more light in.

crazeevw · 02-22-2012, 02:13 PM

Hi Jason, just bought aluminum for bedroom and bathroom. Perfect timing!
Thanks, Derek

vonprum · 02-25-2012, 07:23 PM

Derek,

If you replace your blinds, I want your old ones. I'd suggest trying to save them because if they are in good shape, there ain't nothin better out there. Try Murphy's Oil Soap. It's great stuff. There is also a good product usually sold in antique stores to refinish antiques. Can't remember the name but it is an oil that comes in yellow pint cans. It is available in different shades like oak, dark oak, mahogany, etc. It rejuvinates and waterproofs the wood but it will also stain the cords. Sorry I can't recall the name. Try the oil soap and let us know if it works.