Drapes - need some advice

Ganglin · 09-09-2007, 08:30 PM

I'm having new drapes made and found a local lady to do them. Agreed to attach the plastic carriers ourselves to lighten her job up a little (she's 83).

Anyway, I don't know sewing. If you've done this before how did you attach the plastic carries in the photo. Did you do them by hand or with a machine? If with the machine - are there any special tricks to the trade?

Thanks......

StingrayL82 · 09-09-2007, 08:40 PM

If you have the drapes done by James P. Ambruso, he doesn't use those carriers...his have rings at the ends, and he loops elastic material around and sews the elastic to the drape.

James has been doing Airstream and Argosy drapes for quite some time now. He's expensive, but the drapes are an exact match to the trailer. Just tell him what year and model you have and you get what you pay for.

Frederic

Lumatic · 09-09-2007, 08:45 PM

Note: There are at least 3 or 4 different types of hangers and tracks out there. But they won't all fit all coaches. The sew on ones are the only ones that will work on my tracks in my 71 (I think!)

StingrayL82 · 09-09-2007, 08:48 PM

Mine's a 71 too....the base looks exactly the same, but the sew on part is where I have a ring, instead of mesh.

Frederic

Lumatic · 09-09-2007, 08:54 PM

There are also 2 different types of tracks in my 71

Ganglin · 09-09-2007, 08:57 PM

Thanks for the tip. I want these to have the same vintage carriers and rail usage as the ones in it now. The current drapes were done by Airstream in 1988 and are the pattern for the new ones. So they will be an exact match - except better material and a better liner and double seamed pleats instead of the Airstream single seaming.

I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for - you just have to be careful in who your gettin it from or you'll over pay.

Ganglin · 09-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Marshall, we also have two different tracks. The front wraps have the elastic which this lady agreed to do since it was easy with a machine.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-09-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ganglin

I'm having new drapes made and found a local lady to do them. Agreed to attach the plastic carriers ourselves to lighten her job up a little (she's 83).

Anyway, I don't know sewing. If you've done this before how did you attach the plastic carries in the photo. Did you do them by hand or with a machine? If with the machine - are there any special tricks to the trade?

Thanks......

Airstream sewed those drape tabs on for several years.

They are called "kirsch drape tabs."

Airstream used them in 1968, 1970, 1971, and 1972.

They did not use them in 1969.

1973 and up use "G" and "T" tabs.

We have them as well as a few other dealers.

Andy

whitelight · 09-09-2007, 10:36 PM

Look at the aluminum track on your trailer. Notice the opening on the rail where the tabs slide.

If the opening for the tabs is facing up or down, you need the "T" tabs.

If the opening is facing out, you need the "G" tabs.

On many older units, when a tab broke, the PO sewed on whatever was available at the time - so, the original drapes may not have the "correct" tabs.

Generally, you will have the same tabs top & bottom.

If there is still confusion, I will take some pics tomorrow & post.

Ganglin · 09-10-2007, 04:26 AM

Thanks. I have the tabs - again I'm working from a set of drapes Airstream put in the trailer in 88 - so no problem on design and what to use.

What I need to know is can the above tabs be put on with a regular sewing machine - if so are there any tricks to doing it.

CJ of Okla · 09-10-2007, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Airstream sewed those drape tabs on for several years.

They are called "kirsch drape tabs."

Airstream used them in 1968, 1970, 1971, and 1972.

They did not use them in 1969.

1973 and up use "G" and "T" tabs.

We have them as well as a few other dealers.

Andy

My 1969 use the exact ones shown in the photo above on the side windows. the front window because of the curve uses the one with rollers. I just made curtains for my A/S and I hand sewed all tabs and slides. Note I put those type in the photo above into the pleat as it gave you the space you need to keep the pleat from dragging in the upper track (Side windows only).

CJ of Oklah

Silver Threads · 09-10-2007, 07:26 AM

Hi Gary. You have the same type that I have in mine, the ones with the screen. I sew them in with a machine. Once they have been sewn through a couple times, they become weak. The good news is you can also use the type that is in the attached picture. They work in the same track and use elastic. They work much better and will last longer. You can get them at Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies! . They are called Large curtain carriers. Good Luck. You can email me if you need any help.
Tammy

Ganglin · 09-10-2007, 08:02 AM

Hi Tammy - boy I was hoping you'd show up. So your using like a 3/8th wide strip of elastic and the tabs in the photo instead. Do you sew down close on the elastic to the tab so the drape doesn't sag at the top? (keep in mind I know nothing about sewing). Thanks much for chiming in - I'll post a photo of these when done - the lady really did a great job.

StingrayL82 · 09-10-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Threads

Hi Gary. You have the same type that I have in mine, the ones with the screen. I sew them in with a machine. Once they have been sewn through a couple times, they become weak. The good news is you can also use the type that is in the attached picture. They work in the same track and use elastic. They work much better and will last longer. You can get them at Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies! . They are called Large curtain carriers. Good Luck. You can email me if you need any help.
Tammy

That's exactly what I have in mine. The elastic is threaded through the ring and then sewn to the drape. I think it's a better design than that mesh plastic.

Frederic