Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-09-2014, 02:39 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
1975 31' Sovereign
Punta Gorda , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 13
replacing my Zip Dee

Anyone replaced the fabric itself, loosening the first track and sliding the fabric out of the end? I am considering and don't want to bite off more than I can chew. It could possibly save me between $400-500. I am pretty competent with my hands, but still a bit hesitant. Thanks guy
meswoss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2014, 04:07 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,982
Having installed a Zip Dee ourselves, I would not hesitate to replace the fabric ourselves. I'd start by calling Zip Dee and see if they have a replacing fabric instruction sheet they can send you. They are extremely helpful.

I can't see it being all that difficult when compared to doing a full new installation. The biggest issue I can see would be untensioning the spring on the roller. Make sure you have at least one other person to help with the project. Two might be better.

Chris
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2014, 05:35 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Melody Ranch's Avatar
 
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View , Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
Images: 78
Send a message via Skype™ to Melody Ranch
ANY good awning and tarp shop can help you....and cheaper than you think. Buy your choice of material on Ebay and press on.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
Melody Ranch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2014, 10:28 PM   #4
2 Rivet Member
 
1976 Argosy 26
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 37
I would be very careful if you choose a shop. I thought I chose a reputable awing shop
and in the end they had know idea what they were doing and screwed up the alumiguard track. Fortunately I have a friend who's a professional tig welder. I learned allot from the whole experience and if I could do it again I would order the awning from Zip Dee and install it myself.
wzelkins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 08:50 AM   #5
1 Rivet Member
 
1975 31' Sovereign
Punta Gorda , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 13
Thanks guys, i have always been the person to jump onto a project... That being said, Airstreams aren't something that you do that with I'm finding out. Small mistakes come with BIG price tags... Thanks for all your comments, I talked with the "boss" last night and we will most likely go with a Zip Dee purchase, and I will face this project with the greatest confidence, haha, figure it out. It is not on my priority list as yet, I am mid way through my interior reno. I will keep you guys posted though! Thanks again Streamers!
meswoss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 09:30 AM   #6
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by wesmoss View Post
Anyone replaced the fabric itself, loosening the first track and sliding the fabric out of the end? I am considering and don't want to bite off more than I can chew. It could possibly save me between $400-500. I am pretty competent with my hands, but still a bit hesitant. Thanks guy
Call Linda at Zip Dee.

800-3382378

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 10:26 AM   #7
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
If you can wait until next February, the Zip Dee people should be at Alumaflamingo in Sarasota. You may get a discount on pricing, as well as installation help or advice from them.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 11:18 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
Just curious, we have factory awnings all around and use them a lot.

How many years should we expect the fabric to last?
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 11:56 AM   #9
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
Just curious, we have factory awnings all around and use them a lot.

How many years should we expect the fabric to last?
What brand?

Airstream used more than one brand.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 01:00 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
damonbeals's Avatar
 
1998 31' Excella 1000
1979 23' Safari
Mooresville , Indiana
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 596
If you have a ZipDee awning, then you have Sunbrella fabric, which lasts a very long time. In fact the warranty from Sunbrella is 10 years.

Warranty: How to: Sunbrella fabrics

Damon
#4827


Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
Just curious, we have factory awnings all around and use them a lot.

How many years should we expect the fabric to last?
damonbeals is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 11:03 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
We have Zip Dee awnings.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2014, 11:24 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
webspinner's Avatar
 
1971 25' Tradewind
Menlo Park , California
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,269
Images: 15
We did our replacement ourselves, from fabric to aluminum channel to awning. There might be parts of our process that will help you in your decisions and in doing whatever you decide to do.

Our blog about it is here.
__________________
Barbie
Our travel and renovation blog: https://tinpickle.blogspot.com/
webspinner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2014, 04:14 AM   #13
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
Just curious, we have factory awnings all around and use them a lot.

How many years should we expect the fabric to last?
Depending on a lot of things, up to 30+ years. Our originals were still functional on our '74 when we got it in 2007, though they required replacement soon after we started using them.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Replacing Zip Dee awning canvas webspinner Awnings 23 02-06-2012 06:03 PM
Replacing Zip Dee fabric Randy Gates Awnings 3 09-11-2010 07:11 PM
Zip Dee up or Zip Dee down? highsidepass Awnings 24 11-17-2007 08:12 PM
Zip-Dee Awning Repairs ViewRVs Awnings 3 08-31-2006 06:28 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.