1972 25' Tradewind
1992 25' Excella
Cashmere
, Washington
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 28
'71 Trade Wind Curtain Track Dilemma
I am in the process of replacing all the draperies in my trailer and hit a snag regarding the two side windows up front. I have the valance above the windows, but nothing at the bottom. I have looked at photos and found that there should be a small tray in which the track would be concealed. Does anyone know where I can find a pair of these trays? I have attached a picture of one as an example. My trailer does not have the second larger shelf underneath, but this is the best example I could find. Thanks!
I am in the process of replacing all the draperies in my trailer and hit a snag regarding the two side windows up front. I have the valance above the windows, but nothing at the bottom. I have looked at photos and found that there should be a small tray in which the track would be concealed. Does anyone know where I can find a pair of these trays? I have attached a picture of one as an example. My trailer does not have the second larger shelf underneath, but this is the best example I could find. Thanks!
The 68 to 72 trailers used a "Kirsch drape tab", except in 1969, which was a spring loaded tab.
That hardware is no longer available. But, your trailer may have been updated by a previous owner, using the new style hardware.
In 1973, Airstream switched to a "T" and "G" tab setup, and is still used today.
The Kirsch tabs were sewn directly onto the drapes, but the new style tabs use elastic, which is sewn onto the drapes, which stretches the drapes, making them always looking great.
You can upgrade the areas you need with the new style moldings, along with using the G or T tabs, if you so wish.
I was lucky to find the trays for my 72 TW in the overhead bin in the back.
I imagine you could order the bottom I track for it and have it fabricated.
JP drapes made our curtains and they turned out great!
1972 25' Tradewind
1992 25' Excella
Cashmere
, Washington
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 28
Lucky you! I think my trailer was damaged up front at some point and we are finding little issues like this one. I wish I could find a way to fabricate the little tray, but I can't imagine I would be able to find the same woodgrain laminate used. If you have any any ideas, please let me know.
I am getting my drapes from JP, too. Audrey is really helpful and I am afraid I am putting her through her paces.
The curtains look beautiful when they are all hooked up in those little trays, but it is VERY tedious re-attaching them after cleaning, and the plastic attachment pieces have to be sewn to the curtains and they break with age and cleaning. Also, that little tray sort of sticks out into the living space. And that 71 laminate is unique, it sort of has a pinkish tinge, I don't think you'll find it except from another 71. Here's another pic of the tray and the curtain pieces. Good luck!Gwen
If your half decent at metal cutting you could make one out of the tracks on Ebay right now. Use the street side as a pattern for the slight curve cut in the tray....
That plastic woodgrained laminate is very brittle with it's age. An alternative I've used is the product from Also Corp. peel and stick on burl wood or other surfaces. Of course once you do one section, you'll want to replace more of the trim to match.
1972 25' Tradewind
1992 25' Excella
Cashmere
, Washington
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 28
Hi Richard, thanks for the help. I would be very grateful if you could measure them. Since I don't have anything there now, I would only be guessing and it would be nice to restore it to the original design. My door side window is about 19.5 inches wide and the window opposite the door is about 27.75 inches wide. Thanks
Will measure and take some closeup pics. The length of the track will be the same as the overhead track. I remember that only 2 sheet metal screws hold the tray in place. Audrey at JP Drapes knows the sizes for those curtains. These are the measurements I sent here for the 2 panels:
21 3/4" x 28" LF curb
23 3/4" x 29" RF door
We also sent them the fabric for our drapes instead of picking one of their selections. I had chosen one of her samples but when she got the bolt of fabric in it had defects in the pattern. So we bought fabric (we liked it much better) and shipped it to her.
They keep a pretty busy shop so don't be alarmed if she is hard to reach. I was nervous but they came through with great product.
I traced the outline of the curtain track section so you can use as a template.
Will scan it and post it later, also took some closeup pics of both sections.
They aren't pretty but if you download them and print full page then they will be to scale. Or I can email the jpegs with o your address. They trays measure 3" wide. Both trays are included
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