1964 Overlander Shower Curtain Restoration

[Lynntalsma]

Hello All,
We own a 1964 Overlander International. She (Shinola) is almost fully original on the inside living area with major restoration completed to everything that matters such as electrical, plumbing, AC, new tanks, etc. Prior owner did a great restoration and we love camping in this rig. The original shower curtain is present, made from vinyl with padding and a cardboard core. We used this curtain for a while but can see the vinyl is beginning to crack and water is seeping in. While not yet a real problem, this will continue and will cause the curtain to fail. I want to remove this curtain, retain all original hardware, and make a new functional curtain using the original hardware. My idea so far is to use 2 nylon shower curtains sewn together in the same template for size. I could then sew pockets to accept some sort of light plastic ribs to mimic the rigid original. The curtain must be able to fan fold for closure when not in use. I do not wish to hang a traditional rod and curtain type system. The original curtain creates a wall that hugs the outer curve of the tub wall and allows for good elbow room. Has anyone done something like this? Got any ideas? Thanks for your help.

Lynn Talsma
VAC 2nd VP
Frodo, head poodle

[Lynntalsma]

No ideas out there? I did get a few views. Perhaps this is in the wrong section. Can someone tell me how to move this thread to the interior restoration section?
Thanks
Lynn

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Lynntalsma

I want to remove this curtain, retain all original hardware, and make a new functional curtain using the original hardware. My idea so far is to use 2 nylon shower curtains sewn together in the same template for size. I could then sew pockets to accept some sort of light plastic ribs to mimic the rigid original. The curtain must be able to fan fold for closure when not in use.

Sounds like a realistic plan...good thing you have the original for a template. We didn't in our '64 Globetrotter and I had to make-up a template for ours...we sold our '4 several years ago - still love those '64s though!

Good luck!

Shari

[VetteGuy]

This is a simple project remove the shower curtain and take it to an upholstery shop professional they can get this to you in no time

[Janet H]

When we redid our 64 I chose to remove this and replace it with a regular shower curtain cut to the right shape. In retrospect, having this rebuilt might have been a better choice. The replacement has not been great.

[Lynntalsma]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

This is a simple project remove the shower curtain and take it to an upholstery shop professional they can get this to you in no time

Now why didn't I think of that? I will definitely visit my local upholsterer. Will update with progress.
Thanks Vette Guy!

[batman]

I have a 1964 Safari with the same bath. I have never seen the original shower curtain. That is awesome! I like the upholstery shop idea. I also had an idea. instead of cardboard, How about using thin wood veneer strips. Perhaps I could get you to take a couple more photos of the attachment points, etc. I would love to replicate this for my "64".

Thanks,
-Dennis

[Lynntalsma]

Originally Posted by batman

I have a 1964 Safari with the same bath. I have never seen the original shower curtain. That is awesome! I like the upholstery shop idea. I also had an idea. instead of cardboard, How about using thin wood veneer strips. Perhaps I could get you to take a couple more photos of the attachment points, etc. I would love to replicate this for my "64".

Thanks,
-Dennis

Hi Batman,
We thought about thin wood as well. We are leaning toward thin plastic. Our upholstery guy will have some ideas. It is off to the shop tomorrow.
More pictures for you are attached below. PM me if you need more information.
Safe travels,
Long hook grabs the U-handle on curtain

Straight bracket has two pieces and sandwiches to back of curtain, riveted

Plastic tongue mounted on sink edge seats lower edge of curtain

[Janet H]

Take a hard look at using Corrugated plastic sheets (also known as Corrugated Plastic Cardboard, Coroplast sheets , Waterproof Cardboard) I think it would work pretty well... and covering.

[batman]

Awesome!

That is very cool! Thank you!

Good ideas, I think thin plastic or the corrugated plastic Janet mentioned would be much better that wood or cardboard. Got to love these forums!

-Dennis

[Lynntalsma]

More pictures of curtain after removal:

[Lynntalsma]

Thanks all for your comments. We visited our local upholstery pro and picked out a nice pebble texture cream colored vinyl. Core will be thin "PVC board" from our local sign maker, looks to be approximately 1/8 inch thick, has needed rigidity, is lightweight and solid so water will not penetrate. We feel this will perform better than the corrugated product. Our project is in the queue and should be completed in October. I will update with pictures and final results when complete.
Thanks again for your help.

Lynn

[Lynntalsma]

Hello again. Our shower curtain was re-made by our local upholsterer using the original as a template. We used 1/8 in PVC board from our local sign shop for the rigid inserts, and marine grade vinyl for the covering. The PVC board was easily cut to exact size using a knife. The covering was made with the vinyl material folded over the top edge of the PVC inserts. The joints were sewn with polyester thread to resist rot. The inside facing of the vinyl is polyester as well. All of the original hardware was re-used on the new curtain. These materials should hold up well to normal use. I don't expect this enclosure to receive a lot of direct spray from the shower head, but some moisture will be present during use. I will report back if any issues develop, but I think we are going to be fine with this solution. Thanks to all for the feedback and help on this project.
Happy Streaming!

[InsideOut]

Looks good!

Shari