Show me your curtains in your vintage Airstream

[MaxAB]

Originally Posted by NJtoNC

are there any how-to's or good posts on how to use the tracks and hardware on curtains? I'm looking at VTS and just don't know what tracks to buy. i want to do the triple pleated ones but i need them to be able to have a top and ottom track, not hanging freely.

You probably know that there are a few options. AS models have come with "T" clips and "G" clips to hold curtains in the tracks - some curtain configurations even use both T's and Gs (top and bottom). The names indicate the "shape" of the clips. We've converted our '85 Sovereign to use "G" clips on the top and bottom tracks because we had more "G" clips available when we made the curtains. Steve, at VTS has both available - or at least used to. VTS clip come with the elastic connector - you just need to sew them in place.

Good luck - curtains really add a lot to the interior! ...and have fun!

Art

[scooterbug76]

This is a really great thread. I'm starting on the curtains for our AS this week.

[scooterbug76]

First set of curtains complete. More to come!

[drunkensloth]

My wife decided she wanted roller shades. You can see it on the right, and one with a cover she made for them on the left.

[scooterbug76]

Where did you get your roller shades? I've been looking for some, but haven't found any that were affordable.

[0557]

Ikea has some decent ones.

[drunkensloth]

She got them from selectblinds.com. They gave her a coupon with the samples she ordered and they ship free and do buy three get one free. I'm not sure of our total cost but I don't think it was more than 160 for six shades.

If we had to do it again we would get them with the pull chain instead of the cordless. The cordless look really clean but are very finicky to operate.

[webspinner]

I made my own roller shades with a kit from JoAnn fabrics online. It comes with a heavy fusible interfacing that you iron on to your choice of cloth, so my roller blind matches the rest of my drapes and my accordion doors.

[AWvintage69]

Need help with hanging curtains in my '69 overlander! What type of hardware did you use?

[AWvintage69]

Looking to replace the attached sliders for the front window curtains! Any suggestions?

[GAStreamin]

Originally Posted by aceflys

My 66 Caravel Now

With the orig curtains as found 5 years ago

Ace in PA(heading south this week)

WBCCI 2169
TAC PA-1

Did you do your cabinets? Really nice!

[overlander64]

Greetings AWvintage69!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Overlander ownership!

Originally Posted by AWvintage69

Looking to replace the attached sliders for the front window curtains! Any suggestions?

As a transition year, your Overlander may have one or more types of drapery carriers/hanger tabs. Among the possibilities:

• Curtain "G" Tabs
• Curtain "T" Tabs
• "I" Rod Curtain Carriers -- I doubt that it will be this item as it is what is used in my 1964 Overlander.
• "Sew-On" Curtain Carriers
• 1969 Airstream Curtain Sliders
• Small "Sew-In" Carriers
• Wheeled Curtain Carriers
• Large "Sew-In" Sliders
• Elastic "T" Slide Curtain Carriers
• Elastic "G" Slide Curtain Carriers
• 1960s Curtain Tabs

Another option that might have the curtain/drapery hardware that you need is a local store that carries Kirsch drapery hardware. Kirsch has a number of similar carriers and tabs in their catalog.

Good luck with your Overlander!

Kevin

P.S.: If a previous owner removed the original drapery "rods" . . . similar hardware can still be purchased through Airstream dealers or Airstream restoration hardware resources . . . the curved pieces for the front windows may be more difficult to find.

[Safari-Rick]

Wanted to add a little personal touch. Wife and I made these for under $200.

[perri]

Terrific valances, Rick!

[AndSewOn]

I am replacing blinds in a 2010 Airstream with curtains. Have to either mount a small curtain rod where the blinds were mounted or put in a track.

[Hittenstiehl]

I know this is a old thread but the postings here showed that several of you made your own curtains.

We have the I beam style curtain tracks in our 1962 Ambassador. They have the double wheeled (earmuff looking) curtain carrier's.

What or what type of curtain tape do I use to hook to my yet made curtains. Im not a sewer but have a machine and can manage straight lines. I have read online about various pleats and have seen the Kirsch bent pointy hooks.

I can't see what keeps the hooks from hoping off the little ring or do I squeeze the Kirsch hook tight as the curtains won't be very heavy. And there are no bottom curtain rods and were not in this trailer.

[perri]

I can't see what keeps the hooks from hoping off the little ring or do I squeeze the Kirsch hook tight as the curtains won't be very heavy. And there are no bottom curtain rods and were not in this trailer

What holds our drapes on the little ring is the tension from the lower rail attachment and the elastic cars in the track. Since you don't have a lower rail, you can indeed pinch the hook closer together to prevent the drapes from rattling off when you are traveling. I think gravity would hold them in ok when you are parked. If you do a triple pleat that may also hold them in place a little better. Hope this helps.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thank you Perri for responding to my post.

I don't know if I can manage a triple pleat curtain but I'm going to study up a bit.

It looks like if I use the correct curtain tape and Kirsch hook the hook will actually make the pleat for me. I will double the fabric (instead of lining it) with a lighter color fabric against the window and the brighter color inside the trailer.

We will likely travel with the curtains held open so we can see through the trailer and out the back window.

Maybe between the hooks being squeezed, the weight of the curtains and holding them open will help to keep them from jumping off also.

if anyone else has vintage curtains to add to this thread let's see your curtains and your hooks.

[perri]

Are you going to be keeping the drapes open so that you can view things through the windows as you tow? In practice I believe you’ll find that you can’t see much that way. Your side mirrors and a backup camera or partner will work, tho.

Keeping your drapes closed is recommended when towing. It’s less distracting to other drivers. I’m not sure where you’ll be traveling, but the drapes actually protect surfaces and textiles from sun damage. Especially a concern with vintage rigs. Just something to think about.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thanks Perri.

We actually routinely look out the back windows along with our mirrors. In vintage trailers it's easy to see thru.

Been watching sewing videos and should be able to figure it out.

Bought the fabric, a bright stripe that will hopefully pick up all the intended colors in the trailer.

I think usually the interiors come first then curtains but since we use the trailer in "aluminum tent mode" we need some curtains.