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


View Poll Results: What do you think the bubble "dry" and tongue weight results were on 2/18/11?
2,054 lbs total 253 lbs tongue 4 33.33%
2,332 lbs total 312 lbs tongue 5 41.67%
2,560 lbs total 386 lbs tongue 2 16.67%
2,745 lbs total 390 lbs tongue 1 8.33%
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-31-2013, 10:37 PM   #321
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
Kay--could you send me a picture of what you used to hold the bottom part of the shade tight against the wall. I'm waiting for the united shade company to get some info back to me with more hardware info as I assume I'll have to rig something up to hold it tight too. thanks. Ted
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2013, 08:34 AM   #322
3 Rivet Member
 
Sheridan's Avatar
 
1965 17' Caravel
Mountainous , Utah
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 203
Ted, I recently posted this on a "Curtain" thread in which I used two different options for window covering.

The side window curtains were made by my daughter based on instructions by Susan Tiegs from last years Restoration Rally in Albuquerque.
The bathroom window and kitchen window are laminated organic material (seaweed & ting ting). The bathroom, under sink cabinet door is the same material as the kitchen window.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Side windows.jpg
Views:	158
Size:	312.2 KB
ID:	177862   Click image for larger version

Name:	Back window.jpg
Views:	157
Size:	234.6 KB
ID:	177863  

Click image for larger version

Name:	Kitchen window.jpg
Views:	148
Size:	285.6 KB
ID:	177864  
__________________
Sheridan
TAC# UT-1
WBCCI#11112

Sheridan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2013, 08:34 PM   #323
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,986
The side curtains I made hold the bottom of the shades in place. The shades came with clips that could be installed at the bottom, but we've found we didn't need them. The curtains are installed in the valance at the top, and with pieces of curtain rod attached to the wall at the bottom. The curtains are simple 6 inch wide fabric that's hemmed and with curtain sliders sewn on to "pleat" them. I'll try to find a good pic for you.

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2013, 08:50 PM   #324
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,986
These are bathroom window pics of the curtains, shade and valance installed. I backed the fabric with curtain lining. The shades came from Window Images through Menards. You can order exact lengths and widths. They are not cheap, though. They are night shades and double celled. They seem to be sensitive to extreme cold and don't stay up well under those conditions. I would think twice before ordering these particular ones again, but I like having shades and not having cords to deal with.

Kay
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	0802 curtain tracks 04.jpg
Views:	165
Size:	262.4 KB
ID:	177899   Click image for larger version

Name:	0802 curtain tracks 05.jpg
Views:	142
Size:	255.8 KB
ID:	177900  

Click image for larger version

Name:	0802 curtain tracks 06.jpg
Views:	154
Size:	218.3 KB
ID:	177901  
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2013, 09:30 PM   #325
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
thanks for the info above. after seeing sheridans beautiful artistic work I'm wishing I could go with curtains. but blinds still make the most sense with my tight tolerances. I've been camping with the widows wide open the past year so I'm used to the nice natural light coming through. so I'm guessing I'd only have the blinds covered on the sunny side when hot for certain privacy moments. I just got a pic from the united shade company who makes rv specific blind stuff. I like that the pleated shades have a keeper mechanism built in (a never ending string). the only downside is you still have to look at the string when the shade's up. these are just their stock photos.

Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3118347428.jpg
Views:	170
Size:	369.7 KB
ID:	177910




Name:   image-3983932826.jpg
Views: 311
Size:  29.2 KB



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-387700832.jpg
Views:	151
Size:	437.4 KB
ID:	177912

I'm thinking that at least with short and wide windows the strings wouldn't be as noticeable. I want to see what all the options are first. send me a message if you guys have some brilliant suppliers or products that would go great with my bubble. my biggest wants are are low profile without covering up much window when not in use. I have a small space and love the light. cheers. Ted

I want to next see how rv specific bamboo shades finish. anyone know?
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 07:50 AM   #326
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,986
Yes, Sheridan's are beautiful! We could not hang our shades inside the window, thus the valances. I did do a funky style curtain thingy on the bedroom windows so we can use the blinds or pull curtains across if we want the windows open. As I said, funky. I'm still deciding if they are going to work yet. We've only been out 2 weekends so far, so not enough time to make an informed decision. There are many options, and multiple threads on people making curtains and doing combination curtains/blinds or just blinds or shades. If you do a search, you can find them. I used those as a springboard for my ideas. Good luck!

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 09:50 AM   #327
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-834900232.jpg
Views:	193
Size:	388.5 KB
ID:	177941

here is another pic of my front window above my dinette. due to my wrap around corner cushions I'm pretty sure I can't do curtains here without covering half of the window. so im still looking for a solution. Ted

the other windows do not have such tight tolerances.

I have the battery out ( tending for the winter) so I don't have much light in storage for better pics)


Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2323465413.jpg
Views:	166
Size:	446.2 KB
ID:	177942
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-4183411747.jpg
Views:	145
Size:	459.3 KB
ID:	177943  
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 11:15 AM   #328
3 Rivet Member
 
Sheridan's Avatar
 
1965 17' Caravel
Mountainous , Utah
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 203
Ted, I think your interior is one of the most beautiful jobs I've seen in a Airstream. I love all of the warm wood and high end craftsmanship.

As far as window treatments go, I chose curtains on the two-window wall so that I could add some color and texture and kind of soften all the hard surfaces. The curtain panels are very light , don't rattle, easily slide open in various configurations, Roc-Lon sun block material is sewn on the back, and they stay tight to the wall with elastic clips in an upper and lower channel.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	open curtains.jpg
Views:	161
Size:	279.9 KB
ID:	177949   Click image for larger version

Name:	Upper rail.jpg
Views:	161
Size:	395.4 KB
ID:	177950  

Click image for larger version

Name:	bottom rail.jpg
Views:	143
Size:	365.9 KB
ID:	177951  
__________________
Sheridan
TAC# UT-1
WBCCI#11112

Sheridan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 06:20 PM   #329
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheridan View Post
Ted, I'm wondering if you've had a chance to determine your gas milage while towing the Bubble? I was disappointed with the 15 MPG from my 2004 Tacoma while towing a 65 Caravel. Recently bought a 1953 Cevy that I plan to rebuild with a short block V8, disc brakes, etc. and I'm thinking it might get the same of even better milage than the Toyota, defiantly more power.
yes Dan. after several trips towing the bubble loaded with the tacoma it's always been right at 18 mpg with mixed driving including the passes in central Oregon. not bad considering I get 18-19 mpg during city driving without a trailer. I'll call that a win. cheers. Ted.

ps. the Chevy would look cool towing your trailer for sure. after driving the modern trucks though I really don't miss my old 1954 dodge pickup I used to have. but you have to have one toy vehicle right! mines the Volvo summer date night ride. so you really need to get that Chevy rebuilt. my bubble ended up 800 lbs too heavy to tow with the 544. although in sweden they seem to tow all sorts of trailers with 544s and duets.
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2013, 05:41 PM   #330
Rivet Master
 
2020 27' Globetrotter
1999 25' Safari
Somewhere , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 860
Hi Ted.

Thinking of your window treatment needs, if you do drapery panels, there isn't much room for stack-back, especially along the bottom where your back cushions go pretty much directly to the window. If that didn't bother you to have them stacked back on them, that's one thought.

Another is... have you considered Roman shades using a clutch system? I own a custom home furnishings business and do window treats in my sleep (it seems), so when I see windows, I have a whole range of options which go through my mind for possibilities. The clutch system eliminates the need to have cording hanging down and a cleat used to wrap it around to keep the shade in "up" position. With the clutch system you have a continuous bead chain which as you turn it either goes up or down.

Since I am in no way close to choosing window treats for our Bubble (just about ready for the shell to go back down onto the new frame), I haven't made a decision as to how her windows will be covered.

Deb

PS -- Would you mind sharing how you hung your upper cabinets? My DH says that from looking at the ribs in our girl, he isn't certain that we should allow the weight of upper cabinets to hang on them. Did you build yours up from the floor so that the weight is on the floor? (Hoping this makes sense.) Thank you.
Air Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2013, 06:10 PM   #331
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
thanks deb

I agree with you on the curtains. I had some other issues of tolerances and decided I did not want to change my window wood framing to install a lower track for curtains. so I have pleated Rv shades on order from united shades via blinds chalet. they should be in next week. I thought of roman shades too but couldn't find any suppliers that offered a low profile one that wouldn't take up 4-6 inches in clumping space on top. these pleated shades also have a continuous string and the bottoms can be held down with hardware. I'll hopefully install them next week and will let everyone know whether I like them or not. i decided to keep things darker and neutral as its easier to add color and design with Pendleton blankets and other accents.

and regarding the upper cabinets --they are in the original spots and reinstalled by the former owner so I don't have any suggestions for you on that. sorry. there are several ribs which I assume they are attached to. I store cookware on the sink side and chips and food in the other with no issues of weight.

cheers. Ted
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2013, 09:57 PM   #332
Rivet Master
 
2020 27' Globetrotter
1999 25' Safari
Somewhere , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 860
Thanks, Ted, for the information.

I can't wait to see your blinds installed. In case you might have a need in the future, Romans can be reverse mounted (the lift cords on the back side, but ran through tiny grommets at the top (behind the small valance) in order to go through the lift mechanism. I believe the smallest mount board which could be used is approx. 2". Then you mount a short valance (3" to 4" LP, to scale) off the top to conceal the clutch, rod, etc.

Deb
Air Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2013, 09:21 PM   #333
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
and thanks Dan for your kind comments. you know...all of you guys who have been watching and posting on my thread should make a trip out to Oregon sometime. oregon is very diverse. we're in the central part of the valley with the coast just 45 minutes away, Portland 1 hour, central oregon (bend/sisters/smith rocks) a couple hours, the now world famous Black Rock Mountain biking downhill trail system just 20 minutes away in Falls city, and the willamette valley wine country is in our front yard. there's lots of choices around here for relaxing and recreation. here's a pic from the valley of the giants. cheers. Ted
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-4108331882.jpg
Views:	148
Size:	472.1 KB
ID:	178999  
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 08:53 PM   #334
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
hey guys. I got a package in the post today and installed the shades this evening. they mount on two or three braces and come with special hardware that keeps the string tension right and tight

Click image for larger version

Name:	image-4208646994.png
Views:	177
Size:	1.25 MB
ID:	179121



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1207085295.png
Views:	170
Size:	1.19 MB
ID:	179122

to the wall. they are low profile and seem to operate nice and smooth. I wrapped the extra string around the tie down hardware in case I need to readjust the tension after breaking them in. the color is a dark brown and I think the texture and sharp pleats stay true to the bungalow lines. what do you think?



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-384332916.png
Views:	170
Size:	1.12 MB
ID:	179123



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3104874974.png
Views:	169
Size:	1.34 MB
ID:	179124



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2273047985.png
Views:	166
Size:	1.10 MB
ID:	179125



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-430317813.png
Views:	171
Size:	1.27 MB
ID:	179128



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-81266210.png
Views:	151
Size:	1.25 MB
ID:	179129



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-943840323.png
Views:	162
Size:	1.15 MB
ID:	179130
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3826652296.png
Views:	143
Size:	1.21 MB
ID:	179127  
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2013, 10:32 PM   #335
3 Rivet Member
 
Sheridan's Avatar
 
1965 17' Caravel
Mountainous , Utah
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 203
Nice. Very clean and simple. Less is more.
__________________
Sheridan
TAC# UT-1
WBCCI#11112

Sheridan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2013, 06:44 PM   #336
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,986
Very nice!

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2013, 07:56 PM   #337
3 Rivet Member
 
wheelerimage's Avatar
 
1965 20' Globetrotter
1955 22' Safari
Butte , Montana
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 145
Images: 8
Blog Entries: 2
Nice. Where did you get the shades?
wheelerimage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2013, 10:07 PM   #338
4 Rivet Member
 
the544man's Avatar
 
1956 16' Bubble
Dallas , Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 364
Images: 39
http://www.blindschalet.com/window-b...ds-shades.html


blinds chalet. and they carry who i discovered is a major rv shade supplier "United shades". i ended up talking directly to the supplier to get all of my questions answered. what i ended up with are 1" pleated shades with the eazy lift rv specific setup. i like them alot. i looked forever and couldn't find an Rv supplier suggested on the airforums so I hope this helps the next person. they offer Rv specific designs and they custom made everything to the exact dimensions I requested. both the supplier and online store were good to work with. thanks friends. . Ted.
the544man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2013, 07:45 AM   #339
Rivet Master
 
2020 27' Globetrotter
1999 25' Safari
Somewhere , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 860
Hi Ted.

Those shades look great, and thanks for sharing the link to your supplier; I plan to go there to look around -- explore all options.

Your Bubble looks so nice and reflects the planning and care you took in completing her. I'm hoping we can do the same on ours. With your walls being wood, you have the "warmth" there, but we will have polished aluminum with just wood in the cabinets, etc., so we'll have to get our "warmth" in other ways, and I imagine some of that will be with fabric at the windows, but we'll see when we get to that point.

Deb
Air Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2013, 08:09 AM   #340
3 Rivet Member
 
kennyp315's Avatar
 
1965 20' Globetrotter
Woodland Hills , California
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 129
Images: 8
1956 Bubble

I simply love your little Bubble. You did an outstanding job. It almost makes me want to do another trailer. Kenny
kennyp315 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1956, bambi, bubble, craftsman, custom, mission, rebuild, restoration


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 Off
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Costalotta Start to Finish Happycampers All Argosy Trailers 153 07-14-2016 06:19 AM
The start of '73 Overlander restoration Lothlorian Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 134 10-24-2011 08:23 PM
1956 Airstream Bubble Restored [Nice] eBay Watch Airstreams on eBay 0 07-07-2009 07:50 PM
Start of restoration '77 Argosy 20ft barbwire All Argosy Trailers 18 08-15-2004 06:42 PM
New tires for my 1956 Bubble.... kzener40 Tires 8 07-27-2002 12:41 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 12:22 AM.


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