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Topic: Cab Curtains and Track (Read 300 times) previous topic - next topic
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Cab Curtains and Track
I've decided to replace the cab curtains (the pair that shields the windshield area from view).  We've gotten the curtains off the track, but would like to know if anyone has replaced the track with another system. 

I'd love to have the "snaps" that clip the curtains to the track be much more substantially attached that with the plastic strip that, in time, rips away. 

Any ideas or vendor suggestions will be appreciated.

TinaP
2006 MB "Wild Thing"
Wintering at Home Due to Captain's Broken Ankle
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #1 –
"...have the "snaps" that clip the curtains to the track be much more substantially attached that with the plastic strip that, in time, rips away."
---
By "plastic strips", do you mean the top and bottom "lips" of the clips (that the curtain hooks attach to) that slide along the track?  I've never liked the curtain fabric (or the bunched up wad of wonky pleats that I have to stuff behind the seats!) and but have not had a problem with the clips breaking.

I will be interested in any feedback; please post if you figure out a viable alternative!

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #2 –

Hi Tina, a couple years ago we removed the original track because of the same reason you mentioned. Over time the plastic strip breaks, and I wanted to make some longer pinch pleat curtains that could be used with just slip-on drapery hooks, so they could be easily removed to wash or replace. We bought a kit similar to this one:  
Amazon.com: Flexible Curtain Tracks Standard Duty Kit, T3 - 9.8ft - Complete...
I'm not necessarily recommending it, as it was a pain to bend properly and install, plus it is larger and more visible than the original. Also the hooks come out of the rings too easily, so we have to be careful opening and closing them. I keep saying there must be a way to prevent this but haven't come up with one yet.

Sorry to hear you are Maine-bound this winter,

Gayle

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #3 –
When we replaced our 1992 MB with a 2004 MB I was not pleased with the cab curtains track. The old metal track was fool proof. This plastic track is difficult to use and my curtains are ripped at both end! 
2004 MB
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #4 –
Thank you, Jim, Gayle and Joan.

Joan, the "clips" that hold the curtains to the track are not so much the problem.  However, how the clips attach to the curtains via the plastic strip on the back of the curtains is the problem.  Over time 3-4 have separated from the curtain giving the entire area a really ratty look.

Jim and Gayle...I appreciate the photos very much and will pass them along to my decorator...I know that sounds fancy, but I'm not a do-it-yourself-er so much and she has been game to help me with the RV before...with great results and lower costs than if I should screw it up and have to redo! 

I'm going for longer pinch-pleat curtains, as you did, Gayle.  The big bugaboo has been the LD track and hanging system.  Your photos will be a great assist in the the search for a better solution, if not a direct copy-cat.

A note on decorators:  They have a vast selection of fabrics from which to choose.  And one can get much higher quality fabric to work with for re-upholstery and drapery jobs than those available at craft and sewing stores.

Photos when the job is completed, but likely not until "Wild Thing" comes back from her winter storage...Boo Hoo!

TinaP
2006 MB "Wild Thing"
LD 2967  NELD 59


TinaP
2006 MB
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #5 –

"...the "clips" that hold the curtains to the track are not so much the problem.  However, how the clips attach to the curtains via the plastic strip on the back of the curtains is the problem."
----
OK, I get it now; your cab drape set-up is different from mine. The cab curtain in my 2003 is attached to the plastic clips (that slide in the metal track) with standard drapery pin hooks like these:

Amazon.com: LEVOLOR/KIRSCH/NEWELL J060E.061 Extra Long Pin On Drapery/Curtain...

If I were to change out the cab curtain, the OEM hanging system would work fine, but it takes a bit of work and time to do the header pleating necessary.  I've made drapes before; now it's a lot more likely that even thinking about projects like this will make me see that maybe hanging up a couple gunny sacks or an old sheet isn't such a bad choice. Things change!  ;)

Joan

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #6 –
I found some pinch pleat drapes that looked like new at a thrift store. Since they can be hung with regular drapery hooks it was an easy job to just cut down the bottom and sides to the correct length and width and hem them, then sew on some velcro where needed. I am not much of a seamstress but this was an easy job. Tina, I'm sure your decorator will be able to do even better!

Gayle
 
Re: Cab Curtains and Track
Reply #7 –
Sounds like a lucky buy, Gayle!

I will say, I like the wide-open look of having no drapes at the front of the cab, but the liveability factor is likely quite low!

TinaP
2006 MB