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Mon Nov 03, 2008 4:47 pm

It's been a while since there were any posts on Thing side curtains. I just purchased a 74 and need to completely replace mine (the original set was missing). I don't think I can afford the TTS curtains, especially in Glass. Has anybody had much luck with the replacement sets offered on eBay by http://stores.ebay.com/AcceleratedSupply

I appreciate your feedback and experience.

Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:42 pm

Those ebay ones look like they still need your metal cores. Plus, they attach with velcro, but that isn't as much of a problem.

There are two sets of frames in the classifieds ($125 and $150), and Werksberg offers polycarb windows to go in them (or you could make your own). That would be a whole lot cheaper than the Thing Shop, and you could still make them look pretty good.

Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:02 pm

I have a set of three NOS German side curtains in tan. They are solid with no flaps. I also have some German side curtains with flaps that could be dyed tan to match the NOS set of Three. To the right person this set would work and for less than other options. The problem with the velcro side curtains is that the window area sags more and more as time goes on. They never sit nicely in the frames. I also have a collection of side curtains that could have the windows replace that are affordable.

Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:57 pm

I have The Thing Shop sliding glass windows and they are AWESOME, I understand they are $$$ but I truely think they are worth it.

Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:12 pm

I have a very nice set of glass "Trim Shop" side curtains, front slider and back fixed that are awesome. I also have other side curtains and none are "nice" like the glass sliders. The current Thing Shop side curtain "lite" sliding models are unreal and worth the price (if you have the $$)

Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:59 pm

I have to second and third the vote for TTS side curtains. They are spendy but worth every penny. I've had the velcro windows and have had them suck in and come undone in high winds or at freeway speeds. The worst was during a downpour.

The only other set I had that was worth anything was a set of originals I cut the old cracked and yellowed plastic out of and had new clear vinyl sewn in. I even had flaps and snaps put in the fronts. It was just a local upholstery shop that did it for me at a very reasonable price of $40 each. Still a very good way to go. I bought a set of 4 really tattered curtains off of ebay for about $150. So I had real nice curtains for about $300 total...less than the price of one from TTS... :shock:

If you can save up some coin TTS glass sliders are the way to go.

Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:14 pm

Exactly

glass to velcro good to bad (on the buy-it side) I too have paid $40 to replace clear vinyl on OE side curtains with great results. I have culls for $40 each. So with $40 for vinyl and $40 for window you have $320 for very chic set of side curtains. A bit more for the side curtains with oe flaps. Not only for the cores but also for the new window vinyl...

Side Curtains::: The better they are, the more they cost.

Tue Nov 04, 2008 6:42 am

Side curtains. Sigh.

They'll be on my list to buy someday soon. The set I have are so-so. Only the driver's side has an opening flap.

Whatever. They're close to useless, just barely functional when they're nice, and like most things on our beloved Things, it's why we like it so much.

Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:04 am

I have a set of original side curtains (I think) and they seem to be serviceable, the clear vinyl is still pretty clear, but the outer vinyl is a bit hard and cracked in places. From what I've seen, this is backward from what a Thing owner usually experiences.

The rear curtains are solid, the driver's window has a velcro half-window and the passenger side has snaps.

I got a tan top this spring and I'd like matching curtains, has anyone tried painting them? I know there is chemically bonding paint (I've used it in other applications with success) but I wasn't too sure about painting 35 year old vinyl or what kind of surface prep I would need prior to painting. My assumption would be you need to clean them well, then maybe prep them with acetone. (I'm answering my own questions!)

Anyone have experience painting their side curtains?

Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:13 am

I need another set like these on my front doors. They have a channel simalar to the glass TTS ones however, mine are plexiglas sliders that are very easy to replace the plex if/when they become too scratched up.

I want the glass ones too. :cry: one day soon maybe...

Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:44 pm

I bit the bullet and purchased the glass windows from The Thing Shop. It was the first major purchase I made for my Thing but they are worth every penny. I even got the sliding glass ones for up front. If you have the $ for glass ones, I highly recommend them.