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1621 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174
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Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 3:50 pm Post subject: |
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Excellent feedback and info, and thanks for the pictures dhaavers. As I'm handing this off to a friend who is unfamiliar with Westies, and not having any Vanagons on this island we live on, I'm relying on the Vanagon wiki and the Samba to provide all the information and measurements. Please keep the information and suggestions coming, this is very helpful. _________________ '85 Westy |
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Timwhy Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2009 Posts: 3990 Location: Maine
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shadetreetim Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2011 Posts: 1994 Location: Riverside, California
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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Reading through this thread inspires me to make some real curtains for my Bluestar. I cutout the insulated material and attached with rare earth magnets, but they make the inside too dark in the morning. We're talking total blackout curtains. I have to lift a flap to see if its daylight outside. This weekend I left the windshield off so we could see the ocean and get a little light in.
The aluminum foil quality of these don't do anything for the ambiance either.
Looking at the curtains here, I like the look a lot better, and they're stored by just getting tied back. Mine come off and go in the garage when I don't need them.
All right, you guys talked me into it. I'm glad we had this chat. Time to go to Hobby Lobby and look at cloth. _________________ Tim Potts
Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!
'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5 |
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alijonny Samba Member
Joined: November 01, 2007 Posts: 328 Location: Des Plaines, IL
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:27 pm Post subject: |
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So I wonder... coming from the BMW world, I was able to source the M colored black material to build seat covers and door cards, etc. is there anyone out there making the grey pattern cloth for curtains? I don't care to spend too much, that's the problem I'm sure |
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WestiCoast Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2012 Posts: 194 Location: Oceanside Ca
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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My buddies wife made some for my van. They look amazing. She put the some white "black out" material on the side of the curtain that faces the glass. Not only do they look nice from outside the van, but now we can sleep in because with the curtains closed it is pretty dark in there. |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12101 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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Years ago I ignorantly bought this set of camper curtains thinking that I'd use them as templates for reproduction as a grey set for my Bluestar. Unfortunately when the box arrived, I just verified that everything in the ebay ad was there and then promptly placed the whole pile on a shelf for the next half decade. Now I'd like to sell them to a camper person, but have no idea whether these are factory or some kind of aftermarket thing. For whatever reason, there are two of the large front window curtains, and they're a slightly lighter shade of brown and made of a thinner fabric than the others.
The general dimensions are a little different than those listed here and also, there's only one curtain with the drapery strip at the top, so I'm really confused about what I have...l'il help?
Here are the pieces in the set:
1 each) 28" x 21" w/drapery strip and velcro strip on side (1)
2 each) 32" x 21" w/tube fold and velcro strip on side (1)
5 each) 28" x 21" w/tube fold and velcro strip on side (1)
2 each) 28" x 23" w/tube fold, snaps and velcro strip on side (2)
2 each) 132" x 28" w/elastic sewn into the top along with snaps (4) and snaps along each side (1)
These are the two very large front curtains.
Here you can sorta see the color/fabric difference between the front curtain and the rest.
Apparently these curtains are designed to be hung via these long elastic cords, but I'm not sure if that's factory Westfalia or not.
_________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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akyrie Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2010 Posts: 519 Location: Driftless, Wisco
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 5:28 am Post subject: |
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dang it, Zeitgiest13, I just ordered a tan set. I would have purchased those from you for sure! good luck getting them to someone that needs em. _________________ Although I got a funny message from the Porsche guys, it read, "what a mighty ship that you must sail"
....has anyone else received that?
82 AHU DK, 1950's Puch-black |
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purplepeopleeater Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2005 Posts: 3117 Location: E. Washington
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 6:43 am Post subject: |
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Gowestys curtians look promising, blackout curtians would be nice but i like stock look. |
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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 7:56 am Post subject: |
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I'm adding curtains to my tintop..and will be starting from scratch.
I was thinking the tracks would be nice...but then the snaps and curtain sets from our vendors would be easier
Does anyone have a preference for snaps vs tracks vs wires/rods
.....I like the look of the curtains in place,instead of stored when not used
....and is there a source for the narrow late westy style track?
thanks |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7877 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 10:18 am Post subject: |
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I've uploaded the Westfalia curtain PDF to my server; if anyone needs it, click here (still need to add Debbie's dimensions for the early vans).
I also dug up my notes from when I made mine. I changed the finished dimensions from Westfalia's; should anyone desire them, here they are:
Kitchen window
Width: 24" (if I did it over, I'd make them 25")
Height: 20-1/4"
Closet window - front
Width: 18" (as opposed to the original 30" -- that was way too much curtain for such a small space, IMO)
Height: 20-1/4"
Closet window - rear
Width: 27-1/2"
Height: 20-1/4"
Sliding door window
(Didn't make one... yet)
Rear passenger window - front
Width: 27-1/2"
Height: 20-1/4"
Rear passenger window - rear
Width: 18" (as opposed to the original 30" -- that was way too much curtain for such a small space, IMO)
Height: 20-1/4"
Hatch window
Width: 30"
Height: 23-1/4"
Windshield/front doors
(Didn't make one)
All side hems are 1" (as opposed to Westfalia's 1/2") for A) a more uniform look, B) to use magnets instead of snaps, and C) to use magnets to "stick" the "loose" curtain sides to the wall of the van. There are also magnets inside the bottom hems (except for the hatch, obviously)
I used marine-grade vinyl for the straps: I wanted contrasting, but complementary straps, while also being durable... and I was tired of sewing (cut, pop in the snap, screw into van, done). _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 10:42 am Post subject: |
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alijonny wrote: |
So I wonder... coming from the BMW world, I was able to source the M colored black material to build seat covers and door cards, etc. is there anyone out there making the grey pattern cloth for curtains? I don't care to spend too much, that's the problem I'm sure |
There is a German site that has "some" of them.
The URL escapes me t this moment, but I am sure some one else can advise.
Be ready to Break My Wallet for that material.... _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7877 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 10:53 am Post subject: |
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r39o wrote: |
alijonny wrote: |
is there anyone out there making the grey pattern cloth for curtains? I don't care to spend too much, that's the problem I'm sure |
There is a German site that has "some" of them.
The URL escapes me t this moment, but I am sure some one else can advise.
Be ready to Break My Wallet for that material.... |
Get your original, brand new curtains right here: http://www.vwbusshop.de/epages/GuenzlClassicParts..../333000293 . And, yes, dust off your gold card. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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devesvws Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2004 Posts: 1540 Location: madison va
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Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
Years ago I ignorantly bought this set of camper curtains thinking that I'd use them as templates for reproduction as a grey set for my Bluestar. Unfortunately when the box arrived, I just verified that everything in the ebay ad was there and then promptly placed the whole pile on a shelf for the next half decade. Now I'd like to sell them to a camper person, but have no idea whether these are factory or some kind of aftermarket thing. For whatever reason, there are two of the large front window curtains, and they're a slightly lighter shade of brown and made of a thinner fabric than the others.
The general dimensions are a little different than those listed here and also, there's only one curtain with the drapery strip at the top, so I'm really confused about what I have...l'il help?
Here are the pieces in the set:
1 each) 28" x 21" w/drapery strip and velcro strip on side (1)
2 each) 32" x 21" w/tube fold and velcro strip on side (1)
5 each) 28" x 21" w/tube fold and velcro strip on side (1)
2 each) 28" x 23" w/tube fold, snaps and velcro strip on side (2)
2 each) 132" x 28" w/elastic sewn into the top along with snaps (4) and snaps along each side (1)
These are the two very large front curtains.
Here you can sorta see the color/fabric difference between the front curtain and the rest.
Apparently these curtains are designed to be hung via these long elastic cords, but I'm not sure if that's factory Westfalia or not.
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that looks like a ZPRODUCTS curtain kit they fit the non camper nicely. mine is old and stained, sun faded and light blue in color. i might take them??$$ _________________ THE FEW THE PROUD THE ORIGINAL VW WATERBOXER -> looking for a original 91 vanagon owners manual with 1991 on the cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmuiG2tUsP4&feature=share https://picasaweb.google.com/101290228103300323836/BostonBobFlywheelVideo#5543000332201103922 |
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rockfish Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2007 Posts: 740 Location: Palo Alto, Calif.
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Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 4:15 pm Post subject: |
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I'm sure everyone knows this already, but Sewfine offers curtains as well:
http://digital.publicationprinters.com/publication/?i=44301 _________________ 89 Westy
GW 2.5 5-speed trans
"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
- John Wooden |
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andafiro Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2011 Posts: 154 Location: New Mexico
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Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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Using my stock curtains and the wiki page as a guide, my friend is whipping up a new set of curtains for my '86 right now.
Despite all the warnings here, each explicit caveat, I followed my heart and chose the most impractical fabric. I love it, but it's not curtain material in any way. The outside will be lined with muslin, and my windows are all tinted dark anyway.
There are no curtains in there at all right now, but with the dark tint I really haven't even thought about it. But once they're hung, even when they're not stretched out and covering the windows, it's going to be an improvement over the more worse-for-wear areas of the upper interior. _________________ -- Andrea
'86 Westy 4-speed w/ EJ22 (a Racerrojo production!)
"It's got an eagle feather hangin' from the rear-view mirror..." |
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Ginger11 Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2013 Posts: 1 Location: Carlsbad, California
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Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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I'm interested in purchasing the curtains.
Steven
send me and email
steven@ paint the usa. com |
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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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Why does the front slider door curtain have TWO ties on it? There is only one curtain to tie back. Only thing I can figure is that it's to tie back the front curtain, rather than remove it. There are two snaps to otherwise hold it in place, plus this tie, never tried it...just found it curious.
And, for those that didn't know. My OEM currents had little plastic rings on both sides of the curtain above the sliding door. This size is one too small, will find more the right size next time I go to the Dollar Store. They're so close, didn't even occur to me it was a different size. It fits, but the pressure will eventually break it! LOL They fit onto the little black knobs on either side of the sliding door, so the curtain remains in place. I like that better than the cords the curtains are on everywhere else.
tam _________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7877 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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tam_shops wrote: |
Why does the front slider door curtain have TWO ties on it? |
Don't know; my '90 only had one there, for the slider curtain. I don't know how you'd pull back the front curtain since it's all one piece. But now that I think about it, I did find an extra tie-back floating around in the van somewhere (glove box, rear seat... can't remember) when I initially cleaned it out after getting it home.
tam_shops wrote: |
And, for those that didn't know. My OEM currents had little plastic rings on both sides of the curtain above the sliding door. ...They fit onto the little black knobs on either side of the sliding door, so the curtain
remains in place. |
Yes, mine has one; other went missing when the elastic broke during a PO's ownership... an all too common malady with those curtains.
When I redid the curtains in my van, I got rid of the wire on the passenger side altogether (was a crappy replacement, didn't like it) and put magnets inside the hems. I'd have gotten rid of the driver's side wire too, but it holds the bin lids up. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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1621 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174
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Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:23 am Post subject: |
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A quick note, I ended up getting some nice quality replacement curtains from Sewfine this summer. I ended up with their nice tweed with the vinyl ties. I don't use ties on the rear, so added those to the other curtain, doubling up in a couple spots - chiefly the slider curtain. Very nice as it bunches up the curtain much better, and keeps it out of the way.
I also had them add a pocket on the rearmost passenger side window curtain. I use this for glasses when I go to sleep at night, small flashlight/headlamp, book, etc. I'm finding this to be a very convenient addition. I have a photo somewhere, and I'll post it up when I find it. _________________ '85 Westy |
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onemat Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2011 Posts: 418 Location: Ashland City, TN
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Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:40 am Post subject: |
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I have a GL Passenger Van which is going to be a weekender. I have the metal track to install. Is the location of the track a little different on a GL? _________________ '82 Vanagon GL with 2.0 4-speed. Long term plan is to turn it into a camper. |
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