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Topic: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300 (Read 1059 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Can windshield drapes be cleaned (either machine or dry cleaned)  or does anyone have a good source for purchasing new ones.

Thanks Susan
Susan and Bob
1995 U320CSE
40'
Cummins M11
Coach build #4730
Previous Foretravel's 1996 U280, 1995 U300

Motorcade # 17974

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #1
Dealing with the same issue.
We just ordered samples from "rvsupplywarehouse.com", no cost for those.
The website seems to ask all the right question about replacements.
Keep ya posted.

Frank
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #2
When we were at FOT early last year we inquired about replacement windshield drapes.  David Flanagan took me to the upholstery shop where I talked to one of the long-time "seamstress" employees.  She was not encouraging about the prospect of getting new drapes done there.

She said they hadn't actually made a set for a long time, and she wasn't even sure where the original patterns were stored.  They would need to order the fabric (none in stock) and the sun-block liner material (none in stock) at unknown prices.  We would need to leave our old drapes there (for an unknown length of time) so they could be sure the new ones matched in length and shape.  And, she would not even make a guess at the final (delivered) cost because too many variables.

I got the impression she was not excited about taking on the job, but they would do it if I really wanted them to.  So we passed.  I would much rather hire someone who is enthusiastic about taking on the job, and who can provide a realistic quote on price.

We are afraid to have our original factory installed drapes cleaned because the material is so fragile.  The drapes still do the job and we really like the way they look, but I'm afraid every time I open or close them that they are gonna disintegrate into a pile of loose threads.

So we will also follow this thread (ha, ha) with great interest!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #3
Chuck's drapes sound like my old ones.  Fragile.  We washed ours and they came our clean but suffered some damage at worn out seams etc.  So, wife dragged me into a Joann Fabric store ( JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores – Shop online ) and we picked out a new fabric and lining.  I had done a rough estimate on the square yardage needed.  We then located a seamstress in small town who agreed to sew them.  She used old curtains as a guide and turned them out in 10 days, working off and on.  We chose a fairly heavy material and a good sun resistant lining.  With Joann new customer coupon and material on sale,  cost for materials was $155.00 out the door.  Seamstress charged $75.00 too put them together, including pleats for bedroom curtains.  She admitted to under bidding the job because the weight of material made it harder to do.  I gave her a nice tip for her time.

So check around for local help and then find some material.

YMMV.

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #4
On another RV I too went to a local upholstery shop. He did an amazing job using an old curtain for a pattern. I later used him to reupholster my dining room chairs and jackknife couch, and recover valances on all the windows. I allowed him some time to get the job done so it was not priced on an urgent basis, the results were excellent. It was much more affordable then going with an RV shop. The one thing you will want to watch out for is getting material that is rated for high sun exposure. A good upholstery shop will have in their catalog the appropriate type material. I saved some money by removing everything and bringing it to him ready to be worked on, and I also reinstalled everything myself. He really like that because he could estimate the shop work, the install and removal in an RV was a bit of a wild card.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #5
One if not the best fabrics for sun exposure is.

The Home of Sunbrella Fabrics

It comes in many styles. With just the fabric you can add thermal fabrics and other products to create a quality window enhancement or barrier.
As stated, going with a none Rv seamstress (unisex). Will usually result in quality, price karma.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #6
Can windshield drapes be cleaned (either machine or dry cleaned)  or does anyone have a good source for purchasing new ones.

Thanks Susan
I have a motorized windshield MCD shade now from previous owner's remodel.  However, had current bedroom drapes, what I thought, dry cleaned, they came out perfect. Had windshield drapes in previous other brand rvs dry cleaned, and they came out perfect too.

Employee at same dry cleaner/laundromat told me they only wash the bedspreads and curtains in their oversize washing machine on delicate mode.  He pointed out their literature saying they offered skilled, professional, cleaning (note, not dry cleaning) of drapes and comforters.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #7
When we were at FOT early last year we inquired about replacement windshield drapes. 

And, she would not even make a guess at the final (delivered) cost because too many variables.

I still have a $375 pillow to remind me of a similar situation.  It's 20" square.  Solid brown.  No welting.
 No zipper.  You were wise to hold off.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #8
I still have a $375 pillow to remind me of a similar situation.  It's 20" square.  Solid brown.  No welting.
 No zipper.  You were wise to hold off.
I have a similar one in my coach. Mine was only $300. :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #9
Carmen bought upholstery fabric at Joann Fabric and made new curtains for our coach. She carefully (her words) removed and reused the backing on the old curtains. Came out looking great
Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Windshield drapes in 1995 U300

Reply #10
While not on a Grand Villa, we added drapes to our U270 by getting some hanging hardware at Ikea and some black out curtains at Costco. Tys cut them down to size, using the bottom part and putting a new seam on the top. Total cost, about $50... They look nice and do a good job of minimizing temperature swings. Here is a post with some more details...
Drapes for the windshield
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson