(Home) Improvised curtain hooks

As the big stuff all seems to be behaving itself I would like to attend to the smaller stuff.....eg curtains. When I got the Townie it was missing curains, not a problem when the better half is a whizz on the electric sowing machine. However, despite being able to make the curtain shuttles fly back and forward at great speed and at much amusement to the kids it would seem that the reason the Townie was not fitted with curtains in the first place was a remarkable lack of viable hooks.

I have read that probably the only solution will be recycling parts from a scrapped Townie, but has anyone found a source of supply for the original items or come up with a workable alternative. I appreciate the remote operation aspect is pure gimmick but if I have a gizmo fitted it I would like it to work as the manafacturer intended.

On a unrelated matter this is a brilliant site and my thanks go to those responsible for its upkeep and those who provide advice for the not so well informed.


George

- (#7572) George, 6 Mar 03

George, the original hooks are of two different types, the side curtains have a sort of U shaped hook at the top, which pushes upwards into the curtain hem (is that the right dress making term) then hooks over the eyelets on the curtain rail, with the first two on each curtain going onto the shuttle. The bottom rail has hooks not disimilar to paper clips, that push down into the hem & again thread onto the eyelets in the lower rail. Of course if you are also missing these eyelets then you're really in trouble. I guess that you could indeed use bent up paper clips to fabricate the hooks, but these certainly wouldn't be man enough for the weight of the standard curtains. You could try a wire coat hanger, a decent pair of side cutters & a couple of pairs of pliers to bend up your own hooks to do the job, the original hhoks are quite thick, and very un bendable. HTH Rob.

- (#7573) Rob Drinkwater, 6 Mar 03

George,
In order to get the coverage (of the window,) and to be pulled into an acceptable, closed position, by the linear motor, the curtain has to be quite closely pleated but, I am sure that your "Whizz" of a seamstress would have no trouble with that.
Yes,the remote operation of the side curtains is, I think a bit of a gimmick but, I find that the remote operation of the rear screen curtains a great help, especially when being followed at night by one of those drivers who insists on putting out enough wattage through his headlights and (unneccessary) foglights, to take the paint off the back of your vehicle. Rob has described the hooks and, they are quite special but, with a bit of patience, they could be made up quite easily from fairly stout wire. If you want to see some, to get a pattern, it would be no problem to post you a couple, together with a sketch. You might even be able to modify some type of "genuine" curtain hooks which are available from the DIY stores.

- (#7574) John Davis, 6 Mar 03

My Japanese Hand Book has a diagram of the hooks and what is used where. Can scan and send it to you if required.

- (#7575) Clive, 6 Mar 03

Thanks Guys, unfortunately 'hooks' was probably the wrong word to use, it's actually the eyelettes, as Rob referred to them, that are damaged. These run actually within the recesses of the curtain rail and the hooks would attach to them.

So I guess supplies are non existent and will require some lateral thinking. I shall ponder the subject.

Clive, I would be grateful for copies of the scanned diagrams if and when you have time. John I have added you to my address book and may take you up on your kind offer if I manage to resolve the eyelette issue.

Cheers

George

- (#7576) George, 6 Mar 03

George
I am not sure if these are the same or not but pg 17 of just campers catologue shows glides and rails etc
www.justkampers.com
Memory tells me that a supplier of vw camper/bus bits said something about their rails being used on japanese vehicles - so a web search may be useful
I dont recall which site but I could provide you with bookmarks to try if required

I'd be interested to know how you get on because the top rails and curtains are missing from my hiace - I was considering using motorhome/camper parts suppliers if I cant obtain the originals (currently waiting for quote from toyota)
Having said that - does anyone know another source?

- (#7577) Chris, 6 Mar 03

George,
The diagram is on AceAnswers under Curtains
the following site may be of help also.

www.vwcurtains.com/silent.htm
Clive

- (#7578) Clive, 7 Mar 03

anybody know where i can get 2nd hand elctric rails and how much.
previous owner mistreated them and has burned them out. had a look, but unrepairable. rang breakers whee i got tailgate mirror. they didn't laugh out loud...but i could tell!
thanks

- (#7662) eddie arrowsmith, 12 Mar 03