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Tips for rebuilding side curtains?
- Thread starter smaceng
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RickB
Yoda
Offline
First good luck getting the right pieces.
I know you are aware the frames are not all equal, many people have had issues getting the correctly sized rubber for their frame.
Where do you plan to order yours?
Do they have really good and easily accessible customer service?
You will probably need it, unless you get really lucky the first time.
I know you are aware the frames are not all equal, many people have had issues getting the correctly sized rubber for their frame.
Where do you plan to order yours?
Do they have really good and easily accessible customer service?
You will probably need it, unless you get really lucky the first time.
YMMV
OP
smaceng
Jedi Knight
Offline
So my set of alum. frames appears to be factory. I have plastic, rubber and felt from AHspares. Appears to be the right stuff. Once I get the frames refinished, what does one do with the felt? I have two grooves, one bigger than the other. I assume the felt goes in the big groove and must cover the sides and bottom. So maybe some contact cement for that. Then how does one get the plastic in without breaking it. I know, pray, throw salt over my shoulder, turn around three times, and promise a good deed! Do I heat it up with a heat gun at bit. Someone said to push it in with a foot. Has anyone done this successfully?
Thanks,
Scott in CA
Thanks,
Scott in CA
sqbsprite
Jedi Trainee
Offline
The felt goes in the channel for the rear piece that slides. the front part is fixed by a slight crimp in the channel. Felt can be held in with just a small amount of glue on the frame. Super Glue gel works well and can be placed in small dots. Make sure the felt will not be too thick.
Installing the panels is not that hard. Place the bottom edge in the frame. Place the frame on something padded. Put your hand palm down fingers spread on the panel and push while pulling the frame toward you with the other hand. The panel just needs to bow enough to get past the edge of the frame. Pushing against the padded surface will give you some control so you do not push too far once it snaps in. At least that's how I remember it. It has been years since I did a set. To me, getting the seals on was more difficult than the panels. By the way. If they have a paper or plastic protection sheet on them, just trim it around the edges and leave it in place until they are installed. That will help prevent scratching.
Installing the panels is not that hard. Place the bottom edge in the frame. Place the frame on something padded. Put your hand palm down fingers spread on the panel and push while pulling the frame toward you with the other hand. The panel just needs to bow enough to get past the edge of the frame. Pushing against the padded surface will give you some control so you do not push too far once it snaps in. At least that's how I remember it. It has been years since I did a set. To me, getting the seals on was more difficult than the panels. By the way. If they have a paper or plastic protection sheet on them, just trim it around the edges and leave it in place until they are installed. That will help prevent scratching.
histerical
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
"just trim it around the edges and leave it in place" how would you do that without scratching or scoring the plastic ?
When I did my rubber seals, I had to re glue the mitered corners on the bottom with cyanoacrylate ( crazy/super) glue as I recall. I can't remember if it was because they came apart in the process or I had to cut them to make it work. The plastic , which I cut out of 1/8 plexi will bend enough to pop in as described without any real chance of breaking. Just don't do it cold and be sure there aren't any chips or small cracks around the edges.
When I did my rubber seals, I had to re glue the mitered corners on the bottom with cyanoacrylate ( crazy/super) glue as I recall. I can't remember if it was because they came apart in the process or I had to cut them to make it work. The plastic , which I cut out of 1/8 plexi will bend enough to pop in as described without any real chance of breaking. Just don't do it cold and be sure there aren't any chips or small cracks around the edges.
sqbsprite
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Peel back the paper away from the panel edges about 1/2" and trim it. If I were cutting my own, I would prefer to use Lexan over plexiglass because it is much stronger. I think the last ones I bought were made from lexan which has a paper protector instead of clear plastic. It has been a while, but I did three sets total and did not have any problem with the rubber coming apart. I just remember it was difficult to get in the channel of the frame. Using hand cleaner as lube helps. KY Jelly works well too since it is water soluable and can be cleaned off after you are finished. Please no puns here. I know I left the door wide open.