Ariel & Commander Owners

Ariel Association => Technical => Topic started by: silverpaul on May 03, 2010, 05:42:28 PM

Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: silverpaul on May 03, 2010, 05:42:28 PM
A-400 restoration is progressing: new head stay, lights, Windex, VHF antenna, bow pulpit (from a 1973 Catalina 27), stanchions and life lines, strongback reinforcement. So now she is ready to sail! Unofficial new name is "Kay Marie". I am now thinking about the interior, particularly window coverings. The curtain tracks are undamaged ('C' section metal). Does anyone know if suitable sliders are available?

Many thanks
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: c_amos on May 03, 2010, 06:51:57 PM
Quote from: silverpaul;21315A-400 restoration is progressing: new head stay, lights, Windex, VHF antenna, bow pulpit (from a 1973 Catalina 27), stanchions and life lines, strongback reinforcement. So now she is ready to sail! Unofficial new name is "Kay Marie". I am now thinking about the interior, particularly window coverings. The curtain tracks are undamaged ('C' section metal). Does anyone know if suitable sliders are available?

Many thanks

If you contact Sail Rite and tell them you need the plastic curtain beads with the 'small beads' you should get what you need.  The newer track takes a much wider bead, and you can not squeeze them into the OEM tracks.  The small bead is harder to come by, I bought this one (http://www.sailrite.com/Sew-on-Tab-Tape) and it did not fit.

(http://www.sailrite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=2923&c=603010&h=aa5d70c0bcae325a5b37)

  You need the one for smaller track... they used to stock it, but I had to call and ask for it.
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: Tony G on May 04, 2010, 12:36:53 PM
Craig, how did you aquire all of this knowledge?!?
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: c_amos on May 04, 2010, 01:34:13 PM
Quote from: Tony G;21321Craig, how did you aquire all of this knowledge?!?

Just trying to hang curtains.... Rose was the one who figured out the track I bought (the first time) did not fit... that is why I am such an expert on what does not work.... :p

Thankfully she had not sewn the beads into the hem of the curtain before we figured out that it was not gonna fit.

Worse case you might have to change over to the 'new style' track to accommodate the newer, larger 'beads'...
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: Rico on May 04, 2010, 02:31:40 PM
Do you guys have some pictures of your curtains?
I've wanted to come-up with something for C-155 but do not have a solution yet...
I have some crude temporary window coverings and have not moved beyond that.

I have found some neat aluminum-cased 'shade' style versions which were very small. Very cool, but just as expensive...
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: mbd on May 04, 2010, 06:44:12 PM
This is a timely thread. We'll be trying to install curtains this season too. Thanks for the info Craig!

I've always like Tim Lackey's blinds on Glissando - a bit too expensive for me though...

http://www.triton381.com/projects/restoration/finishtrim.htm#blinds
Title: Curtain Tracks
Post by: mbd on May 11, 2010, 09:42:31 AM
Anyone know the lengths of the curtain tracks off-hand?