Fixing the cockpit curtain rail...How ? %$^&****^%

[mkguitar]

I could use suggestions on a fix.

2006 Pleasure-Way Lexor.
The curtain rail is now ( and maybe originally) screwed unto the wall fabric and insulation using screws into plastic expanders ( like you might use in drywall).

They are pulling out- it looks like hot melt glue may have been used at one time.

Suggestions on a permanent fix please.


Thanks, Mike

[Bruceper]

I couldn't say for sure, because I don't know what's behind the plugs, but you should be able to use a two part epoxy to keep them in.

Note - If you use Epoxy, these things are never coming out again unless you're cutting them out or drilling out the material.

[mkguitar]

thanks- but I don't think that would get anywhere

the plugs are through the fabric and then into what appears may be polyfill batting used as insulation.

Mike

[markopolo]

Up in the cab area? Is the curtain rail fastened to the headliner?

This topic might help: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...t=2190&p=11237

See if you can put in backing plates or large flat washers in place when you redo it.

Also, you might be able to add a metal tab support to take the strain off weaker areas. I fastened a metal tab under the sun visor bolt to hold a curtain track: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...hp?f=12&t=1926 I used short bolts/nuts with large flat washers for backing in other areas.

[mkguitar]

OK, success on one side- fighting with the other.

the rails were screwed into plastic expanding anchors like you might use in drywall.

I replaced those with the type which have "wings" which are designed to be pulled to the inside surface of drywall by the screw as it tightens.

the first 2 went great.

the other side, the anchors rotated.

so I went to pick oranges off the trees- they are about to bloom in the next 2 days and once that happens the bees make orange picking a challenge- also the woodpeckers are getting 3 or 4 oranges a day.
The woodpeckers not only eat the orange pulp and juice- but the oranges then become a haven for fruit flies...which the woodpeckers and hummingbirds eat.

As I pick the oranges I toss them into the pool - eventually hand washing each and storing in the RV fridge ( the fridge in the house is full)- about 80 will fit in the RV

and while doing that I am thinking...I will next attempt a thick sewing needle- like for leather- through the fabric liner and see if I can grab the anchor and keep it from rotating with the screw.


that first side worked just great!

Mike

[peteco]

Consider using superglue to strengthen the wall fabric and insulation. It will soak into anything porous and make it much stronger when it dries.

[mkguitar]

I did consider superglue ( i use it lots at work).

I am working on a surface which is vertical

I was afraid of it leaking back into the fabric and discolouring- also afraid of it making impossible to reverse and remove the anchor if it didn;t work.

I do have syringes and may later go back and add glue

thanks, Mike

[mkguitar]

Ok, success !

(for now anyway)

the anchors I used were from Home Depot- cobra 170S made in MTL, so should be available for Canucks

I used a large safety pin straightened and held with needle nose vicegrips.

I was able to get the pin into place at a 90º to the screw to keep the anchor from rotating as the screw tightened.

i used 6, 3 a side on the rearmost part of the rail, which is where the curtain 'parks" which is right where your shoulders will pull on them when in the seat(s).


Thanks, Mike

[stanw909]

Huzzah !

[mkguitar]

Update after some camping at Apache Lake.

Curtain fix is working ( for now) being super gentle with the curtain when moving it in the track.

I think it gets more pulling from my shoulder when driving.

so far so good.

Nice to be able to get out midweek when the recreational areas are quiet- still cool ( below 80º) here so not yet in season.

Mike