Snap-in curtains and screens?

zuren · 12-07-2011, 02:57 PM

I'm interested to see any curtain window treatments that are "snap in". I've found a couple threads where members refer to them but I haven't seen any examples yet.

My van has limo tint all the way around except for the windshield and front-side windows. I also have the passenger van interior plastic panels to deal with. A curtain behind the front seats would solve privacy from that angle. During the day, you can't see in so I'm not worried there. At night, it is fairly easy to see in if there is a light on inside. So this winter I'm looking to solve my night-time privacy issue.

I've been in vans with "standard" curtains and I haven't been a fan. Day/Night shades could be an option but I've read they can be a pain to install if you have the passenger body paneling. I think snap in curtains would be the best solution but I was hoping to see some images before following that route.

Thanks for any help!

OttoVolcomSMB · 12-07-2011, 05:18 PM

I'll try to get a pic of mine later. I have the snap in all the way around. It was done by smb west.

billwilson · 12-08-2011, 05:24 AM

Here in Califonia, Lowes has a little packet of snaps
one part has a male end with a screw
the other female end is like a rivit, and comes with a small
"anvil" to put it together (with your curtain between"

i used this on my front snap in curtain that the wife sewed

i am sure in your area there is a fabric shop and craigslist person to sew for you
for a reasonable price

bw

dhally · 12-09-2011, 10:02 AM

We had a passenger van and had snap-on curtains made for it. We didn't have screens though. Visualize a rectangular curtain with snaps at the four corners. The curtains are bigger than the windows and remain flat when snapped into place.

The advantages of snap-in are they can totally block out light, and they conform to the slope of the walls so they stay out of the way. The disadvantage (a big one in my mind) is they take more time and acrobatics to open/close, and they must be stowed away somewhere. We ended up leaving them in place many times.

With that said, I think snap-on curtains are the only/best option for a passenger van as the OP mentioned.

For the front windows, consider a big one that snaps above the windshield and above the front side windows. Then the cab area is included on the "inside" and can be used for storage. If the front seats swivel, they will be inside the curtain as well.

Ford_6L_E350 · 12-09-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhally

For the front windows, consider a big one that snaps above the windshield and above the front side windows. Then the cab area is included on the "inside" and can be used for storage. If the front seats swivel, they will be inside the curtain as well.

That curtain came standard with our SMB. It covers the windshield and both front door windows.

Mike