T5 Curtains

[Baytown]

G'day everyone.
Does anyone know of a supplier for good quality black out curtains and rails to suit a T5 Van?
I've seached the net and come up with nothing, and the Poms have plenty of retailers but no one wants to post to Australia. I'm sick of being mucked around by them.
I'm after a cab seperator curtain, left side sliding door and rear hatch curtain set up.
Thanks for any advice.

Ken

[MultiplexMan]

I've been after the same for the finishing touches on the Beach for a couple years now

I am favoring using curtain wire with the eyes screwed into rivnuts at each end. I could only find it in white so black heat shrink over the top of the PVC sheath looks the go...

Sullivans International Pty Ltd

As to the curtains, I'll get a local to make them to my dimensions and simply pick up the fabric at Spotlight. I'm going for thermal backing and a mesh screen (No See Um fabric) for the sliding door & cab/cargo separator.

Mosquito Netting vs. No see um netting comparison

[Tewbacca]

Hi Ken, I've never used any of them but there are plenty of options for getting UK parcels to Australia. Skypax.com is one that comes to mind. You get the retailer to send to them and for a small cost they forward it to you. cheers Gary

[Baytown]

G'day Gary.
Thanks for the info mate.
I'm aware of these companies (not used a UK based one though) and was just concerned re being hit for an exorbitant postal cost by a third party. One UK mob quoted £90 UK postage to Oz from their retail shop for 2 curtains which I would have paid if they ever got back to me.
I think I'll just go to a caravan dealership and see what I can get from there. The Aussie VW T5 mail order aftermarket parts scene really is pathetic.

Best wishes Gary.

Ken

[Sunny43.5]

Overseas postage is always a problem I recently returned a faulty unit to China for a friend I was quoted $240 for a 3kg package by DHL and UPS etc , shocked and horrified I went on to Australia Post and it was sent in the same time frame for $70 with tracking number etc.

[Zebt]

G'day Gary.
The Aussie VW T5 mail order aftermarket parts scene really is pathetic.
Ken

Ken,
Totally agree, I have just picked up my new T5 SWB Transporter and I am finding the same problem. In need of a set of rear ply panels or template to have them cut. Can't find any info, lots in the UK but nothing here. Also curtains.
Let me know if you find anything. I like the idea of the discreet look where they are recessed into the window area.
Following these jobs I have the huge task of the rest of the conversion. I have a brother in the UK so thinking about using him! but postage is still a killer.

Zeb

[MultiplexMan]

Rear ply panels - try Motexion. Jan is even on this site. He's a good fellow, in Sydney and quick to help.

Curtains - you can buy the runners direct from Silent Gliss if you want the best (and are willing to pay). Or try the "compatible" ones from the many local suppliers. I googled "caravan curtains" and got Caravan Curtains - Home for starters...

[Baytown]

For the members out there who are sick of the poor availability of items in Oz, I can vouch for Vee Dub Transporters in the UK. I got fast, courteous service from Simon on a curtain and rails purchase, after other companies on the UK lists failed to reply to my request for info on their overseas sale policy, or didn’t follow up with the sale. His postage was £30 cheaper than the company who quoted me £95 but didn't follow up to make the sale.
I hope he does well from the Australain members, and I will provide his details. Vee Dub Transporters | Low priced accessories and parts for VW T4 and T5 Transporters
Peter, thanks for Jan's details. I have contacted him re the van liners, which he has, but the last 4 days here have been out of control, so I'll contact him in the next few days.

Best wishes all.

Ken

[Baytown]

Ken,
Totally agree, I have just picked up my new T5 SWB Transporter and I am finding the same problem. In need of a set of rear ply panels or template to have them cut. Can't find any info, lots in the UK but nothing here. Also curtains.
Let me know if you find anything. I like the idea of the discreet look where they are recessed into the window area.
Following these jobs I have the huge task of the rest of the conversion. I have a brother in the UK so thinking about using him! but postage is still a killer.

Zeb

G'day Zeb.
As per Multi (Pete's) comments, Jan at MOTEXION may have your liner to suit your SWB. I know he has the LWB liners which I plan to get from him soon.
His details are on this list, or look up MOTEXION.
Also, re curtains, again, Multi's link to the Aussie curtain mob is good. I don't have the ability to measure my van, so prefere to go to a one stop shop, hence VEE DUB Transporters. Use the web link I provided, or I can give you their e-mail: simon@veedubtransporters.co.uk The blokes name is Simon and tell em Ken in Australia sent you!

We need to start a list of recommended places to purchase things from here for the VW T5.
So far I've managed to recommend:
Front Wipers
Rear Wipers
Panneling
Curtains

ED: can we formalise this for links and others to make suggestions?
Best wishes mate.

Ken

[Zebt]

Thanks for the info Ken. Great idea for the list of suppliers and products. Could add the sound proofing I have used, Evobuild.com Fastfix product, very good. Will check out the uk mob.
Cheers
Zeb

[Baytown]

Neo.
Mate, I've done extensive searches, and nothing, or they wont deal with Australia or they haven't been bothered to finalise the deal.
If you know of suitable retailers, can you post the link for others to benifit from?
Most would be looking for a one stop option, specifically for the T5. (and T4 I spose).
Ken

[wai]

Have you seen what they use in ambulances?

Essentially it is a rod top and bottom, with eyelets in the top and bottom hem of the curtain. They are then threaded zig-zag fashion onto the rods. To open them up you "scrunch" them up at one end, and to close them off, just stretch them out.

Seeing as the NSW Ambulance Service uses VW Transporters in some areas, it might be worth a call to the trimmers who do the ambulances.

[Baytown]

Thanks for the info Wai.
I've already ordered from Vee Dub Transporters in the UK. I got sick of looking.

Ken

[mat27777777]

Hi Ken,

I'm in the same situation that you are. I've just purchased a VW T5 2009 model and am desperately trying to find some pre made curtains. The curtains on VeeDub look great, but i have a few questions if you wouldn't mind answering based on your experience.

1. How much was the postage cost to get them sent from the UK and what items did you order? i was looking at getting the whole van kit for all windows.
2. Have you installed the rails and curtains yet? If so, how easy hard were they and what have the results been like? Do the curtains block out all light?
3. Would you recommend the cost of getting these sent over and are they worth the money?

I did find ones from van-x.co.uk that look like a slighly better product, but they distinctly say they don't send overseas.

Thanks heaps if you could help me out and i'm sure plenty of others interested in this.

Mat.

[Baytown]

VW Curtains

G'Day Matt.
No worries mate, happy to assist.
I purchased from the recommended dealer (Simon at VW Transporters) as I was mucked around by other UK based retailers. He also has a good reputation and I found him very willing to assist.
I view the purchase from the UK this way, you can drive around for days trying to get an Aussie retailer who knows the van and has items that suit, as opposed to 'make it fit' caravan type offerings.
The postage for my 07 Van for the rear tail gait window, cab divider, and sliding door window was around $65 Aussie. Again, worth it when compared too Australian postage costs and mucking around on the net or Yellow Pages, driving around etc.
If you have more windows, then obviously your total cost will be more.
I found that whilst not totally black out curtains, they are more than suitable and no one can see in or out. The material was very good quality.
Installation was initially a pain as you may need to bend the rails on the tail gait and sliding door. As they are a box channel design, it takes some work. I ended up using a saw, rubber mallet and self tappers to fit to my van. Hanging the curtains is kids play.
I'm more than happy with the quality, service, cost and fitment. A highly recommended retailer from the UK, and tell Simon that I sent you!
Best wishes Mat.

Ken