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How to make curved PVC valences [message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 17:43

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

Pretty simple really. Takes a table saw or jig saw, some sandpaper, a heat gun, a few scraps of wood, and a few C clamps or vice grips.

Photo album for the email folks is:http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/how-to-make-curved-pvc-valences/p46624-r-0012.html

But the text is here:

This is what I started with, a 36" piece of 4x4x1/8 vinyl from Lowes.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0012.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0012.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0024.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0024.jpg

Then I marked the profile on a piece of 2x4. In retrospect I should have made the cut more in the middle...more on that later.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0032.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0032.jpg

Just verifying the fit.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0043.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0043.jpg

Cut the 4x4 into four 1 1/2 x1" angles on the table saw. You could use different sizes as necessary but this is what I used for my Micro Mini Blinds. If someone will tell me what kind of depth is needed for the day night shades, I'd appreciate it.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0061.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0061.jpg

Clamp in place. It will twist and warp. Not to worry.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0081.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0081.jpg

I used a Harbor Freight heat gun on high and as the PVC get hot it flattens out and stretches. Make sure it is down all over the curve and let it cool before you pull it off the form. Remember what I said about making the cut in the center of the board? If I had, I would have had a male and a female pattern and just pulled the two together as the PVC was heated. I'd do that on the next batch.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0091.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0091.jpg

I cut a slot in a piece of plywood, cut a 1" strip of PVC, heated it, and once it bent, set a weight on it while it cooled.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_010.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_010.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_011.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_011.jpg

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191534 is a reply to message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 17:44

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

Part two:

This is the angle I'll glue to the valence so you have something to screw to. Use plain old PVC glue. Works good, lasts a long time. Put the angles where you want them and make them as long or as short as you want.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_013.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_013.jpg

This batch I'm putting up temporarily on the side of my coach I haven't done yet. I just painted them with some plastic paint and will use the metal Ls that were holding the crappy wooden valences up.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0141.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0141.jpg

That's it.

Yes, I will make some for sale if there is interest. Probably $20 a window for a 'kit'. Two each 36" long curved pieces and angles. You cut to length, glue on the tabs where you want them, and paint or upholster to your hearts desire.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

[Updated on: Wed, 28 November 2012 17:44]

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191538 is a reply to message #191534]

Wed, 28 November 2012 17:55

rcjordan

Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Nice looking job, Kerry. I expect you'll sell some sets.

SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #191546 is a reply to message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 18:16

Ken Henderson

Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA

Karma: 9

Senior Member

Kerry,

Nice job; gonna make lots of folks envious.

Just a minor suggestion: It appears you've added mounting tabs top &
bottom. With the PVC, I'd suggest adding at least another tab half way up
because I suspect there's going to be a slight tendency for the PVC to
return to its original curvature when exposed to our summer heat.

Of course, that poses another problem: The blinds may tend to catch on the
tabs as they're raised & lowered. :-(

Now everyone knows why I have exposed mounting screws.

Ken H.

On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:

>
>
> Pretty simple really. Takes a table saw or jig saw, some sandpaper, a
> heat gun, a few scraps of wood, and a few C clamps or vice grips.
>
> Photo album for the email folks is:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/how-to-make-curved-pvc-valences/p46624-r-0012.html
> ...
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #191547 is a reply to message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 18:17

werewilfs

Messages: 329
Registered: July 2012
Location: Rappahannock County, VA

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Excellent!� Thanks for this.

Jared
Amissville, VA
73 PD

________________________________
From: Kerry Pinkerton <Pinkertonk@MCHSI.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 6:43 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences

Pretty simple really.� Takes a table saw or jig saw, some sandpaper, a heat gun, a few scraps of wood, and a few C clamps or vice grips.

Photo album for the email folks is:http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/how-to-make-curved-pvc-valences/p46624-r-0012.html

But the text is here:

This is what I started with, a 36" piece of 4x4x1/8 vinyl from Lowes.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0012.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0024.jpg

Then I marked the profile on a piece of 2x4.� In retrospect I should have made the cut more in the middle...more on that later.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0032.jpg

Just verifying the fit.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0043.jpg

Cut the 4x4 into four 1 1/2 x1" angles on the table saw.� You could use different sizes as necessary but this is what I used for my Micro Mini Blinds.� If someone will tell me what kind of depth is needed for the day night shades, I'd appreciate it.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0061.jpg

Clamp in place.� It will twist and warp.� Not to worry.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0081.jpg

I used a Harbor Freight heat gun on high and as the PVC get hot it flattens out and stretches.� Make sure it is down all over the curve and let it cool before you pull it off the form.� Remember what I said about making the cut in the center of the board?� If I had, I would have had a male and a female pattern and just pulled the two together as the PVC was heated.� I'd do that on the next batch.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0091.jpg

I cut a slot in a piece of plywood, cut a 1" strip of PVC, heated it, and once it bent, set a weight on it while it cooled.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_010.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_011.jpg

--
Kerry Pinkerton

North Alabama, near Huntsville,

77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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Jared & Stefanie Kohl Rappahannock County, VA 1973 Painted Desert "Onslow"

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191550 is a reply to message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 18:58

zhagrieb

Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Bless you. I've gone (further) nuts curving aluminum angle for just that.

Glenn

Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG '73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #191554 is a reply to message #191538]

Wed, 28 November 2012 19:40

k2gkk

Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009

Karma: -8

Senior Member

I know for sure that I would purchase
seven sets of these for my coach!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: rc@rcjordan.com
> Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:55:53 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences
>
> Nice looking job, Kerry. I expect you'll sell some sets.
> --
> 77 Royale "Retro Chic" (currently at GMCcoop)
> Elizabeth City, NC
> 1 hour south of Norfolk VA
> 1 hour west of Kitty Hawk, NC

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #191557 is a reply to message #191546]

Wed, 28 November 2012 19:54

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

]Kerry,
...Just a minor suggestion: It appears you've added mounting tabs top & bottom. With the PVC, I'd suggest adding at least another tab half way up because I suspect there's going to be a slight tendency for the PVC to return to its original curvature when exposed to our summer heat. [/quote]

Perhaps. It 'FEELS' pretty hot. I'll get my infrared thermometer on it tomorrow and see at what temp it starts to move. I'm thinking it won't move even at closed up coach in the august sun temps but I've been wrong before. Aluminum won't move..... Laughing

Laughing

Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 28 November 2012 18:16

...Of course, that poses another problem: The blinds may tend to catch on the tabs as they're raised & lowered.

I can easily add an extra tab just in case and I'd think the edges of the tab could be tapered to minimize the catching.

Anyone who is interested in some, please PM me and I'll get going on them.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191562 is a reply to message #191533]

Wed, 28 November 2012 21:29

Dennis S

Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Kerry,

Thank you for the great tutorial!
I am very impressed with the PVC valence look.
For those of us who want a bottom tray -- should not be difficult to adapt as well.

Regards,
Dennis

Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #191570 is a reply to message #191557]

Wed, 28 November 2012 23:34

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Bryon can do it better but
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6239/How_to_make_curved_PVC_valences.pdf

you might want to make some changes ?
the links are still hot

gene

>
>
>
> I can easily add an extra tab just in case and I'd think the edges of the
> tab could be tapered to minimize the catching.
>
> Anyone who is interested in some, please PM me and I'll get going on them.
>
> --
> Kerry Pinkerton
>
> North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
> 77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, also a 76 Eleganza being re-bodied as
> an Art Deco car hauler
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>

--
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�Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191669 is a reply to message #191533]

Thu, 29 November 2012 19:25

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

Installed the PVC valences on the drivers side of my coach just as a temporary measure until I get around to redoing that entire side. I used the existing angle brackets that had been holding the plywood valence like things.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0151.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0151.jpg

They look just fine. The plastic paint is a bit fragile but it might be that I did not let it dry enough. If I was going to keep them, I would cover them in vinyl anyway. When I redo the drivers side, I'll make aluminum ones that match the other side....because...well, I'm a metal guy. Shocked

Shocked

Laughing

It was a bit difficult to get them to fit without removing the upper cabinets so I cut them shorter.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0161.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0161.jpg

One thing I discovered is that the rear support for my DAVO keeps the 'normal' installation from working because of the interference of the frame. I ended up whacking off about 5" from the bottom.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0171.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0171.jpg

All in all a vast improvement over the old wooden things I had. On the 'production' versions I'm going to make the front angle a bit longer...maybe an inch and a half instead of an inch. I'm thinking that will let us move them a bit further away from the ends and they'll work a bit smoother.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #191736 is a reply to message #191669]

Fri, 30 November 2012 12:17

hal kading

Messages: 642
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Cruces NM

Karma: 4

Senior Member

Kerry,

Reference: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6237/R_0171.jpg

As a metal guy you make a couple of cuts on the offending tube to reposition the offset lower and weld it back together. Walla, it clears the new full length valance and the blind can be lowered to the bottom of the window.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #193864 is a reply to message #191533]

Mon, 24 December 2012 00:45

Coelli

Messages: 136
Registered: July 2012
Location: Los Angeles

Karma: 0

Senior Member

A light sanding will increase the workload, but might help the plastic paint adhere better. They look great!

Meghan
1976 Eleganza II, Los Angeles, CA
Classic GMC Motorhomes Group on Facebook

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #249308 is a reply to message #193864]

Sat, 10 May 2014 08:30

djester

Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Are you still making these? Sure would like a set for five windows.

Dave

David A. Jester Indianapolis, In 1975 Palm Beach djester@comcast.net

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #249309 is a reply to message #249308]

Sat, 10 May 2014 08:53

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

djester wrote on Sat, 10 May 2014 08:30

Are you still making these? Sure would like a set for five windows.

Dave

Not really Dave. The curved valences work fine for the small windows but on the larger ones, the blinds hang up because of the weight on them in the middle of the curve. You have to raise the blinds, adjust the angle, and lower them again. Not really very professional and for that reason I decided not to sell them.

They MIGHT work on the mid size windows (rear of coach). We haven't tried them there yet. They also might work better with other than the micro-mini blinds that we have. We're going to be changing to different blinds/shades and if the curved valences work better there, I'll start making them again.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: How to make curved PVC valences [message #249310 is a reply to message #249309]

Sat, 10 May 2014 09:12

djester

Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Thanks, Kerry, sure wish someone would come up with a good DIY solution. Somewhere I saw that someone made them out of an "H" channel, or mullion, but can't find source for that kind of channel, or an explanation of how it was done.

Dave

David A. Jester Indianapolis, In 1975 Palm Beach djester@comcast.net

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #249311 is a reply to message #249309]

Sat, 10 May 2014 09:15

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Dave,

There is this solution which GeneE up in Canada came up with:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p32919-venetian-blind-valence.html

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: Kerry Pinkerton

Not really Dave. The curved valences work fine for the small windows but on the larger ones, the blinds hang up because of the
weight on them in the middle of the curve. You have to raise the blinds, adjust the angle, and lower them again. Not really very
professional and for that reason I decided not to sell them.

They MIGHT work on the mid size windows (rear of coach). We haven't tried them there yet. They also might work better with other
than the micro-mini blinds that we have. We're going to be changing to different blinds/shades and if the curved valences work
better there, I'll start making them
--
Kerry

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #249313 is a reply to message #249311]

Sat, 10 May 2014 09:32

djester

Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis

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Very interesting solution, Rob. I'll have to think that through. Looks like one would have to take down cabinets to attach.

Dave

David A. Jester Indianapolis, In 1975 Palm Beach djester@comcast.net

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #249387 is a reply to message #249313]

Sun, 11 May 2014 08:18

djester

Messages: 145
Registered: January 2014
Location: Indianapolis

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Here is another solution that looks very promising, but I can't find the material anywhere. Every hardware store I talk to says they have never seen anything like that "H" mullion. Likewise on the internet. I'll keep looking.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/valances/p4101.html

Dave

David A. Jester Indianapolis, In 1975 Palm Beach djester@comcast.net

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Re: [GMCnet] How to make curved PVC valences [message #249404 is a reply to message #249387]

Sun, 11 May 2014 10:50

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

djester wrote on Sun, 11 May 2014 08:18

Here is another solution that looks very promising, but I can't find the material anywhere. Every hardware store I talk to says they have never seen anything like that "H" mullion. Likewise on the internet. I'll keep looking.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/valances/p4101.html

Dave

I just looked up that UPC and it is not listed.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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