Making frame curtains with your own hands is the best alternative to standard tinting. The part reliably protects against dust and insects. If necessary, the elements can be quickly removed. If produced poorly, this material has a number of disadvantages. Let's consider the features of these devices, as well as the features of their operation and consumer reviews.
Do-it-yourself frame curtains for cars - it's real!
Hello. Today on our website, www.autoposobie.ru, you will learn how to make frame curtains on car windows at home. Step-by-step instructions for making frame curtains for a car will save money and get an excellent and, importantly, not prohibited by law alternative to car tinting.
You all know what window tinting is, most of you own cars whose windows are tinted. This solution perfectly solves the problem of UV rays, as well as the problem of prying eyes that freely penetrate into the interior of a car that is not equipped with tinting.
Everything seemed simple and easy, pay the money, do the tint and go for a ride, but that’s not the case - the law doesn’t approve. More precisely, he approves, but only partially tinted cars, that is, those with only the rear windows tinted; all other options are, as they say, punishable by law. There is a fine for tinting and dismantling of this type of tuning right on the spot.
Why is he doing this, you might think!? What I mean is that frame curtains are good because they can perfectly solve the problem of tinting. Such curtains can be quickly installed and also easily and simply dismantled if necessary, for example, in case of complaints from the traffic police. This type of tinting, if you can call it that, very quickly became popular, as a result of which the cost of these simple, uncomplicated products has seriously increased, as a result of which many have denied themselves this pleasure. Others went the other way and tried to make such curtains with their own hands. What came out of this you will find out further.
Safety
No matter how tempting the prospect of making the devices in question with your own hands may seem, to do this you need to objectively assess your capabilities. Without the appropriate skills, building them will be very problematic. As a result, an option may arise in which you will have to remove unsuccessful modifications with damage to some part of the interior trim, and then purchase a factory kit. The result is a waste of time, money and nerves.
The essence of the safety and reliability of curtains is that the factory has the ability to test them for strength, tearing and other deformations. It is almost impossible to conduct such testing at home. Since anything can happen on the road, the check is not a fiction, but complements safety when driving, especially over long distances and when the temperature changes.
How to make frame curtains with your own hands?
In order to complete this task, you need to acquire the necessary materials and some equipment.
For work, prepare:
- Scissors;
- Wire “5” (length depending on the size of the windows);
- A fine-grain mesh; a coarse mesh will obstruct vision and negatively affect the eyes (the material should have good stretch);
- Material for edging (preferably something thick with hemmed edges, approximately 2.5-3 cm wide, according to your taste);
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tape (to hide the metal frame).
Now point by point.
- The first step is to make a frame; for this, many people make patterns or bend wire, which is later used to make a frame. In general, there are many options; which one you choose is your personal choice. The main task is to make the template as accurate as possible, so that nothing sticks out anywhere and there are no gaps.
- Next, we take the wire, bend it into the most accurate copy of the template, if desired, you can try it on from time to time, this will allow you to more accurately recreate the contours of the window. After the frame is bent, it can be fastened. Here, too, there are different options from ordinary twisting with electrical tape to installing a larger diameter squeegee. In my case, everything was decided much simpler; the ends were simply welded together.
- Now you need to wrap the frame with electrical tape or use heat shrink instead, it will look better. It’s even better if you get some braided wire somewhere; baskets and other household utensils are often made from this type.
- Now you can tighten the mesh. Doing this, I will say right away, is inconvenient and quite difficult for the first time, but the main thing is not to despair. There is a way out - you need to fix the upper or lower part, and then slowly pull the fabric in a circle. You can grab it with clothespins or some kind of paper clips, after you sew it in one place, you can remove the clothespins or paper clips. We carefully sew everything with thread, while simultaneously observing the tension, it should be such that the fabric does not sag over time. Remove the remaining fabric with scissors.
- We try everything on in place, if the frame curtains fit properly, the result suits you, you can proceed to the final stage - hemming the edging. It’s better to make the edging using a sewing machine, but if you don’t have one, you can carefully hem everything by hand. The main thing is not to rush and be careful. When sewing on the edging, do not forget to sew a loop for quick dismantling, that is, a tail, by which, if necessary, you will remove these same frame curtains.
And this is the final result:
That's all. The curtains are ready for installation and test drive. I hope you liked this option, and you can repeat the work I did yourself. I would like to believe that you will do well too. You can write about your experiments and results in the comments. Also, feel free to comment on this alternative to tinting, I would like to hear your opinion on this matter.
Types of homemade car curtains
In addition to the material of manufacture, there is a classification of car curtains according to their design:
Let's look at how they differ and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Mesh curtains
Sliding curtains
From the point of view of ease of manufacture, the sliding version of the curtains has no competitors. This accessory copes very well with the function of supplementing or replacing car tinting, while its design in no way interferes with raising/lowering the vehicle windows.
In addition to the material for the curtains themselves (any material you like will do, but preferably thin and not dense), you will need several meters of satin ribbon, sewing supplies, a pair of hooks (two for each window) and a long thin wire.
The hooks must be strong, as well as their fastening - they will bear the main weight load. The strings are attached to the hooks, and it is desirable that they are located as close as possible to the top edge of the glass. It is not necessary to achieve an exact repetition of the contour of the glass, and this is difficult in modern cars. When cutting fabric, be sure to take into account the curvature of the guide string, as well as the need to reserve a few centimeters for the edge of the fabric through which the string will pass.
The task becomes more complicated for the rear window - it is not flat like the side windows, and has a decent curvature. In this case, you will need more hooks - two are not enough.
The curtains themselves can be opened/closed by hand, but if desired, a trivial mechanism can be mounted to facilitate this function. Some particularly advanced car enthusiasts even automate this task by adapting miniature engines for this purpose.
Removable curtains
Here, in principle, the same materials and tools will be required, and special attention should be paid to the wire. It should not be thin, as in the previous case, because it plays the role of a removable frame. It is recommended to use thick steel wire, characterized by high ductility, that is, the ability to bend under the influence of external forces. Stainless or hardened steel is unsuitable for these purposes due to their inability to deform without breaking.
The wire is bent along the contour of the glass, after which the fabric is stretched over it so that it is possible to move the curtain and open the window. The frame is attached to the window using plastic clips (optionally using magnets). This design allows you to dismantle the curtain along with the frame at any time. As a rule, there is no need for this in the summer, but in the cold season, when the sun becomes a rare guest in the sky, many car owners remove the curtains until next spring.
The main disadvantage of removable curtains is that due to the rigid frame they take up too much space, and while it is still possible to find free space for the side windows in the trunk, then everything is not so good with the rear window.
Automatic blinds on rear windows
Quick release curtains
In terms of ease of manufacture, this is certainly the most preferable option. There are no frames or strings - the curtain is attached directly to the glass using suction cups. You can buy them at any hardware store. All you need to do is cut the fabric to the size of the window glass and attach suction cups to them. For side windows, 4 suction cups are sufficient; for the rear windows, more may be required. The obvious advantage of quick-release curtains is that they can be installed/removed in a matter of seconds. At the same time, they will not look so good, they will not cover the window completely (it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid the presence of cracks), and if you want to partially open such a curtain, then you will not succeed - either it covers the entire window, or it is dismantled. But it will take up much less space when folded.
Types of car curtains. We make frame protective screens with our own hands
What owner of his vehicle doesn’t want to make his car stand out in some way?! One of the most popular types of decoration for your car is tinting. However, it cannot be used everywhere.
There is another best option - curtains for car windows.
Modern curtain options are distinguished by excellent design and style. Anyone can find their own worthy option in stores or try to make it themselves.
Curtains for car windows: necessary or not?
If previously it was believed that curtains were installed on a car purely for aesthetics, now their necessity becomes clear. The products will provide reliable protection from bright sunlight. And above all, this is important for the driver, since the sun usually shines in the eyes. And this creates a dangerous situation that leads to an accident of varying severity.
Passengers also experience discomfort when traveling in hot weather. In this case, car frame curtains for side windows can help out.
In addition, if you have to leave the car in the heat, you have to look for a shaded place, otherwise the car interior gets very hot. Especially if the car has large windows and the interior has dark upholstery.
Frame curtains with a shortened version of the screens for the front doors for passing traffic police posts
And certainly no air conditioner will cope if the heat is stuck in a traffic jam with no end in sight. It is also worth mentioning the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on upholstery material. It quickly loses its color and becomes unusable.
Thus, it is clear that curtains in a car are not so much a luxury item, but rather a necessary precaution.
A little about the legality of installing car blinds
All drivers are aware of the ban on tinting (as well as the fact that for some categories of the population this legal norm is not mandatory). What does the law say about curtains, especially those made independently?
There is no direct prohibition on their installation. The current Rules only cover the problem of permeability of the windshield, as well as the side front windows. We are talking about specific parameters that can only be determined using special instruments. Curtains in this context, especially fabric ones, are completely opaque, so using them while driving is prohibited. But this is understandable as it is. What about the rear windows?
Their presence will increase comfort for passengers located in the rear row of seats. But to what extent does such amateur activity fit within the framework of the law?
If a traffic police inspector stops you and notices that there are curtains in the unfolded state at the back, most likely he will try to punish the driver. In doing so, he will be guided by one of the following provisions:
- curtains prevent a normal view of the space behind the car;
- they completely cover the window opening;
- Transparency of auto curtains is less than 80%.
Even in the case of mesh products, it is not possible to comply with all three points of the traffic rules if the curtains are completely closed. But it is enough to open them slightly to cast doubt on the arguments of the traffic police officer. As a rule, in such cases they back down, especially if you communicate with the inspector politely - it will be difficult for him to prove that he is right, it will take a lot of time, so many traffic inspectors prefer not to pay attention to such a violation.
All these circumstances should be taken into account at the manufacturing stage. The feasibility of sewing a car blind for the windshield is generally questioned - it can be used, as already noted, only while parked, and in this case it is much easier to purchase a suitable ready-made foil product with suction cups. In the end, such a curtain will cope with its task quite effectively, and appearance is unlikely to play a key role.
I found my old post on how I made curtains, I decided to share, maybe it will be useful to someone) so... I decided to tint the car with curtains, for this I bought mesh fabric, aluminum wire with a diameter of 3mm and an elastic band with a width of 3.5cm. and got to work... with the help of a man's hands, we bent a wire frame along the contour of the window and soldered the ends, cut the fabric along this contour, giving a hem allowance of 3-4 centimeters, so that it would be more convenient to pull...
covered the frame, securing the fabric with a hand stitch, and then using a sewing machine...
Trimmed the excess fabric allowance at the hem...
Having folded the elastic lengthwise in the middle, we sew the edge of the curtain...that's all!
Types of models
We have already decided on the need to use curtains; now it is useful to find out what types exist.
The following types of products can be found on sale:
- sun protection;
- plastic;
- fabric;
- frame;
- only for the rear window or only for the side windows and others.
Now a little more detail about each type.
Sunscreen
It is very popular among many drivers due to the way they are mounted on glass. There are suction cups for this, so it’s easy to secure this structure.
The style of such products is universal; they will suit any car: both the cheapest and the most elite. In terms of cost, the screen also wins because it is the most affordable and practical tool. A set of two pieces will cost only 150-200 rubles.
However, it is not without its drawbacks. The screen dimensions are smaller than the glass itself, which does not allow full protection from the sun. In addition, the suction cups quickly fail.
Plastic
The advantage of plastic curtains is that they can be quickly rolled up and unfolded as needed. Fastening (labor-intensive) is carried out using self-tapping screws, but they are easy to use.
However, after some time, such curtains will lose their attractive appearance due to the nature of the material (plastic quickly loses its color). But if functionality is important, then this option is completely justified.
One has only to take into account that curtains are supplied to the market in standard sizes and it is possible that models of the required sizes may simply not be found. The cost of such accessories is 1000-1500 rubles.
Fabric
They can be compared to apartment curtains. Car models are held on hooks, which in turn are attached to the upper and lower cornices. Everything is located not on the glass, but next to it, which allows you to open and close the window without hindrance.
The main advantage is quick replacement. It is possible to choose exactly those models that will best suit your tastes (the desired degree of darkness, size, etc.). Such a kit will cost 600-2000 rubles.
Interesting video about which car curtains are better, comparison test:
Frame
The price for frame curtains for the front windows of a car ranges from 2,900 to 3,500 rubles, depending on the vehicle model. For a complete set (7 pieces) you will have to pay from 8,600 to 9,700 Russian rubles.
As the name implies, frame products have a base the size of the window and a mesh that is stretched over this base. These accessories are the best option when compared with other types.
First of all, they are practical to use. Installation and replacement does not take much time. Durable fabric is used as a mesh, which additionally protects the inhabitants from insects.
In addition, a cutout for smokers can be made to order in the mesh (the pleasure will cost 300 rubles).
Smoking cutout
Many car enthusiasts prefer this type of protection to tinting. It was noted that with frame products installed, the efficiency of the air conditioner increases by about 30-40%.
Watch the video on the topic, installation of frame car blinds Brenzo:
Standard equipment
Factory sunshades are usually supplied with the following configuration:
- A couple of elements for the front windows.
- Two analogues for the rear side windows.
- Curtain for rear window and vent.
- Fixing hooks.
Depending on the make of the car, car curtains can be purchased from 5 to 12 thousand rubles per set. The price also depends on the quality and brand. In addition, this moment depends on additional devices in the form of fasteners.
DIY protective screens
If desired, you can make frame curtains for car windows yourself. To do this, you will need steel wire (2 mm) to make the frame, a net (preferably not mosquito net) and tools (pliers, electrical tape, needle and thread).
The first thing you need to do is take accurate measurements. Ideally, first make a mock-up of the frame from cardboard, and then wrap it around it with wire. You will need to leave about a centimeter for the joint of the wire, after which it is rewound with electrical tape.
Need to make a frame
Now you can move on to the grid. It can also be attached to the layout. Here you also need to leave a centimeter on each side for reliable fixation. Now we sew the mesh to the frame with threads.
Just remember that excessive tension can lead to deformation of the frame. And if the tension is too weak, the mesh will sag and waves will form.
All that remains is to sew the mesh to the base
It is optimal to grab two opposite sides first, and then the rest. At the very end, after adjusting the frame, use a satin ribbon to sew the edge with thread. The curtain itself can be attached with double-sided tape.
These DIY frame sunblinds for car windows will be relevant for any vehicle. In addition, with this approach, costs can be significantly lower than purchasing new products. But here it all depends on desire and capabilities.
Watch a useful video on how to make auto curtains with your own hands:
Choose any model you like and transform your car!
Recommendations
Experts advise that when making your own, pay attention to the fastening of frame curtains for cars, and also take into account the degree of transmission of light and air. The fact is that often handicraft specimens do not meet factory standards. This leads to reduced visibility on the highway. As a result, the safety of movement decreases. Drivers are still allowed to use homemade curtains, so the choice remains theirs in terms of responsibility for themselves and their passengers. Consider the fact that homemade variations can either help or lead to an accident. It all depends on the quality of the curtains and the correct installation.
Frame car blinds (TROKOT, Laitovo) – is it worth buying?
Frame curtains on cars appeared relatively recently as an alternative to prohibited tinting. A special curtain fabric is stretched over a frame that completely follows the shape of the car windows. After installation, the product looks like a screen that fits tightly to the glass, protecting the interior from the sun, dust and insects.
In Russia, the most popular frame curtains are Laitovo and TROKOT. Less known are analogues from such manufacturers as Blackton, Brenzo, Mobil Stille and AutoZoom. Products from all companies have the same design principle and differ only in the materials used and the method of fastening.
There are two options for installing frame car blinds: on hooks held by the door seal, and using magnets. The latter of them is more convenient both during installation and during operation.
Premium auto curtains can be classified as a separate category. They are distinguished by their original design, a variety of colors, the presence of fittings and other tuning elements. A great way to emphasize the individual style of the owner and give the car an original design.
Why are frame curtains installed?
Most car owners are united not only by a love of transport and traffic, but also by the presence of some common problems. Here are the main ones: protecting the interior from the watchful gaze of people passing by, as well as the need to protect from the sun, which in clear weather can turn the interior microclimate into a real nightmare. And frame curtains are a great way to overcome both of these troubles at the same time.
If there are any valuables, documents, money, expensive purchases or even a banal mobile phone inside the car, it automatically becomes an object of increased interest for many scammers and thieves scurrying around. It is enough to make a small mistake and show excessive gullibility, and you will become a victim of robbery. Ultraviolet radiation from the scorching sun also does not add anything good to a hard day of work. If the weather outside is already hot, then thanks to the sun's rays the salon turns into a place where it is simply impossible to stay for a long time. And there is simply nothing else left to do but install tint on the car.
Advantages and disadvantages of frame curtains
Mesh screens for auto glass immediately gained recognition among users. Some people like their light-protective properties, others like freedom from dust and insects, and others feel comfortable being away from intrusive glances.
In fact, the list of advantages of auto curtains is much longer:
- Frame curtains for car windows are made of a special type of fabric. The material provides excellent visibility for the driver and at the same time reliably hides the contents of the cabin from strangers.
- The mesh does not interfere with air circulation, allowing you to ventilate the car without fear of dust and insects. Properly installed frame curtains do not interfere with the operation of the window regulators.
- Various product options are available: shortened, with holes for mirrors and even special devices for smoking drivers.
- Thanks to the durable frame, the curtains stay securely in place even with open windows and high speeds. Some manufacturers guarantee that the mesh will not fly out of the frame for three years.
- Removable car frame curtains can be easily installed on your own without resorting to specialists. Options with magnetic fastening can be installed and removed in a couple of seconds.
- High-quality protective screens do not fade in the sun, do not tear, do not stretch from the wind and do not warp in the cold. Color fastness lasts for three years.
- Curtains block from 50 to 85% of sunlight and almost do not allow ultraviolet radiation to pass through. The result is a more comfortable temperature in the cabin.
Despite positive reviews from car enthusiasts, the design of protective frame curtains still has a number of shortcomings:
- The fastenings of most models are not masked by anything and, with the frames removed, are quite clearly visible around the perimeter of the windows.
- A mesh that completely covers the window opening is an obstacle to communication with people standing nearby and to passing objects through the window.
- High-density fabric may lose transparency at certain angles, making it difficult to drive.
- Some car enthusiasts are not happy with the appearance of a car with frames when the windows are open. In this regard, the curtains are still inferior to the usual tinting.
- Using screens in rainy weather contributes to the formation of condensation on the inside of the glass, which again interferes with driving.
Having compared the advantages and disadvantages of frame curtains with the classic tinting of car windows with tinting film, many drivers buy frame curtains only for the front windows, and prefer to tint the rear windows with film.
Materials used for the manufacture of car sunshades
In the manufacture of frame car curtains, special materials are used that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, low (car curtains in most cases are not removed by car owners during the winter period of operation and off-season) and high temperatures, mechanical and chemical (resistance to oils, gasoline) influences. The material should not lose its structure and properties over time.
Materials can have small, medium and large cells, thereby providing a degree of light transmission. Some materials may not allow light to pass through completely. It is precisely because of this versatility that some car enthusiasts have several sets of car curtains with different degrees of light transmission.
The material used in the manufacture of car curtains can have different textures, giving a unique look to the car's interior and appearance.
Modern car curtains use materials produced in the CIS countries, Europe and Asia.
Fabrics for making car curtains at home can be purchased in stores that sell retail fabrics. Specialized stores sell only wholesale quantities for manufacturers.
Do not skimp on fabrics, do not take fabrics with unknown uses (suitable for curtains only in structure) - this can lead to premature wear, burnout of car curtains, as well as the release of harmful substances and unpleasant odors into the interior under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and heat.
Sun shade colors
The color range of car curtains is very diverse and is represented by colors that ensure the general trend of automotive fashion and satisfy the tastes of car enthusiasts. At the same time, it is possible to order fabrics with a combination of colors and even the application of drawings and inscriptions.
Price for frame curtains for cars
Dense mesh fabric is the main element that determines the cost of car blinds. A fabric that has all the declared properties is obtained as a result of a well-thought-out technological process. It is not possible to create material of similar quality in artisanal conditions. Therefore, frame curtains for car windows cannot be very cheap.
As a rule, the brand of the car also affects the price. Accessories for high-status cars are always somewhat more expensive than analogues for the budget line. There is also some variation in prices among products from different manufacturers. However, the quality of the products themselves also varies.
For example, you can buy TROKOT frame car blinds at the following prices:
car model | Cost of curtains for front windows, rub. | Price of complete sets, rub. |
Renault Logan | 3450 | 8300 |
Lada Largus | 3000 | 8900 |
Chevrolet Niva | 3650 | 10200 |
Toyota RAV4 | 3650 | 10200 |
Volkswagen Polo | 3450 | 9600 |
Renault Duster | 3650 | 10200 |
Lada Vesta | 3000 | 8900 |
Kia Rio | 3450 | 8300 |
Lada Granta | 3000 | 8900 |
Hyundai Solaris | 3450 | 8300 |
Installation of frame curtains on car windows
Automatic blinds, unlike removable tinting, are installed on the window frame using special fasteners. The most popular among car enthusiasts are frame curtains with magnets. To install such screens, you do not need to damage the trim and body of the car, and the process itself will not take much time.
As an example, let's install TROKOT frame curtains:
- We determine the location of the fasteners. The screen is equipped with 4 powerful magnets, with the help of which it is fixed in the window opening. Each magnet corresponds to a bar that is attached to the frame. To determine the location of the fasteners, you need to place the curtain in the intended installation location at a distance of 1-2 cm from the glass and mark the places where the magnets touch.
- Installation of planks. Having determined the location of the fasteners, we proceed to install them. Before gluing the plank, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface. Special products or 95% alcohol are suitable for this. Then we remove the protective layer from the fasteners and press them as tightly as possible. As a result, the mounts must exactly match the magnets. It’s easier to glue the strips not separately, but by magnetizing them to the curtain.
- We eliminate gaps. Having installed the curtain in the window opening, we can see an incomplete fit in some places. This is the result of some tightening of the frame frame with an elastic mesh. It is necessary to eliminate the detected cracks. We find the center of the gap, remove the curtain and carefully bend the frame frame until the desired configuration is obtained. If the test shows that the gap remains, then the force was insufficient. The procedure must be repeated. This operation is performed once during installation. After completing all the manipulations, the mesh will no longer tighten the frame. This completes the installation of the screens.
Frame curtains with magnetic fastenings can be used repeatedly, their reliability and efficiency do not decrease over time. If necessary, the car blinds can be easily removed, packed in a case and stored in the luggage compartment until next time.
Functions of car curtains
The main functions of car curtains include:
- car curtains protect people in the car from direct sunlight;
- car curtains protect passengers and car belongings from the views of surrounding people;
- car curtains reduce the temperature in the cabin, thereby increasing comfort and protecting the upholstery and other finishing materials from damage by ultraviolet radiation;
- car curtains increase driving safety by diffusing headlight light at night (when installed on the rear window);
- car curtains create an atmosphere of comfort and coziness in the cabin and give the car a progressive look;
- the use of car curtains increases the efficiency of a car air conditioner (up to 30%;), while reducing its wear and fuel consumption.
Car curtains, unlike tinting, can be quickly removed and installed, so when parked for a long time on sunny days, they can be mounted on all windows for the comfort of passengers.
Considering these functions, we can conclude that curtains for a car are a necessary accessory and the safety and comfort and even the well-being of passengers depend on its properties and quality.
DIY frame curtains
Many car enthusiasts prefer to tint their car windows. This is partly caused by fear for the safety of property, when it is more comfortable to realize that the contents of the cabin are hidden from prying eyes, and partly by the desire to reduce the penetration of sunlight during the hot season. In addition, tinted glass looks impressive. However, the abuse of film tinting today is not welcomed by executive authorities, which forces them to come up with new ways to solve the problem of the “aquarium” of a car.
Recently, alternatives such as:
1. Removable tint, which is based on silicone. It is convenient with simple fastening and equally simple removal, which is indispensable when you need to quickly remove it from the glass. In addition, this tint does not leave marks on the glass. But along with the advantages, there is one significant drawback that limits its use: this material is not used in the winter season.
2. Frame curtains. They are a curtain made of lining mesh. Special plastic clips are used for fastening. The advantages of this type of tinting are:
Frame curtains have a number of advantages, among which the following should be noted:
- Easy to install and easy to remove if necessary;
- Simplicity of design, which allows you to make frame curtains with your own hands if the store does not have a finished product for your car brand;
- Possibility of use even with the windows down, which is indispensable in vehicles not equipped with air conditioning;
- When driving with the windows down, the curtains create a barrier against piercing drafts and insects.
Of course, such tinting is not characterized by advantages alone. And above all, the disadvantage is the inability to fold or roll up the curtains, because... this will lead to deformation of the frame. It is best to provide in advance special cases in which they will be stored.
But it was not without its drawbacks. First of all, it is impossible to fold and roll the curtains, as this will lead to their deformation
Another disadvantage of the product is its uniqueness. The contour of the curtain must fit evenly and tightly to the line of the window, which means that each make of car and each of its models must have its own tinting frame. The manufacturer cannot provide for all variations and satisfy a single demand, so often finding a product that suits you is not easy, and not very cheap. For this reason, in some cases it is easier to make frame curtains yourself.
Another drawback that needs to be highlighted is the uniqueness of the curtains. Frame curtains are not produced for all types of cars, so if there are no suitable frame curtains for your car brand, you will have to make them yourself, or be content with a standard model
For independent production you will need the following materials:
1. The lining mesh is used as a base. The pattern and size of the cells can be very different, which allows you to choose the material to suit your taste. Its consumption for a crossover is from 2 to 3 sq. m.
2. To make the frame itself, you will need approximately 5 m of steel wire with a 3 mm cross-section.
3. Hemming is done with black braid. Its length corresponds to the size of the wire.
In order to get started, you first need to measure the window. Throw in a couple of millimeters in reserve. Based on the obtained dimensions, a rigid frame is prepared. You can use another option: bend the frame directly at the window of each door.
Next, the mesh is sewn onto the outline by hand or by machine. This stage should be given more attention, because... It is the quality of the work that influences the overall appearance of the product. At the end of the manufacturing process, a braid is sewn onto the curtain along the edge and a fastener is installed. For this purpose, you can use simple construction hooks placed both above and below. The fastening system will be based on the principle of installing mosquito nets on plastic home windows.
The process of making frame curtains is quite simple, and, in addition, doing it yourself will save you a tidy sum.
We recommend to your attention three useful videos that will show you how to make frame curtains with your own hands, how to install and fasten them:
Making frame car curtains yourself at home
Making frame curtains yourself is not a difficult task. The manufacturing procedure can be described by the following sequence of actions:
- Measurement of the car opening for which the curtain is being made;
- Manufacturing of metal curtain frame;
- Marking and making the fabric base of the curtain;
- Fixation of material;
- Curtain installation.
Remember that if you do not have the proper experience, then after fairly diligent work, the result may be far from the desired, including damage to the car upholstery during installation. Assess your strengths.
Measurement of the car opening for which the curtain is made
Required: tape measure, car, pencil, notepad.
When measuring, first you need to accurately sketch the geometric shape of the window. The resulting dimensions must be increased by 2-3 mm, since the curtain must be installed in a spacer.
If the weather and the location of the car allows, it is better to bend the frame without measuring directly in place under each window.
Manufacturing a metal curtain frame
Necessary: tape measure, wire, hacksaw, pliers, opening measurements.
To make the frame, you need to take galvanized steel or stainless steel wire. This material will help preserve the car upholstery and curtains from traces of rust in the off-season and when exposed to moisture. The thickness of the wire is 2-5 millimeters. The length of the wire depends on the perimeter of the window with a margin of 5-10 centimeters.
If you have wire in stock without a special coating and you plan to use it, then first paint it with metal paint (necessarily after molding) or tie it with insulating tape or tape. This will help resist rust.
We bend the frame according to the existing geometric dimensions. We try to ensure that the bend is in the same plane. Right angles are ensured with a pair of pliers or two. The ends of the wire can be fixed with insulating tape with an overlap of 3-5 centimeters or crimped, or secured with a lock (a hollow tube, for example, a segment from an antenna, can be used as a lock).
Before moving on to the next stage, it is necessary to measure the resulting frame in place. If the frame fits with a large interference, you need to reduce the walls of the structure. If the frame is not fixed in the opening, it needs to be redone taking into account the recommendation for a gap of 2-3 millimeters.
Marking and making the fabric base of the curtain
Required: fabric base for the curtain, scissors, pencil, curtain frame.
We place the metal frame of the curtain on a fabric base for outlining. We draw the outline with approximately a margin of 2 centimeters on each side for bending. When measuring, we do not stretch the base. We cut the outlined material and apply it to the frame again. If everything comes together, we move on to the next stage.
To save fabric base, you should first measure and cut large frames, and then small ones. Measuring should start from the edge of the base.
Fixing the material
Necessary: thread, needle, glue, braid (cambric, elastic), clothespins, material, curtain frame.
Using clothespins, we fix the fabric base to the edges of the frame. Next, you need to flash the entire frame. The stitching should be done on a machine using braid (cambric or wide elastic band to match the color) along the edges, making sure that the base does not puff up (not aesthetically pleasing) or overtighten (can lead to deformation of the frame). When hand stitching, start with parallel sides to ensure even distribution. When stitching by hand, you should stitch along the edge of the braid (cambric, elastic). This will give the curtain a neat factory-made appearance. Some manufacturers glue the edges and kinks with glue for additional fixation. For reliability and durability, the firmware should be carried out twice.
Additionally, we sew a loop of braid or elastic in two places for quick removal of the car curtain.
If you are not confident in your sewing abilities or strive for perfection in crafts, you can contact a tailoring studio. A neat seam in the studio will not spend a lot of time and money.
Curtain installation
Required: ready-made curtain, car.
We mount the resulting curtain in the window opening, pressing it horizontally. If you have followed all the recommendations in the article, the curtain should fit into the window space like a glove. If necessary, in case of brittleness, you can additionally stretch the material and hem it.
During the manufacturing process, the most valuable thing you spend is time. Homemade frame car curtains are much cheaper than factory and homemade ones. At the same time, you yourself can control the quality of components and the manufacturing process itself.
Design features
The design of these curtains is very simple. They consist of a rigid wire frame and a dark mesh, which perfectly serves as a tint and protects the interior from unwanted glances and the scorching sun. Their sizes can be different; each brand of car has its own. But they are always made strictly according to the size of the window opening.
They are attached using metal corners installed in the corners of the window, to which magnets located on the curtain fabric are attached. These curtains can be installed on all car windows or can be installed selectively. The most important thing that needs to be taken into account during the installation process is that the finished structure should be located as accurately as possible in the window opening and fit quite tightly to the glass.
Peculiarities
Sun blinds can be used and installed on any vehicle glass, with the exception of the windshield. This is due to traffic safety and the elimination of obstructed views of the road. High-quality modifications practically do not interfere with the view, and also do not interfere with the opening and closing of the glass on the side doors. Their configuration should exactly follow the shape of the window openings, fitting tightly to them. Since different brands of vehicles have different windows, blinds must also be selected individually.
Factory-produced frame car curtains are high-quality material in the form of mesh fabric, which is stretched over a wire frame. Despite the density, this design does not interfere with lowering and raising the windows, and also ensures ventilation of the interior. The main requirement for such devices is a combination of the ability to transmit a sufficient amount of light and limit the external view. Making such a modification yourself is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
Advantages and disadvantages of frame structures
Frame curtains are a practical and convenient invention that has a number of advantages:
- Stylish and fashionable appearance.
- Easy to install. You can install these curtains yourself, without resorting to the services of specialized workshops, which also allows you to save a significant amount of money.
- Ease of use. If necessary, the curtains can be easily removed completely or simply removed temporarily from the darkening mesh.
- Multifunctionality. They effectively protect from the sun's rays, insects, and the gaze of strangers.
- Possibility to select shading level. The mesh of these curtains can be produced with different perforation ratios, which allows you to choose an individual option.
The advantages of frame structures are obvious when compared with other curtain options. But they also have minor disadvantages:
- When using them, especially in autumn and winter, the level of window fogging increases, which can significantly impair road visibility.
- Also, frame structures can significantly impair visibility.
- Quite a high price. The cheapest option for a set of these curtains costs from 4,000 rubles. But some car enthusiasts in this situation find the following way out: they either do not buy the entire set, but only individual curtains, for example, only for side windows, or make them with their own hands.
Advantages and disadvantages
DIY frame curtains have the following advantages:
- Providing external visibility with an obstacle to looking inside the cabin.
- Reduced light transmission.
- Reducing the flow of air masses at high speed.
- Prevents insects from entering the machine.
- Providing air supply in hot weather.
- Possible decrease in visibility due to fogging of windows.
- The view of the rear view mirrors is slightly limited.
- There is poor visibility in the rain.
Correct installation
The installation of special light-transmitting structures on car windows is strictly regulated by law. If they are not followed, the driver may face a fine or even deprivation of his license.
Frame curtains are also subject to a number of restrictions. Their light transmission coefficient must be no less than the established one. Also, when using them, the car must be equipped with rear-view mirrors on both sides.
Important! Most often, traffic police inspectors check the curtains on the front side windows for compliance with these standards; they are subject to increased requirements. Therefore, it is best for them to choose retractable options that allow the driver to quickly adjust the dimming level.
Self-production
Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase curtains, but still want to protect the interior of the car. In this case, you can try to make them yourself, especially since everything necessary for their manufacture is widely available.
If you spend a little time on this process and be patient, you can get inexpensive and stylish frame curtains that are in no way inferior in quality to their factory counterparts.
List of required materials and tools:
- flexible steel wire;
- pliers;
- tape to match the color of the mesh;
- net;
- threads;
- needles;
- sewing machine;
- chalk or a piece of soap for marking;
- tape measure for taking measurements.
Stage 1. Creating a pattern
The process of making curtains must begin with measuring the car windows. In this case, all measurements must be carefully recorded and indicated which window they relate to. Each window will have its own pattern.
In this case, it is necessary to take into account that the surface of the curtains should be slightly smaller than the window opening and strictly correspond to the size of the glass. Therefore, patterns are first made on paper and then applied to the windows. This technique will allow you to determine the dimensions as accurately as possible.
Stage 2. Making the frame
After making the necessary patterns, you can begin the process of creating the frame. To do this, take a steel wire, which is bent so that its contour matches the contour of the pattern. The ends of the wire are secured to each other using pliers. For greater accuracy, the finished frame can be tried on a window.
Stage 3. Cut out the canvas
The frame is ready, now you can start cutting out the canvas. When cutting, be sure to take into account the seam allowance, which should be at least 1 cm. The pattern is laid out on the grid, and its outline is outlined using chalk or soap. Additionally, the contour of the allowance is drawn.
Stage 4. Sewing
The preparatory work has been completed, all the necessary fittings have been carried out, and now you can start sewing. To do this, the wire frame is laid out on a mesh and basted using stitches. Now it is very important to avoid distortions and displacements. After this, a machine seam is laid along the basting line.
To make the curtains look attractive and in no way different from the factory ones, a tape is sewn on top of the wire location. To attach them to car windows, you can use suction cups or magnets.
Manufacturing instructions
A do-it-yourself frame curtain for a car is made in the following sequence:
- The wire is leveled and leveled using pliers.
- The length of the car glass is measured with a tape measure. Add 30 millimeters to the result obtained.
- The wire is cut to this length.
- The future structure is bent along the inner perimeter of the window with a margin of 1-3 mm. This can be done manually or using pliers. The main thing is that the reserve left does not significantly damage the interior trim.
- The wire is laid on the fabric and secured with double-sided tape.
- Use chalk to mark the required length on the fabric so that it can be folded and fixed.
- The prepared structure is processed on a sewing machine, after which the cambric is put on.
- After trying it on, we can assume that the frame curtain, made with our own hands, is ready.
Rules of care
In order for frame curtains on your car to last and not lose their attractive appearance, you should follow simple rules for care and use:
- To ensure that the structure does not lose its precise outlines, it is recommended to completely remove it as rarely as possible, only in cases of extreme necessity.
- In cases of contamination, frame curtains are washed under running water using a soft sponge and a small amount of washing powder.
- Also, smoking drivers should not forget that the mesh of these curtains easily melts at high temperatures.
Frame curtains are an excellent option for protecting the car interior from the sun, the views of strangers and insects. In addition, it is a stylish and fashionable piece of car interior.
Legislation
The design in question can often be found on both domestic vehicles and foreign cars. The fact is that according to the law, window tinting should not transmit less than 70 percent of sunlight. This is not always comfortable for drivers and passengers. This problem can be solved by using a curtain in the car, which is easy to remove or install. It is worth noting that domestic legislation prohibits covering any windows on a car with various objects that reduce the driver’s viewing angle. Factory-made and home-made curtains are equipped with a retractable mechanism, which makes it possible to adjust the shading, and also allows you to dismantle the device in a matter of minutes.