Refurbishing Day/night shades

[scwhilo2]

We are starting on redoing the day/night blinds in our new Hi-Lo, 2807. Unfortunately, we were in an accident with our 3102 and it was totaled. We figured out how to permanently repair the blinds by disassembling, cleaning and reassembling with metal tracks instead of the plastic that came in them. It is time consuming, but saves a lot of money vs new blinds. Photos are from the 3102 before, after and what causes the problem. This was before we reinstalled the newly recovered valances.

Questions? Let me know!

 

[97towlite]

Hello! The repaired blinds look great! I would be interested in learning more about how to repair them as i have a few that need some TLC. Any photos or process information you can share would be appreicated!
Thanks!

 

[scwhilo2]

Will get some pictures, working on them now.

 

[r67northern]

These look great, I agree. Any tips would be appreciated for how you restored them so nicely.

 

[scwhilo2]

We start by taking them apart. Marked the cords that go to the two center holes with black sharpee next to the spring. I label every piece with a number, including the spring and all metal tracks on a hidden surface. That way all pieces get back with original pieces. The original white plastic track is stapled to the blind material. I hung the transparent panels in the shower. Sprayed with the Dawn foamy cleaner, let sit for a few minutes, rinsed. Leave hang until completely dry. We replace the plastic track with a wall shelf bracket we bought at Lowes. Husband drills holes for the track guides. Fabric is sewn on the flat side, cord guides go through to the top. Using double heavy duty upholstery thread I hand sew two layers of fabric to the track.

 

[scwhilo2]

Will add more as I get through the steps. It isn't a fast process, but the repairs are permanent.

 

[oldcarguy]

Thanks very much for posting this.

A couple of years ago (while J&R was still in business), we ordered replacements for 4 of the blinds in our 2307 - when they came in, 2 were new new, 2 were new old stock. The 2 new new ones have been fine, but the NOS ones started to bunch and pucker like the one in your before photo almost immediately - were NOT happy about it.

Wish we didn't have to tear into the NOS blinds but it will be well worth it to get functional blinds back.

 

[scwhilo2]

It is time consuming, but it is a permanent fix. The plastic tracks just don't last, especially in Arizona. The heat wreaks them!

 

[Rainy and Riley]

Is J&R not in business anymore?
Anyone else?

 

[Red Green]

Is J&R not in business anymore?
Anyone else?

No they closed up shop last year, I think. I want to say they closed last fall but I do know they are not in business any more.

 

[oldcarguy]

Anyone know what happened with J&R's parts inventory? Hopefully it won't wind up in a dumpster en route to a landfill.....

 

[JackandJanet]

Anyone know what happened with J&R's parts inventory? Hopefully it won't wind up in a dumpster en route to a landfill.....

The owner sold off a bunch of it on ebay last year. He MAY still be active, but I thought he was going to totally retire.

- Jack