Canvas top

[series1buff]

In the process of making a top for my 80"right now, the short top for the cab only.

Very time consuming and fiddly job ..don't know how anybody could do this and make money ! I had to find the brass mesh and the rectangular brass eyelets.

Will upload some pics if people are interested Mike

[chazza]

Pics will be good Mike! :D

Cheers Charlie

[series1buff]

I managed to find a few metres of Australian made canvas , it's second grade as its got a few marks on it. Billabong canvas , its good stuff, Iv'e tried ripping it , jumping on it, its waterproof and rotproof.

The sewing machine I use is way too heavy for this canvas. I reckon a good domestic machine would sew this canvas OK, its only 12 oz weight.

I made a full top some years ago, as practice really ;)

[cjc_td5]

This was my effort a couple of months ago. I needed some cover for a specific event so it was a rushed effort, about 8hrs total. Canvas is too light a grade but is all I could source at short notice. Was made on a domestic machine.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=116899&stc=1&d=1480160863

Cheers,
Chris

[series1buff]

I think they call that a bimini top, boats use the same type of top.

[series1buff]

The 3 seater top is just about finished, just waiting for the elongated brass eyelets to arrive . The eyelets fit into the rear curtain , webbing straps go through the eyelets and around the tubular steel bow.

I might as well make another 3 seater top as I'm set up for it and have some spare canvas ( different colour ) .

[mick88]

Series1buff,
Some good work there. Did your sewing machine struggle when it came to sewing the webbing straps on? We have been looking around for a second had unit to knock up a few similar jobs.


Cheers, Mick.

[series1buff]

Series1buff,
Some good work there. Did your sewing machine struggle when it came to sewing the webbing straps on? We have been looking around for a second had unit to knock up a few similar jobs.


Cheers, Mick.

hi Mick

The Consew 226R2 sewing machine I use will sew 3 layers of thick cotton webbing with ease , that's around 1/2"thick . Its a walking foot industrial upholstery machine , a copy of the Singer 111W series .

There are many old industrial sewing machines around on ebay etc. ..... the Singer 132K6 is the classic but will set you back over 2k$ .

I like the Singer 111W series and its clones because spare parts and accessories are very easy to find.

Its a good pastime , sewing canvas .

[series1buff]

A trial test fit .

I am searching around for some 24oz weight cotton duck canvas...the original tops were made from this heavy weight canvas but it is just about unobtainable in Australia . China has it but you have to buy a huge amount ..500 rolls, 1000 meters !

[mfc]

A trial test fit .

I am searching around for some 24oz weight cotton duck canvas...the original tops were made from this heavy weight canvas but it is just about unobtainable in Australia . China has it but you have to buy a huge amount ..500 rolls, 1000 meters !

Very nice job mike

[series1buff]

I have finished the 3 seater top..... will upload some pics soon.

I ended up making some patterns using some 9mm MDF board. The patterns are for future reference - if I ever need to make another top it will be easier and quicker . Much time is taken measuring and cutting the canvas . Having the patterns on hand , you just run a Stanley knife around the edge..its done !

[series1buff]

The first fitting. Not too bad . Mt sewing is a little rough, need some more practice .

[mick88]

Well done!
Looks great.


Cheers, Mick.

[Don 130]

I believe Tom Hanrahan is still making canvas at Kellyville. It's been a few years since I've seen him.

Emu canvas - Home (http://www.emucanvas.com)

Don.

[Dinty]

Well Series1buff, I'll take that "rough" one off your hands and now that you have had the experience your next one for yourself will be perfect, I will not whinge about the poor sewing techniques I will PM you my home address LOL mate that looks terrific, cheers Dennis

[series1buff]

Well Series1buff, I'll take that "rough" one off your hands and now that you have had the experience your next one for yourself will be perfect, I will not whinge about the poor sewing techniques I will PM you my home address LOL mate that looks terrific, cheers Dennis


Ha Ha yes I could make a few more of the 3 seater tops . The sewing takes quite a bit of fiddling around and the time involved is significant. A good Winter inside job it is. If each of us made a certain part, we could swap the parts and save time. A 3 seater top swap for a new tailgate or doors or seat base assembly. Or maybe a pair of front wings hint hint Charlie !

ATM I am fiddling with the 80" door mounts , I made up some bushes for the door hinges , the 80" doors often suffer from the droopy door drop. The bushes take up the slop in the hinges and you end up with nice firm doors that sit level .

[chazza]

If each of us made a certain part, we could swap the parts and save time. A 3 seater top swap for a new tailgate or doors or seat base assembly. Or maybe a pair of front wings hint hint Charlie !



Count me in - I need a full top and to make the wings of course! lol

Cheers Charlie