Canvas soft top options

[shamirj]

hi All,

Just thinking of purchasing a cheaper option for the soft top of 1955 S1 swb. The canvas new costs a fortune and second hand would be hard to find cheapish. Came across a s3 88 inch which could be made to suit though 2 inches longer. Went to a camping store who sells canvas in big square dimensions which made me think could you buy this and convert to suit the swb. what do people do in purchasing a good but cheaper option for soft top. Cant justify spending around $900 for new. What other options are out there. thx:D

[JDNSW]

Not a lot of options. You can always buy the canvas and make one yourself, but even on the Series 1 there is a lot of work and unless you are a skilled tentmaker or sailmaker, it is unlikely the results would be very presentable. One possibility would be to limit a home made top to roof only - this will be much simpler and poor fit a lot less obvious.

This is why you will find a lot of old Landrovers with home made hardtops (varying from very good to awful) - there are a lot more people at home working with sheet metal or ply than there are at home with canvas, and the metal at least lasts a lot longer.

John

[numpty]

We sourced a new canvas from Victoria, pm NM and she will give you the contact. It was $400 and something delivered to Qld and is period perfect.

Have a look at photos of Leon (our 88").

[ellard]

Hi there

Are you also able to send me the details etc as well.....need one for a 86"

Wayne

[numpty]

Will do.;)

[chazza]

Me three please Numpty :D

Cheers Charlie

[back_in]

A little news
86 top same size as a 88 inch
it is the front of the bulk head is were the 2 inches difference is
cheers
Ian

[landychris]

Could I also have the Victorian contact for the soft top as I am looking for one to fit a 2A SWB.
landychris

[back_in]

2A are slightly different
the bows must be bigger, the tub is a little wider
do not look right
cheers
Ian

[series1buff]

Hi All
I recently made a new top for my flat bow 80" . I have no experience with sewing machines, let alone a fast industrial model.

For a novice like me , there was much cursing and swearing , and its very slow and tedious process . You have to think ahead , step at a time .

The result is good for a first time effort. I hope to make some more soon. Anyone know of a source of cheap canvas ? The original canvas was a very heavy grade and its unobtainable now .

Mike

[chazza]

Top work Mike for a complete novice! :D

Nice to hear that you are still about; the Gippsland fire had me worried for you,

Cheers Charlie

[JDNSW]

Looks an exceptional job for an amateur! Sure you haven't done anything like this before? Maybe just perseverance.

John

[series1buff]

Looks an exceptional job for an amateur! Sure you haven't done anything like this before? Maybe just perseverance.

John

Yes John. It's mostly a case of being very patient and not rushing it . There are mistakes , not evident in the pics . I've made the rear curtain with two windows , haven't sewn it in yet . From my research, the early tops ( pre 51?) featured a brass gauze material for the two small rear windows. Around 52 ?, they apparently went to a clear PVC material in one piece , for the rear window. Keeping in line with 80" production, the tops were changed 3-4 times during production - the parts book does help to a degree with car nr. change over points .

Charlie, the fires got too close for comfort , sadly, a local village here was burnt with houses lost. A friend of mine ( a 1954 86" series 1 owner ) was caught alone, working on the local TV and FM radio transmitter site. The fire roared up the mountain but he kept his head, he sheltered inside the stations brick car port with a hose sprayed on himself. The site was extensively burnt with much infrastructure damage but they managed to get the transmitters up and running again in no time.

[chazza]

Thank heavens he survived Mike! :D

I suspected life was pretty grim for you, from your absence on the usual forums. How are things now as far as the fires are concerned?

Cheers Charlie

[Lotz-A-Landies]

hi All,

Just thinking of purchasing a cheaper option for the soft top of 1955 S1 swb. <snip> Came across a s3 88 inch which could be made to suit though 2 inches longer.
A little news
86 top same size as a 88 inch
it is the front of the bulk head is were the 2 inches difference is
cheers
IanUnfortunately the Series 3 is too short for the series 1. it would have a bare midrift, secondly the shape of the Series 1 is wider at the top of the windscreen than the Series 3 and after both of those the shape of the sloping sides of the Series 3 will leave gaps at the top corners of the rear flap. Even the hooks at the top of the windscreen are different.

With all the work you'd have fixing the differences it would be quicker and easier making one from scratch as Mike did, or as Numpty's Missus mentioned, get one from Melbourne.

BTW. Great work Mike!

Diana

[series1buff]

Thank heavens he survived Mike! :D

I suspected life was pretty grim for you, from your absence on the usual forums. How are things now as far as the fires are concerned?

Cheers Charlie

I was actually very hectic , with twisting circumstances I won't go into here , I was caught in town and couldn't make it back here as the roads had been closed off by the authorities. I was being guided towards a communal shelter , but ended up staying with somebody for 2 days.

Presently, they are back burning to the North of here . It has settled down without any threats but who knows what is in store in the future right across this vast land. It could happen again in any state.

[back_in]

Hi All
thanks Diana, I should have mention I was talking Series 1's
and the wind screen loop mounts also decrease from 8 to 7 from 86/88 Series 1 to Series 2 2A and 3's.
that would make fitting a little hard
cheers
Ian

[Lost Landy]

Have you thought of making a "truck cab" style canvas top like what was used on the early 80" Landys. That might be a bit easier to make.

[dennisS1]

I have an original truck type tilt for a 1949. It is a bit worn but may be used as a pattern. PM me if interested.
Dennis