Canvas Data

Roger,

 

That is excellent information!

Could you take a picture just like picture number 1 except the back side where I can see the triangluar reinforcement that Sean is talking about?  I'd like to see the bottom edge too. (basically, picture number 1 but the back side).  As always take the picture straight on with a tape measure in the picture.  Thanks!

 

rocnroll wrote: Are you planning to do your own sewing on this top or are you thinking that an upholstery shop is going to take all your data and produce it?  .....  just wondering

 

This is a very good question that I have been asked several times this week.

 

The primary goal of this thread is to collect as much data on the original canvas as is possible.  The information that I am looking for is basically EVERYTHING!  dimensions, canvas type(s) thread, where is the stitch line, what size is the stitch, fasteners, buckles, straps, blah, blah, blah.  Matt said earlier that there is not much canvas around anymore and there are so many variations that it could drive me (us) nuts.  That is a good reason to get it documented now.  So far the only "full" canvas tops that I know of are Sean's, Roger's, and Del's.  (Del is missing some pieces.  Art C. has a half top and Matt has some pieces.  Hopefully this thread will generate interest and we will find more people who have canvas and they will join in.  The information in this thread will be helpful for identifying original canvas.  I'd hate for someone to go on ebay and buy some "original" canvas only to find out that, it's repo or that it came from a CJ5, due to lack of information.

 

Having said that:

 

Another goal for me personally is to collect information for creating a reproduction.  Right now my (our) options are somewhat limited for canvas.  Beachwood is just too expensive (IMHO) and New Life is just too busy (at least at the moment and I have a feeling she is going to get busier).  Hopefully this thread will help to generate more options such as:

 

1.      Make my (your) own.

2.      A member takes the information and starts a business (like Top Bows)

3.      Use the information to have a local shop make an accurate canvas top.

 

In central Illinois there are a few Amish communities who make canvas products (boat covers, sails, and what-not).  With the data we collect here I can take the plans to them and get a quality reproduction made.  Also, I wouldn’t have to give my doors and hardware to them for a year.

 

What I decide to do about my canvas will depend on how busy I am when I (we) have collected enough data.  I’d like to see a member take the data and start a business like Mike did with the top bows.

 

Regardless of which way I go, Beachwood, New Life, Local shop, page member, or make my own, my finished top MUST fit the parameters established by this thread or if the materials are no longer available MUST be made of the closest materials available today.

 

If I do make my own, I’ll start a new thread in MCP.  At the moment.  I have NO sewing experience, NO sewing machine, and I don't know the difference between a stitch and a seam.

 

I’d be interested to compare our data to the current repos and see how close they are.

Edited by jpet - 16 Nov. 2008 at 7:38pm

Excellent!

The triangle shape is a single ply right?
I assume the triangle piece overlaps the 5cm wide piece on the edge thereby creating 3 plys where the overlap is.




Edited by jpet - 16 Nov. 2008 at 8:28pm

Jeff:

As I suspected, all my critical dimensions are shorter than what you measured from Dels parts.  Proof enough that my canvas has shrunk, so it's worthless as a template.  I will be able to fill in details though.

Starting with the back flap:  I don't think that convoluted "W" curve in the lower corners is by design, there's certainly no functional purpose for it.  Probably a sewing artifact, caused by the side reinforcement strip stitching being too tight.  Mine has a slight concavity there, but is otherwise straight:

The edge stay reinforcement pieces simply overlap, not joined:

On to the rear top assembly.  The outside stitch lines:

The inside reinforcement details. NOTE, the corner gusset weave is on a bias to the main panel (45º).  Fairly common reinforcement technique:

The upper corner reinforcing is not square, nor does it extend all the way up:

The arch piece seams are flat fell.  The pieces are first sewn superimposed, then the seam if folded over & stitched down to remain flat:

You can see the 2nd fell stitch on the inside:

The edge binding is not a tape, but strips of thin, coated one side, cotton, cut on the bias.  I didn't find a good exposed area for a photo yet, but I know there's one there somewhere.

The binding is sewn with a chain-stitch,  all other stitching is plain lock stitch, approx 5-6 SPI.

They "finished" the edge by just running the chain stitch off the edge!

All straps are sewn w/ a "Box X" stitch:

Strap fold detail:

All my straps are 14.75-15" OAL, with top of the fold 4" up from bottom edges.

Sean




Edited by sean - 17 Nov. 2008 at 2:44pm

Roger,

Edited by jpet - 18 Nov. 2008 at 1:30am

OK this is far from finished but I've added some of the changes:

Edit: where the roof piece and the rear panel are sewed together, they are superimposed by how much? 3/8 inch?

Edited by jpet - 18 Nov. 2008 at 4:00am

Thanks Sean I got it.

Edited by jpet - 18 Nov. 2008 at 4:34pm

Thanks Roger,  I have noticed the shrinkage and stretching.  I'm using the bow geometry to uncover these deformations.  it looks to me from the pictures of your jeep with canvas installed that the canvas should hang below the tub about 1-1/2 inches.

Edited by jpet - 18 Nov. 2008 at 5:20pm

Jeff,

Jeff,