Canvas Repair kit

[lilm38]

Does anyone have any experience with repairing rips in canvas tops or reattaching the straps? I got a kit from Beachwood Canvas with a Sailmakers Sewing Awl in it. Any tips from those who have done it or used one of these things before? I don't want to make the tear worse. Thanks.

[wesk]

Just find a local shop that does heavy canvas work and drop the top off for repairs. A machine stitched patch/repair usually lives much longer than an awl sewn patch.

Here's a few helpful links:

https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-Canvas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_QXbVCWYA

https://blog.treasurie.com/sewing-canvas/
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[TomM]

Just to confirm, did you buy an awl or palm?
For refastening straps either will work. The repair depends upon your keeping significant tension on the thread.
For a rip in canvas, trying to sew a rip together is not going to give you a good repair. A patch piece needs to be fitted over the rip, sewn around the perimeter and additionally sewn close to the rip and stops sewn to prevent the rip from expanding.
Patch pieces are best done with a machine since the stitches look very professional and will hold. An X pattern across the rip will make it last forever.

Places that can handle canvas repair are sailmakers, awning companies and auto interior shops. Sailmakers will be expensive and few are interested in doing repairs on old oiled canvas. I’ve been to a couple in Austin and they do nice work for lots of $. Best to pass on these unless you have a friend in one of the shops. Awning shops do this type of work every day. You may have some car interior shops that can do skilled work at a very reasonable price.
Near me is a guy who does high end restorations on cars like Dusenbergs but he llikes old jeeps and he did a beautiful repair on my drivers door.

[whydahdvr]

Years ago I had my M38 canvas top patched and repaired by my local tailor shop. Not sure if they would still do it but the owner used to be in clothing manufacturing here in New England. He had it machine stitched - much easier as noted - it's been great since.
I've used a sailors palm and needle for patching canvas sails on a topsail schooner I used to work on. You need to keep the material in proper shape or you get bunching and other issues. Much easier to take our canvas tops to someone that specializes in these kinds of repairs...
_________________
North Shore, MA
Santa Fe, NM
1942 GPW
1952 M38
1964 Apollo 5000 GT

De Opresso Liber

[lilm38]

Ok. Thanks for all the great suggestions. My kit came with a 10"x10" OD canvas patch, a sewing awl and spool combo and a spool of thread .However, I think Im gonna heed you alls advice and take it to a awning or upholstery shop. The rest of the top is fine other than the tear.