I need for tips to preserve my old canvas top on my jeep !!

elias929 · Post by **elias929** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 9:43 am

Hi guys

I looking a product for the old canvas top for my M38. My old canvas top is in a very good condition, but to be sure it stays in good shape (to maintain flexibility and for not become dry )

Do you have any tips for preserving the old canvas !!

My jeep is stored in my garage, you let the canvas top permanently on your jeep or store it in a other place less dry !!

Thanks!

Post by **wesk** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 10:17 am

Mold is your enemy so ventilation is your friend. There are many waterproofing and preservative treatments on the market specifically for canvas. Your best source of help on this topic are the canvas providers.

These manufacturers have their reputation to protect and warranties to support.

http://www.odcloth.com/
http://www.newlifecanvas.com/
http://uscanvas.com/
https://www.beachwoodcanvas.com/

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 2:54 pm

I have never used it, but have heard Canvak is supposed to be a decent product.

cabinfever · Post by **cabinfever** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:48 pm

Make sure that the product you end up using maintains that original oiled canvas aroma. Gosh, I love that smell. If they bottled the smell of OD canvas in hot sunlight, I'd use it for cologne!

Texbillhs · Post by **Texbillhs** » Tue Jan 07, 2014 7:01 pm

I don't leave the top on when stored - warming and cooling in the garage causes condensation, then mold. I lay out and dry everything in a spare room and then fold and store then in a dry closet

elias929 · Post by **elias929** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 6:45 am

Thanks for advice!

warming and cooling in the garage causes condensation, then mold

Like this:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cF_A ... 065717.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-islQ ... 065621.jpg

Claudio · Post by **Claudio** » Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:15 pm

From the photos, it seems that your top has shrinked a little bit, like buying a small size shirt that pops out the belly

. I have experienced a solution of extra sewing the straps, i.e., not only sewn on its end, but along the lenght it reaches the end of the top. This enables you to apply a stronger tightening force on the strap, so recovering the lenght of the top when it shrinks. Don't forget to wet the top with water before you tight the straps. And let the top dry on the shade.
For protecting the canvas I also experienced the use of honey bee wax, keeps canvas waterproof and protects cotton, but gives the OD a faded appearence.
Claudio