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canvas top dimensions/patterns

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by evanjm, Jan 26, 2007.

  1. Jan 26, 2007
    evanjm

    evanjm Yeah, it's got an F-head.

    Leesburg, VA
    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2006
    Messages:
    408
    hey everyone,

    my '57 cj5 needs a top. I'd like to make my own m38a1 style canvas top. I have the metal top bow that goes across the middle of the jeep just behind the driver and passenger seats.

    does anyone know where I could find patterns for this type of canvas top?
    also what weight of canvas were the tops?

    is this a dumb thing to attempt? haha

    thanks in advance,
    evan
     
    evanjm, Jan 26, 2007
    #1
  2. Jan 26, 2007
    jeepen

    jeepen Member

    Spokane WA
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2006
    Messages:
    110
    When I was a kid my friends mom worked in a upholstery shop she just started with a tape measure and made boat tops from scratch. If nothing else I would talk to some one at a shop that makes boat tops they could probably help.

    Sorry not much help.
     
    jeepen, Jan 26, 2007
    #2
  3. Jan 26, 2007
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    I have what was called a "summer top" on my M38A1 - not true military issue, but looks it. Just the top and rear panels, without all the snaps and flaps for side panels. Works great and it's easy to stow or deploy. VERY heavy canvas, waxed finish.

    The guy who made it was named Mike Sinkovic, If my memory serves, and I think he was in Ohio, but that was twenty years ago. Anybody know him??

    I think other people offer a "summer" top in OD, but as for a pattern, I guess you'd need to find one to copy. Try googling Beachwood Canvas.

    Do you have the two hoop military bows? I'd suggest using them.

    Pete
     
    PeteL, Jan 26, 2007
    #3
  4. Jan 26, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,124
    We've made a canvas boat top from scratch & a new vinyl top to replace the Tiger Top on Tonka after it got old &, basicly, fell apart. R)

    For the jeep we had the old top to use as a pattern, just allowed a little extra to allow for shrinkage due to old age.

    For the boat we started with a dimensioned drawing, bent the hoops & measured all the distances to be double sure.

    So, it can be done but a couple of points-

    First, you need someone who knows how to sew.

    Second, you need a heavy duty sewing machine. Most modern machines will fall apart when asked to do this sort of work.

    Third, canvas may look cool but its a pain in the A$$. It gets wet & shrinks.

    A Lot. :(

    Then it gets mildewy.

    A Lot. :(

    If you leave enough slack in it to take care of the shrinking when it stretches out again it'll flap worse than a flock of p'ed of seagulls.

    Vinyl has a similar problems, cold=shrunk & hot=loose, at least for the grades & materials available to us which are not as good as the manufacturers can get their hands on.:(

    If you're after a real Mil Spec top the pattern should be available somewheres but rather than canvas I would strongly suggest using one of the synthetic materials now used for boat tops, no shrinkage, no mildew, available in any number of colours not found in nature :twisted:

    Have fun,

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 26, 2007
    #4
  5. Jan 26, 2007
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Howard... "Top Dressing," applied regularly! ;-)

    That's the waxy stuff that made old tents smell that way, not the new silicone substitute. My canvas has lasted well more than twenty years - although I do keep the jeep under cover. Also, I think perhaps the military used some heavy duty chemical preservative treatment on the cotton material, stuff civilian canvas doesn't have, maybe?

    Pete
     
    PeteL, Jan 26, 2007
    #5
  6. Jan 26, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,124
    Yeah, somewheres around here I've a swatch of canvs that came stapled to the cover on a Beachwood Canvas catalog, God I love that smell, brings back memories from my military days :).
    But I'd still recommend the modern stuff.:D


    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 26, 2007
    #6
  7. Jan 26, 2007
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
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    9,825
    Remember? How our Dads would yell at us "DON'T touch the tent, you'll make it leak!"

    ;-D

    Pete
     
    PeteL, Jan 26, 2007
    #7
  8. Jul 23, 2007
    LMGOLDSTEIN

    LMGOLDSTEIN 2 MANY HOBBIES

    CALIFORNIA
    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2006
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    82
    Hey;
    Did you ever get the dimensions for a winter top? If so could you pass them along? Do you have any pictures to go with it? -G
     
    LMGOLDSTEIN, Jul 23, 2007
    #8
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