I am nearing the point of buying myself a new bright orange canvas (as original)for my rear hinged 1974 Westie. It'is one of those purchases and jobs that I would like to do once and once only so can anyone suggest the best supplier for a really good quality item.I would hate to pay good money for a poorly made item with cheap quality zips and material that lasts a weekend. German made always makes sense to me if possible .Thanks for any replies.
Haven't got it yet so I can't recommend it but our next one will come from Gunzl. https://www.vwbusshop.de/epages/Gue...Shops/GuenzlClassicParts/Products/231070705DR It's a bit of an odd thing to do, buying without direct recommendation, but I did sooooo much research, even speaking to them directly. We've currently got the synthetic 'outdura' or some such from Go-Westy and it's been pretty good, if a little tight around the h frame. Definitely going natural cotton next time as it will breath better than the synthetic. If anyone has first hand experience why this particular won't be suitable I'd appreciate a comment, as I'm sure so would @Milky
Thanks for that! they sadly only have the yellow ones.I am after one that is the same bright orange colour as a 1970s space hopper.
We got ours through NLAVW - I liked the look best, ours is a rear hinger and had a better looking (IMO) curve to the top of the front window. Also had a sale on them at the time (through their ebay site I think). Was a little larger than the old one so took a bit of creative folding to fit it neatly but happy with the job and it's a tough bit of kit (thicker material also than the JK one it replaced, although that one was on the van when we bought it so not sure how old it was).
Cotton goes mouldy and rots quicker than terylene/dacron. Thats one of many reasons boat sails arent made from cotton any more except for classics...
So what were the original canvases made from Mike? Some are still in use over 40 years on. I was always under the impression it breathes better than the synthetics which is obviously a factor assisting in reducing condensation.
I’m pretty certain the originals are cotton, must be treated with something, the tight weave is what’s supposed to make it waterproof
That's what I thought. Gunzl ones are treated and they had agreed to custom make a grey one for Chip. As I said the Go-Westy synthetic one was good but we get a load of condensation on the flock due to it not breathing very well.
Thanks for all the replys.I have just checked out the Gunzl ones and quite like the look of those.Now I must decide if its the single or three opening type.I suppose for practical reasons the single one has less to break and go wrong. https://www.vwbusshop.de/epages/GuenzlClassicParts.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectID=8304789
Although I linked to the single, we will get the three. So much more versatile and no different really to install, just a bit trickier to ensure its all level. Quite often we vent on the side that isn't being rained on, and at night if its hot the three windows are most welcome
I am tight, I bought the cheapo from NLA for £140 I think, does what it says on the tin, fitted by my amateur self, will try and find a pic
The cotton/canvas ones need treating with a proofer such as Fabsil. When we first got ours it leaked like a sieve on our first trip away, I treated it and re-do it every spring and not had a problem since.