Best Westie poptop canvas ?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Milky, Jan 9, 2019.

  1. Milky

    Milky Sponsor

    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.
     
  2. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Ah Schofields sell very very nice ones, fitted a few, lots of money but well worth it
     
  3. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    Haven't got it yet so I can't recommend it:rolleyes: 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 :thumbsup:
     
  4. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    Who makes them Hoff? Any idea?
     
  5. Milky

    Milky Sponsor

    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.
     
  6. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    No :D
     
  7. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Yup had them from Schofields
     
    Geordie likes this.
  8. Do you have pictures please:D
     
  9. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Non suitable for family viewing:eek:
     
    Barneyrubble likes this.
  10. 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).
     
    theBusmonkey likes this.
  11. Also got ours from NLAVW at Dubfreeze so got a discount on it, very pleased with it.
     
    alpha981 likes this.
  12. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    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...
     
  13. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    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.
     
  14. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    I’m pretty certain the originals are cotton, must be treated with something, the tight weave is what’s supposed to make it waterproof
     
    theBusmonkey likes this.
  15. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    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.
     
    davidoft likes this.
  16. Milky

    Milky Sponsor

    theBusmonkey likes this.
  17. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    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:thumbsup:
     
  18. 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
     
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    Iain McAvoy and theBusmonkey like this.
  20. 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.:thumbsup:
     

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