Thanks mate! Through all the tough days I've had working on the damn thing I'm so glad I stuck with it and had a go at everything myself. I think I've learnt more in the last 3 years or so than I have for quite some time.
This weekend’s job. Start the curtains. I’ve already made some tie backs out of the leftover vinyl I had. Should inject some 70s colour into the van! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just a few odd jobs this week. Fitted a connection to the air filter to hook up the fuel tank breather: Made a spare wheel carrier out of the same fabric as our poptop. Decided I don’t like the look of it on the van so took it off and chucked it in the garage. Much prefer the naked look. Oh well.
Hi James, I also think the naked look is probably better, though a suitable well executed (as indeed is all your work) badge; VW, Iris or whatever in a contrasting colour could tip the balance. By the way what material(s) do you recommend for poptops? My few enquiries for a replacement canvas for my Holdsworth elevating roof, to the specialists in that art drew a blank. So I will probably source material and DiY.
Yeah I might toy around with some other front ideas. Black cover might work, we’ll see. My poptop canvas made by spaceroof (it came with the roof), is made of this fabric: https://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/P76-odyssey If you’re looking to outsource it then concept poptops down here in Poole do some lovely work (I’ve seen a few vans fitted with canvas from him). I think without an industrial machine you might have quite a tough time. Maybe I should start branching out into upholstery?! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Many thanks James, I have E-mailed Concept Poptops and awaiting response. Pennineoutdoor in back pocket for now.
‘Normal’ upholstery seems like a license to print money, throw in some Volkswagen Added Tax and you’ll be filthy rich in no time! I’ve found it satisfyingly addictive! Since making the new van curtains, I’ve re-upholstered 3 chairs, And currently recovering our rock and roll bed.
It's definitely been a welcome change to welding, and results are much quicker too. I saved a small fortune doing it all myself, even factoring in a good sewing machine. I've only got a few bits left to upholster on the van now; sun visors, buddy seat and curtains I think.
Our Orla Kiely fabric arrived last week so I’ve been busy making curtains for the van. I didn’t get any progress pictures but they’re double faced with black out material in the middle. All 8 made up: And hung in the van: Making a super cosy area to sleep in when they’re shut: I’ve a fair bit of material left over from the bits I’ve been making so I found a few further bits to make. The sun visors weren’t in the best of shape as the foam had lost all of their sponginess so I made some new ones.Old covers used as patterns to make new pieces: The metal frame from the old ones was then removed. You can see how battered the foam was from where the frame was tearing through: And new foam cut out from some scrim I had left over: Once sewn up and put together I think they look pretty nice, just need a few new clips for them:
I also made this year’s must have accessory; an Orla Kiely lined spare cable pouch for my clutch, accelerator and brake cable spares: I’ve got this tucked behind the passenger seat now, much neater:
I've still got the crappy old seat covers from our front seats. Reckon I could flog em as genuine vw handbags?!
We’ve been busy making a start on the cabinets for Iris. First up the rear head locker. I thought it’d be an easy one to start with but it ended up being a bit of pig, needing lots of trial fitting and templating to fit nicely. I’m working out of the garage to save me the trip to the workshop: With lots of help from Max: The skeleton put together: Door on: All installed now and looking pretty good: