. According to specifications, a 1923 Light Delivery used "Oiled Duck" for the top fabric. (Pix #1) I am reluctant to attach an abused water fowl to my car. (Pix #2) . Does anyone know what the original material looks like or where it can be obtained? Is it a Khaki colored canvas or black Naugahyde? Thanks, . Lou .
More info here : www.fabricwholesaledirect.com/collections/waterproof-fabric I have no idea if they have something that would work but it may be worth a phone call (or other contact method). Duck canvas is basically a waterproof canvas most likely cotton.
When did they go from a canvas material to a vinyl? Most I have visited with use the short grain I believe, Cobra vinyl, but I'm talking to guys doing 27 and later.
The link above has many good choices for fabric. I think if I were using canvas I would use their Ottertex PU waterproof. The Duck canvas offers no waterproofing from what I see.
The Haartz Corp was one of the early suppliers of automotive top material. While I don’t believe they sell directly to the public, their website has great information on the history of top materials and modern alternatives. Look for the Vintage Restorers Guide under the exterior tab. Mike
The Haartz Corp was one of the early suppliers of automotive top material. While I don’t believe they sell directly to the public, their website has great information on the history of top materials and modern alternatives. Look for the Vintage Restorers Guide under the exterior tab. Mike
They do have some good historical information on their site for both convertibles and closed top autos. They make mention of the 'duck' style fabric, weave patterns, etc. Also mention using both long and short grain vinyl as good modern day replacements.
Oilcloth was originally a cotton duck or linen fabric that was coated with boiled linseed oil to make it waterproof. Then in the 19th century it began to be replaced with waxed cotton. In the 1950s, oilcloth become synonymous with the printed vinyl that we know today. Oilcloth is sometimes confused with laminated cotton or flannel backed vinyl.
Haaretz listed this in their web site….Oilcloth of the kind used on pre-1940 vehicles for fixed roofs and side curtains seems to have vanished from the commercial market. Some do-it-yourself historians have retrieved techniques for replicating this product in limited quantity, and that will likely be the way this can be replicated if one so chooses.
Mike Quezada (559) 250-5427 mike.quezada@M2ProSol.com
I have made a number of oilcloth house floor mats that have held up very well over the years. The process is simple. I use duck cloth I bought from a fabric store. I lay it out, sometimes iron it to get rid of the wrinkles…. Size it (seal) it with primer paint then paint it with household paint adding whatever design you want. I finish it off with a coat of urethane…. Don’t go too thick as it might crack if bent too tight a radius……. Or some kind of UV protection for outside use. I have had some inside for over 10 years without any problems…. except a little normal ware….. if supported, I see no reason why you couldn’t use this for a roof topping….. I would suspect you could put it on the roof and process it in place so that it shapes to any contours you might have. If the curves are sharp, maybe in corners, you could cut the canvas to conform to the shape before sealing and finishing it…..
Lou, As Vern mentioned try Classtique in MN. I have talked to more than one gent that got it there. Also several of the F**d parts places offer it. I'm surprised Q-man didn't mention more of what he use on his 28 and where he got it from.
. Hi Wesb, Thank you for the offer of left over material. Could let me know how long the 62" wide roll is? Could you send a photo? What are you asking for it? + shipping? . . . Thanks, Lou .
