Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2000 06:29:34 -0700
Reply-To: "ThomasD. Hanlon" <hanran@earthlink.net>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "ThomasD. Hanlon" <hanran@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: poptop screen available?
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Jeff,
We just replaced deteriorated OEM, white, screening without removing any
of the components of the poptop. Our Westy poptop tent is a "one
holer." We used "no-see-ums," (suggested by a Listee) a kind of small
orificed, very fine, screening which we purchased from a camping
equipment shop. The material is strong Nylon, neutral in color.
Our technique:
Measure the gross RECTANGULAR shape of the front screen, (in our case)
even though it has rounded upper corners, and make sure that you retain
the right angles at the bottom of the screening. Leave undisturbed
whatever existing screening that is in place.
Buy at least two and a half times as much of the "no-se-eums" as you'll
need for one screen, so you can make two screens, while you are at it,
and have one for a reserve, as we did.
Create a stiff paper/cardboard pattern of the existing zippered
dimensions of the existing screening complex. Round the top corners.
Keep the bottom corners angled. Measure to the outer dimensions of the
seam of the zippered components. Cut the "noseeums" about an inch larger
than the pattern. Then, have a seamster/seamstress (in my case a
talented and generous spouse) using heavy thread, machine sew cotton
quilt binding tape, available, FOLDED, in sewing supply shops, around
the cut-to-fit-the-pattern "no-see-ums" material.
Use four or five pound Nylon fishing line as thread. Use a heavy, long
and sharp needle and 24" lengths of doubled thread. Standing on a
stool/ladder, inside the open poptop, with the original screening intact
and zippered closed for tension, pin the new top to the edge of the old
zipper. (See CAVEATS below.) Whip stitch the bound edge of the screening
material to the edge of the zipper. Begin at one side and work your way
around across the top and down the other side. It is a tedious chore.
Don't rush.
The next part of the process, to sew the bottom, horizontal, part of the
screening, is a "high wire" cooperation. One of two participants sits on
the baggage rack and, when necessary, holds the fabric taught and/or
passes the needle to the interior partner. Remove the original
screening, by careful scissoring, as you progress, so you can access the
bottom of the original canvass. Whip stitch the edge of the new screen
to the old canvas top. The corners are difficult. You will need the
second person at this point to pass the needle back and forth.
You can purchase a hand sewing machine for these phases of the screening
restructuring from a Taiwanese manufacturing firm. I found on the WWW
for about $30.00 at http://www.allproducts.com/siangsiu/sh-039.html, but
you have to buy 500 sets. I needed the job done immediately, so I
passed on that opportunity. There may be a List vendor market potential
for this item.
CAVEATS: Measure three times. Cut once. Center the screening
perfectly around the upper curves and along the sides, and pin
accurately. Tack the two bottom corners early, so you are sure to close
the bottom corners correctly. Avoid too taut a fitting. Leave a bit of
slack, so you'll not rip the "noseeums" upon opening the poptop.
Tom Hanlon
Palm Springs, CA
84 Westy
> Jeff Palmer wrote:
>
> I'm looking for the screen only for the poptop canvas. Is this
> available, or should I reproduce one myself? Has anyone else done
> this, and do they have any tips?
>
> Thanks again
> Jeff
> 85 Westy (with many mosquitoes)
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