Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 18:45:12 -0600
Reply-To:     "K. Wyatt" <kokopelli@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         "K. Wyatt" <kokopelli@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Westy Awnings, custom style
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Greetings VanaGonauts,

I built a prototype tarp and connection to the van a few years ago.
This summer I finished itby having a friend of mine who sews
commercially sew me a 10  X 12 canvas tarp. On the end attaching to the
van I had a piece of 6mm rope sewed into the overlap hem.  The tarp had
grommets put in about every foot.5 around the perimeter.

I bought an awning attachment rail from the FLCAPs.  (Friendly Local
Canvas and Awning Place).  The rail is essentially an extruded length of
aluminum with a cross section shaped like:

         |C
         |
         |

The rail is built for this purpose.  I riveted the rail onto the inside
of the rain gutter about every two feet.  Measure a million times drill
once, primer and paint the drill holes, then goo up the rivet with
silicon adhesive as you assemble the rail onto the rain gutter.  I used
pop rivets and they have been on for three years now, no rust, no
looseness.  I hardly notice it and it does not make noise at speed.

The rope inside the hem of the tarp slides into the C of the rail along
the length of the vehicle.  The outer corners of the tarp are held up by
adjustable poles and a section of rope with tent stakes.  This has
worked in rain, wind, & snow.  It sets up in a few minutes and stows
beneath the rear seat.

I remember being in the desert in southern Utah a couple of years ago
the end of May.  All the others in the group had their cool Nissan PUs
and were giving me crap about the impracticality of the bus.  Later
when it started snowing and blowing they sure did appreciate the awning
and Mr Heater.  It was funny as they hunkered down in the bus and under
the awning.  I should have let em sit outside.

Any way it holds up to strong winds and the adjustable corner poles
allow quick adjustment of height to deal with changing winds, sun, and
rain.  Total cost (US$):
canvas tarp: 120
poles:2@13 = 26
rail: I think about 15
6 mm rope 5 - 10 (I used cool cosmic colored climbing type rope)
misc (silicon, rivets, tent stakes) 10
Total about 170 - 180.

Now I want to tie dye the tarp.  Anyone ever do a big piece of canvas.
I can provide more details if anyone wants via pmail.

Happy trails
Ken
82 westy