Date:         Tue, 26 May 1998 20:48:32 +0000
Reply-To:     Harry Yates <hyates@BERT.CR.BCIT.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
Comments:     Authenticated sender is <cr\hyates@bert.cr.bcit.bc.ca>
From:         Harry Yates <hyates@BERT.CR.BCIT.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Assorted Westy (1991) questions
Comments: To: nmerrill@PARAMETRIX.COM
Comments: cc: vanagon@vanagon.com
In-Reply-To:  <s56ac723.054@parametrix.com>

Hi There.  Regarding your canvas tent..  *don't* waterproof this tent
fabric!!!!!!

This fabric breathes, and requires NO additional waterproofing.  The
canvas (100% cotton) fibres swell with water and is naturally
waterproof.  You can put a garden hose on full blast and the tent
will not let water through.

Tent care is simple.  Air it out often.  Use Dry-Z-Air crystals in
the van if it sits for a while to eliminate mildew.  If the tent gets
wet, dry it out at first opportunity.  I have a 10' ceiling in my
garage and I can almost open the top fully.. I use a pole to prop up
the top overnight to dry it out.  You can wash your tent (outside)
using a mild soap for delicates such as Zero or Woolite and a soft
brush.  Rinse, and dry thoroughly.. pick a hot day.  I've done this
before and the tent looks like new when finished.

Also... wipe the surrounding paint around the tent prior to lowering
the roof.  This way the tent fabric will always stay clean.  I use a
damp cloth to do this.  Step on the front wheel to do in behind the
luggage rack.  Doesn't hurt to wax that paint around the tent once
in a while either ;)

Hope this helps
Harry.

> this table or figure a system that works? Does anyone know what sort
> of water proofing the canvas poptop got at the factory?  I think
> mine may need a new application. That is about it and thanks in
> advance
---------------------------------------------------------
Harry Yates, Langley, BC, Canada
'90 Syncro Westfalia www:   http://syncro.bcit.bc.ca/hyates
'87 Golf Diesel      email: hyates@bert.cr.bcit.bc.ca
'91 Miata (Millie)