Sourcing canvas

Hi. I’m converting my 88 S3 to canvas. I’ve bought the hoop kit from Exmoor trim and was about to order the canvas but I’ve read on here a few negative comments about the quality of exmoor trim canvas. Is it no good ? If so any recommendations for a better alternative - thanks

Ive used them for the best part of ten years now, or more, my experience is their canvas only lasts around 3-4 years , it rots easily. I have not had one shrink yet. If you are proofing it dont get any on the windows in the canvas, it turns them a milky colour.

Mine gets parked under trees though, so turns green with mould easily, I jet wash it which takes the colour out of it. So, if you take extra care of it , keep it garaged, allow it to dry properly, it might last longer.

Undercover covers, in Birmingham. Crap website, good reputation. Phone them.

Some of the companies who do tents, marquees etc. sales and hire, also do repairs etc, so it is possible that you could get some good quality canvas from one of them.

This is the type of company that might be able to help.

https://kingswoodcanvas.co.uk/
http://www.manualz.co.uk/tent.htm
https://www.yell.com/s/tent+repairs-herefordshire.html

Allwheettrim make some good canvas tilts.

Follow the guide lines to fit get it wet and make sure it is strapped down tight for a few weeks to control the shrinkage.

I would not recommend fabsil for proofing, since I have done mine it has started to degrade much quicker.

Cheers

You could try Land Rover, I know Defender tilts can be bought. I once looked after a 109 series three, it still had its original canvas.

+1 for Allwheeltrim quality seemed good and easy to deal with. Ordering some new hoops from them now.

Undercover covers. Good quality, recommended by many (including me - I bought a hood for my SWB last year). The website is pretty useless, but they are very helpful if you call them.

Another -ve for Exmoor Trim. My lightweight has a new one 3 years ago. The stitching and the canvas have rotted even though it’s been waterproofed annually. I’ve been in contact undercover covers and they quoted within 24hrs. I’ll be ordering through them.

Just put on the canvas tilt after two years. It’s around 30 years old and apart from a frayed hole and loose brass stud it’s in perfect condition. I treated it with Fabsil, a bit smelly but does the job. That’s crap if they rot after a couple of years.

[GALLERY=][GALLERY=][/GALLERY][/GALLERY]

Another vote for undercover covers hear. Phone them up and speak to them they are very good, and the tilt was good quality and been on 3 years now with no sign of deterioration. May even get around to reproofing it this year. If I do it will be old fashioned bees wax rather than modern treatments though.

dag019 said:

Another vote for undercover covers hear. Phone them up and speak to them they are very good, and the tilt was good quality and been on 3 years now with no sign of deterioration. May even get around to reproofing it this year. If I do it will be old fashioned bees wax rather than modern treatments though.

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How do you use bees wax? Do you thin it with turps or something?

nobber said:

How do you use bees wax? Do you thin it with turps or something?

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That is exactly what you do, I have found an old recipe that is beeswax, turpentine, boiled linseed oil and and pine tar. There is a similar variation of the recipe on the forum here. This one does not include the pine tar but pine tar adds mildew resistance hoaever also has the side effect of darkening the color so it is up to you if you use it or not. seems to be used mostly in US forestry applications and for boats.. My reasoning is if it stands up in those conditions it should be fine for my series.

Ordered my new lightweight tilt from Rhys at Undercover Covers today. They’ve got stock made up so it’ll be delivered tomorrow. He said the actual material is waterproof and doesn’t need redoing but to do the seams with Fabseal - either spray or paint on with a paint brush.

Another plus vote for Steve and his crew at Undercover Covers . They made the bespoke rear tilt for my 107” back in 2016 and it is still looking good . I am hoping for many years service from it .

Steve is the chap with the white shirt

And here it is. Good quality & a good fit

Someone mentioned a company called undercover covers who have a rubbish website.

Bit of digging and there's a much better website at
http://www.comptons2000.co.uk/
Same telephone number and address

kermit_rr said:

Someone mentioned a company called undercover covers who have a rubbish website.

Bit of digging and there's a much better website at
http://www.comptons2000.co.uk/
Same telephone number and address

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Saw them on car salvage classics doing a mini-pick up yesterday showing how they make them...