ZRX61
Well-known member
It's kinda small. It has 4 pockets in each side, plus the pouches outside on both sides. Going to use this for my OBDII scanner, larger multimeter & all the leads etc.
In other news, it stinks.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Zeph's Quasi WWII Era Shop
- Thread starter zepher11
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
In other news, it stinks.
![20210321_201539[1].jpg](/forum/data/attachments/971/971317-6dba5dc93dd9d8b334e36ef434e8a077.jpg)
BORING HOP YARD
Well-known member
Wow, look at you go Zeph !
Very nice work and thank you for bringing us along!
Very nice work and thank you for bringing us along!
Thank you.
It's kinda small. It has 4 pockets in each side, plus the pouches outside on both sides. Going to use this for my OBDII scanner, larger multimeter & all the leads etc.
In other news, it stinks.
Yeah, it is a bit small, but looks handy for small items like the OBDII reader and multimeter. Nice to have that stuff in one location as well as something to take them along.
Thanks. Whole new respect for those that are master sewers. All this is building up for me to attempt the canvas doors on my Command Car and the seat covers for the Carryall. Never realized I would enjoy it as much as I do now.
csp
Well-known member
Wow, nice progression on the sewing/upholstery.
I've always wanted to learn, but haven't gone down that road yet as there are so many other projects to work on. Someday though.
I've always wanted to learn, but haven't gone down that road yet as there are so many other projects to work on. Someday though.
Thanks! I know what you mean. I hemmed and hawed, no pun intended, over getting an industrial machine and giving it a go for many many years. Never having sewn or touching a sewing machine always prevented me from taking the plunge. However, the recent lack of availability of canvas products for my vehicles was the catalyst I needed to make the move.
At this point, I'm very happy that I just did it. Watched some March Madness last evening and practiced sewing round corners and top stitching. Not easy to get a perfect round corner. I get some good areas going and then one false move it all goes awry...and quickly. Practice practice! Thoroughly enjoying it!
racer-john
Well-known member
Keep them coming Zeph, can't get enough of your work.
Cheers.
Cheers.
mybigwarwagon
Well-known member
My screen froze on the picture of the seat. I thought it was a really weird hat. Looks great for a seat cover though.
Actually, just trying to sew in a straight line. lol Thanks man. I have seen some of that zig zag stitching, but have no idea how that's done. My machine is just the basic straight stitching. I have played just a bit with the length of stitch. Trying to figure out the tension now. Really don't have a feel for how that works exactly. Sometimes the stitching isn't very tight and comes apart a bit. Not sure why it does that on occasion.
lol...I looked at that photo, and you're right. It does kinda look like a hat. I tossed it in the trash so I won't get confused and wear it. I was actually eye balling one of my HBT hats the other day and was wondering if I could make one. Be a neat project.
Been wanting to post, but our internet service is like zippo. Living in the sticks has its drawbacks. $175 a month and we get less than 1mb of service. Lots of times a tenth of that. I did put down my $99 hold fee to get in line for Starlink about two months ago. People are getting it around here, but I'm not holding my breath.
Tough to get photos to come up. Takes forever. Anyway, still been dinking around with the sewing machine. Had a guy contact me to sew up a WWII hand cart canvas cover. I guess they're like $200 if one can find one. I gave it a go. Found some photos. Looks like the corners are cut, with room for a tab, and then pinched inward then sewn. Whipped one up based on his measurements:
Then after sewing the inward pinch, It appears the seam allowance is folded over and then sewn where one can see the thread on the outside:
Then sewing the binding around the bottom edge:
Finished corner:
Side:
This is what the four corner seams look like on the inside:
Also made some more Dodge WC windshield covers. I posted on FB and now have like 10 people from all over the world that want one. However, I'm not going to sell them unless someone buys directly from me and looks it over first. I know how people are. I'm ****, but people will ***** about something no matter how good it is. Not really up for that. Did sell one for $150 to the guy that suggested I do it. I told him no bitching! He's in South Carolina. Anyway, thought I would take a couple to the military vehicle show the last week in April and see what people say:
Sewing around that tight half turn in this photo is a mind binder every time I do it. Have to do it one way on one side and then another way on the other side. Might be a better way. Would be nice to bounce some ideas and questions off someone that has used a sewing machine before and has experience. Just winging it as it is. I'm sure I'm doing it the hard way as I keep learning better and quicker techniques the more I go along. I actually sped up the machine stitch speed too as it was getting really slow using the speed I started with. I think that's a good thing:
Here is where one side is sewn with the side piece on the bottom. The other side is the opposite. Side panel is sewn on the top. Getting the brain to wrap around that is interesting:
The binding sewing is a bit challenging around that tight corner above as well. Plus there are two layers on the cover plus the side patch for three layers to manage whilst sewing on the binding:
Binding all sewn on:
Ta da. Took me about four to five hours to cut everything out and sew these three together. Would have to charge about $200 a piece to quit my day job. lol:
Really enjoying the sewing. I think I'm just about prepared enough to take a sewing lesson now. I have looked, but can't find anything like that locally. I have so many questions now that I have some seat time. Pity the first person I meet that knows how to sew. I'll wear them out with questions.
I'd watch videos, but...ahhh...can't do that at home.... Starlink where are you??!!
Tough to get photos to come up. Takes forever. Anyway, still been dinking around with the sewing machine. Had a guy contact me to sew up a WWII hand cart canvas cover. I guess they're like $200 if one can find one. I gave it a go. Found some photos. Looks like the corners are cut, with room for a tab, and then pinched inward then sewn. Whipped one up based on his measurements:
Then after sewing the inward pinch, It appears the seam allowance is folded over and then sewn where one can see the thread on the outside:
Then sewing the binding around the bottom edge:
Finished corner:
Side:
This is what the four corner seams look like on the inside:
Also made some more Dodge WC windshield covers. I posted on FB and now have like 10 people from all over the world that want one. However, I'm not going to sell them unless someone buys directly from me and looks it over first. I know how people are. I'm ****, but people will ***** about something no matter how good it is. Not really up for that. Did sell one for $150 to the guy that suggested I do it. I told him no bitching! He's in South Carolina. Anyway, thought I would take a couple to the military vehicle show the last week in April and see what people say:
Sewing around that tight half turn in this photo is a mind binder every time I do it. Have to do it one way on one side and then another way on the other side. Might be a better way. Would be nice to bounce some ideas and questions off someone that has used a sewing machine before and has experience. Just winging it as it is. I'm sure I'm doing it the hard way as I keep learning better and quicker techniques the more I go along. I actually sped up the machine stitch speed too as it was getting really slow using the speed I started with. I think that's a good thing:
Here is where one side is sewn with the side piece on the bottom. The other side is the opposite. Side panel is sewn on the top. Getting the brain to wrap around that is interesting:
The binding sewing is a bit challenging around that tight corner above as well. Plus there are two layers on the cover plus the side patch for three layers to manage whilst sewing on the binding:
Binding all sewn on:
Ta da. Took me about four to five hours to cut everything out and sew these three together. Would have to charge about $200 a piece to quit my day job. lol:
Really enjoying the sewing. I think I'm just about prepared enough to take a sewing lesson now. I have looked, but can't find anything like that locally. I have so many questions now that I have some seat time. Pity the first person I meet that knows how to sew. I'll wear them out with questions.
I'd watch videos, but...ahhh...can't do that at home.... Starlink where are you??!!
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I am loving your sewing as a new skill I think that is what keeps a lot of GJ folks going. Would a 3d printed 2 pc grommet work for the square hole? Just a thought.
VW beetles had an aluminum grommet for straps on the back of the rear seat holddown.
image stolen from thesamba
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1759163.jpg
VW beetles had an aluminum grommet for straps on the back of the rear seat holddown.
image stolen from thesamba
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1759163.jpg
gpw_42
Well-known member
Zeph, those windshield covers look great! Careful, or you’ll have to sell off those WC engines in waiting ����
As for a sewing lesson, do you have either a quilting shop or a fabric shop anything like close by? If not, look for a Bernina sewing machine dealer. I know zip about sewing, but my mom is big into quilting; apparently Bernina is top of the line in home grade sewing machines. Just trying to think of places where there may be some sewing knowledge you can tap into.
My hat’s off to you for taking that on, and turning out so well!
As for a sewing lesson, do you have either a quilting shop or a fabric shop anything like close by? If not, look for a Bernina sewing machine dealer. I know zip about sewing, but my mom is big into quilting; apparently Bernina is top of the line in home grade sewing machines. Just trying to think of places where there may be some sewing knowledge you can tap into.
My hat’s off to you for taking that on, and turning out so well!
Yes, a grommet would be great, but none of the WWII guys would buy one that wasn't period correct. Has to look vintage like the ones made for the Jeeps. I did have a breakthrough yesterday and realized that I could fold the eight tabs from the two canvas layers inside!! I'm sure that's how they did it back in the day. I post a few photos below. Thanks!
Thanks. Yep, those engines are staring at me... Been holding off the best I can due to my shoulder surgery, but getting close to moving the Dodge VC1 into the resto slot in the garage.
Been resuming my early morning workouts and I'm up to 105 pushup every morning now. Repaired shoulder feels. Now the left one hurts. Oh well, I'll just keep it up and hope it gets better!
I think when COVID has run its course some classes might pop up. There is one place that sells machines, and the place the builds them here locally where I picked mine up. I need to get in there and see what they have planned. I don't see too many folks wearing masks around here, and everything is open just about from what I can tell.
As I mentioned above. Had a revelation regarding the open slot on the windshield covers for the WWII trucks. Hadn't thought about tucking the eight tabs inside the two layers of canvas. What a goofball! From the photos I found online, one can't see inside how they were done.
First a couple of shot installing the Lift-the-Dots to secure the covers I made recently:
Here's how I was doing it:
Cutting the tabs:
Tucking the tabs internally:
Sewn as it looks now from the inside:
What it looks like on the outside with the double stitching around the whole thing:
Now I'm thinking about maybe running another section of thread around the original ones with the exposed tabs just for added strength. However, not sure I can get them under the needle now that they are all sewn together. Be an interesting trick to try. Nothing to lose a this point.
First a couple of shot installing the Lift-the-Dots to secure the covers I made recently:
Here's how I was doing it:
Cutting the tabs:
Tucking the tabs internally:
Sewn as it looks now from the inside:
What it looks like on the outside with the double stitching around the whole thing:
Now I'm thinking about maybe running another section of thread around the original ones with the exposed tabs just for added strength. However, not sure I can get them under the needle now that they are all sewn together. Be an interesting trick to try. Nothing to lose a this point.
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Man what a great solution! That looks tidy!
Thank you!
Didn't realize I've been goofing off so much and haven't posted anything of late. Been super busy. Made a big announcement at work last month. Going to work in the shop 24/7 now in a month or so.
Of course, I still have found a little time to dink around in the garage. First thing is that I received back my first rebuilt generator and electronic regulator for the Command Car. Originally 55 amps, now 95 amps:
Stuffed everything back under the hood, and how about that. The amp gauge does actually work. After about three years and two generators that supposedly worked, the amp gauge actually shows some life. I was afraid it didn't work after all this time. Well it moved right up to about 40 amps upon the first start up. Haven't had the time to go for a ride yet:
Next I finally couldn't take it any longer. I hem hawed over the location of the registration number when I initially applied it, and immediately realized that I placed it in the wrong location. So, I needed to erase that:
Aww, feel so much better now. I want to mark it with the wartime era makings for vehicles in England. Speed limit and left hand drive stencils. I'll get to those later:
I embarked on another little canvas project. When I tow my Command Car, which I will next week to a military vehicle show, I always stress about an errant rock dinging the windshield. So I came up with the idea of making a slip on canvas cover with rubber sandwiched in between. Something that can slip on and off quickly. The windshield on the CC is kind of an odd shape. Thankfully, I have a few extras lying around to use as a template:
Wanted to make a pocket at the bottom to slip on the windshield and then straps on the backside, Plus it would give me the opportunity to learn how to make some straps with buckles and the tips that get pressed on:
Pressing the ball tips:
It was quit the rats nest to get through the little opening on the machine. However, I'm getting better at figuring out how not to have to pass things through like this now:
Testing the fit:
View from the inside:
Straps didn't turn out too bad:
Finished front view. Happy I did this. I think I won't stress as much towing:
I ordered myself a late Christmas present, but it didn't arrive until after I finished this project. Ordered this 2 ton arbor press back in January from Northern Tools. Just arrived. It's a beaut Clark:
The WWII style canvas that I ordered a while ago arrived. All 750 lbs of it! It's nice. The wet for like cargo tops, etc..., and the dry for like seat projects. The big roll weighs 450 lbs. and is 71 inches wide:
Now I'm trying to figure out how to handle it. I remembered I rat-holed an old engine cart with steel wheels wondering what I would ever do with it. Well, now's the time:
A little snip here and there and it can be extended:
Well, I'd like to say it all went well, but I made a few miscalculations. I thought I allowed for a gap between the rolls, but botched it. Ended up cutting all of the holders off after I welded them and had to reposition them. Also, I was about a half inch to short on the width and the 71" roll would go in. I had to grind about a 1/4 inch off the angle iron on both sides. It fits but still tight. I need to grind a little more, or just cut all three cross bar and make it wider. I was hustling to get it done and rushed myself into errors. Oh well, I get it right here this next weekend. Overall, it's going to be handy to roll the canvas off for cutting:
I also had an idea about making a cell phone or sunglass holder for the MV's. Not a lot of creature comforts in the MV's. I had some magnets, so I sewed them in so I could attach to the dash or under the dash. Fun little project:
I also made another one that has a dedicated pouch for a cell phone. My wife's idea.
Anyway, now I just need to start packing for the 5 day military vehicle show. Looking forward to getting out anywhere!
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Let me offer congrats to more shop time. You will enjoy your new found freedom. I love the magnets and bag and will be stealing it as the old vws lack places for phones etc...
With all the fabric you will be unlimited in the sewing adventure. Enjoy the show.
With all the fabric you will be unlimited in the sewing adventure. Enjoy the show.
Thank you! Yeah, the storage bag is actually pretty handy. I have a lot of people that want one now. I used the cheap magnets they have at HF. However, I found a website that has all kinds of magnets. I really need a thinner more powerful magnet solution. Here's the site: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/categories.asp?cat=9
They have all kinds of magnets. Just need to pick a decent size with some good holding power. I don't know a great deal about magnets and this site will overwhelm the novice magnet shopper. I like that they have the holding weight for each magnet.
I used to have a few VW Bugs way back in the day. You're right, very similar to the military vehicles with very little creature comforts.
Old Fart
Well-known member
So... a second career in military canvas work, huh? After all, you've got enough canvas to cover a football field now.
Congrats on upcoming retirement! You do realize that now you won't have nearly enough time to do what you want, don't you? It seems that since I retired, there's more to do, but I HAVE figured out how to prioritize better.
Good luck!
Congrats on upcoming retirement! You do realize that now you won't have nearly enough time to do what you want, don't you? It seems that since I retired, there's more to do, but I HAVE figured out how to prioritize better.
Good luck!
Bust open an old hard drive and steal the [emoji3465], I guarantee it won't fall off!!Thank you! Yeah, the storage bag is actually pretty handy. I have a lot of people that want one now. I used the cheap magnets they have at HF. However, I found a website that has all kinds of magnets. I really need a thinner more powerful magnet solution. Here's the site: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/categories.asp?cat=9
They have all kinds of magnets. Just need to pick a decent size with some good holding power. I don't know a great deal about magnets and this site will overwhelm the novice magnet shopper. I like that they have the holding weight for each magnet.
I used to have a few VW Bugs way back in the day. You're right, very similar to the military vehicles with very little creature comforts.
I do have a lot of people pinging me for canvas products, but more interested in doing my own projects. There are only a three or four WWII vehicle canvas makers in the US. I did make a few things already for a couple of people, but not really interested in making it a permanent thing. I'd have to get really bored to make very many things for others.
Thanks on the retirement congrats. My wife is stacking me up with all kinds of projects already. I think the first year is filled. I'm just hoping I'll get a little time for MY projects!
It will be a weird sensation not really having anywhere to be. Hopefully, that'll go away pretty quickly.
870Classic
Member
Zeph,
Just checking back in on your progress. Looking great and congratulations on the upcoming retirement.
Quick question on the command car with the driver side cell phone holder... Are those cup holders below the cell phone holder?
Keep up the great workmanship.
Best regards,
870classic.
Just checking back in on your progress. Looking great and congratulations on the upcoming retirement.
Quick question on the command car with the driver side cell phone holder... Are those cup holders below the cell phone holder?
Keep up the great workmanship.
Best regards,
870classic.
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks for the site information!
250
Well-known member
Thank you!
Didn't realize I've been goofing off so much and haven't posted anything of late. Been super busy. Made a big announcement at work last month. Going to work in the shop 24/7 now in a month or so.
Ha, I think I've heard that before.
Congrats!
Ha, I think I've heard that before.
Congrats!
lol...yes, it's been exactly three years since I last threatened to retire. This time it's sticking. They weren't successful in talking me into staying this time. Still tough to leave. Really enjoy the job, but getting older really stinks. The last 10 years flew by. When I think that I'll be 70 in 10 years it really freaks me out!
Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
" When I think that I'll be 70 in 10 years it really freaks me out!"
Old age is a privilege that is denied to far too many!
Mark Twain is alleged to have said: "Old age is hell, but it beats the alternative!"
You will continue to make each day a new adventure, that would be a good plan for anyone's future.
Old age is a privilege that is denied to far too many!
Mark Twain is alleged to have said: "Old age is hell, but it beats the alternative!"
You will continue to make each day a new adventure, that would be a good plan for anyone's future.
250
Well-known member
So, retiring at 60. Not too shabby.
racer-john
Well-known member
" When I think that I'll be 70 in 10 years it really freaks me out!"
What???
In two years I'll be ninety. Am I freaked out? NO sir I am not.
What???
In two years I'll be ninety. Am I freaked out? NO sir I am not.
Thanks Bill....
Yes, I feel pretty fortunate. However, I worked the past 40 years 50-60 hours a week minimum. Paid off for retirement, but really put a dent in having any friends...other than my dogs and my lovely wife that is. lol
I'm sure I'll get used to it. Just never thought I'd make it this long. Not sure how long I can take the constant pain from all my injuries over the years. I do remember someone saying: "Getting old is not for sissies." I believe it was Bette Davis.
Congrats. I do know one fella that is 86 years old and works by himself full-time in a rigging shop making chokers and products for all of the loggers. I really admire him. He never had a drink or a smoke in his life. Too late for me. I have him covered on the drinking side. I think the only bad habit I didn't have was smoking. Never have.
XXXXXXXXXX
Getting caught back up as I did go down to a military vehicle show for five days last week. I had a great time. Still drying out a bit. Weather was perfect to too warm during the day.
They said it was the largest turnout for the spring event in the history of the club. There were a lot of folks and vehicles there. Almost forgot about COVID as I didn't see but a couple of masks. Slowly getting back to normal which was nice to see.
Sold a few things, and I found a couple of nice Dodge WC items. Found an NOS 1/2 ton steering box, NOS drivelines, and two big boxes of Dodge WC transmission gears in Cosmoline. One I can't even pick up it's so heavy. Those gears are almost impossible to find in good shape. I have dug through a lot of rusty gears to get decent sets for my transmissions in the past. Very stoked about this find.
Also found an awesome pre-war yard-long photo...actually it's a massive 55 inches long. Photo of soldiers with the Dodge military vehicles in the background. Love to find these with vehicles within the shot. That didn't happen too much. Usually it's just the soldiers. Heck, in this one there is even a band!
Attachments
Sweet Old Bill
Well-known member
The photos are incredible; they have certainly found a good home!
Wow, I didn't realize how much traffic is on this forum. I almost couldn't find my post from yesterday! lol
I appreciate the warm welcome everyone. Phil, that is sooo awesome that you have some windows and such from some WWII air bases. I try to concentrate on WWII Army Air Corp. I have a relative that was a pilot in the 91st Bomb Group. He was shot down over occupied France, but after a few weeks was able to evade with the help of the French Resistance. I just spoke to him yesterday as it was his 93rd birthday!
Here are some more photos of the progress on my garage:
Some of the troops waiting to get in:
Some of the pots I put in the concrete for frame repair or other future projects:
This is early in the morning in August as it was going to be around 110 degrees:
Lumber arrived:
First day with the lumber:
Here is one of the pots in place. The slab was saw cut in basically 10' x 11' sections:
Trusses going up. I ended up going with a 6:12 pitch. I also designed a couple of dormers to give it what I thought was a vintage look. I had to balance my WWII passion with the garage being out front and my wife...:
A whole lotta wood in this thing!
With dormers:
I opted for a 12' high ceiling:
All enclosed:
I'll post some more photos in the next few days.
Zeph
He was a pilot at ~16 yrs old?
stillp
Well-known member
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Zeph: Where are you buying your canvas and webbing? I need to order a couple of dozen yards for various L-5 projects. I've found sources for the Dot stuff and maybe the buckles so far.
The walls are getting full, so need to move some things around.
Yes, that's the math I use.
Can't get the WWII canvas online. One has to order a roll over 100 yards to get it from the factory. I had a connection to work the deal.
I found some WWII webbing on ebay. Not sure where to get it in the future as it's the same thing. I found a place a while ago, but the minimum order was 5,000 feet.
Still looking, however.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Hey Zeph, I don't need a whole roll......If I remember right, what my drawings call for is 7.9 ounce and #10 cotton duck and lots of 3/4" and 1" cotton webbing. The only question with the duck is getting a correct OD color without having to buy entire bolts.
That's the problem is getting the OD 7 dyed canvas. I was told that canvas is no longer made in the US. Only two facilities import it and dye and treat it to the WWII specs. Cost me almost $700 just for shipping! When you say webbing. Is it webbing or binding? This it binding:
And this is webbing:
I spoke to one WWII canvas product supplier and they told me this is probably the closest to the WWII style canvas. I ordered a swatch and it's pretty nice. If I had not found the connection, I would have went with this:
https://www.chicagocanvas.com/product/color-canvas-10-oz-per-yard/
You should order a sample and see what you think. Cost a couple of bucks, but worth seeing what it looks like before ordering. If I can find my sample, I can compare it to the OD 7 I have and post a photo.
This is the best place to order the WWII lift-the-dot hardware that I found. You'll be like a kid in a candy store
:https://www.dotfasteners.com/products/
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
zeph & cv had a brain flash as I was reading. If you only need to source a small amount of material would a surplus duffle bag work? Or is modern post WWII not close enough in flavor?
cvairwerks
Well-known member
For most of my stuff, not enough material. Couple of the items require a yard or more of 60" wide material.