POP-UP Roof Canvas

[goodwoodweirdo]

Its time I replaced the canvas sides to my pop-up roof Toyota LC … I’m in discussion with various companies and even thinking about tackling it myself… my question is what’s the best material to use, a heavy cotton, vinyl, sail material ….

It needs to be water and wind proof, but sill flexible so when the roof is down I can roll it in on its-self. The old fabric looks like classic cotton canvas, same found on 80’s family tents…

I would like to have a rear and side awning made at the same time..

Kind regards
Matthew

 

[CSG]

Something from Sunbrella in their marine product line would likely be most satisfying and longest lasting.

 

[goodwoodweirdo]

Something from Sunbrella in their marine product line would likely be most satisfying and longest lasting.

Thanks CSG I was hoping for comments on the benefits of physical materials – vinyl vs canvas …

however I will check out the Sunbrella site...

Any experts ?


kind regards
Matt

 

[chnlisle]

These guys might have it already cut for your needs.
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/?gclid=CNrn0JPwrqICFQVaagod4ksuRQ

 

[Martyn]

A few things to take into consideration for this application.

The fabric needs to be low volume so it doesn't take up too much space.

As it folds on itself when you lower the pop up it needs to be supple. It also needs to withstand abrasion due to the cloth rubbing against itself.

It would be ideal if the fabric was breathable and water resistant.

If you want these qualities then Sunbrella isn't the fabric for you. Sunbrella is a synthetic material, the fibers cause high abrasion when rubbed against each other, it doesn't hold up well to folding, it is low on breathability but high on water resistance.

We ended up importing an Australian fabric that meets all of these qualities, plus we had it fireproofed. We will be using it for our JK Topper plus a few other projects.

Before you all ask about buying the fabric it would run around $21.00 per linear meter ( 2m wide x 1 m). Expensive, but it was the only fabric we found after doing a world wide searching for over 6 months that met all of our requirements.

 

[goodwoodweirdo]

A few things to take into consideration for this application.

The fabric needs to be low volume so it doesn't take up too much space.

As it folds on itself when you lower the pop up it needs to be supple. It also needs to withstand abrasion due to the cloth rubbing against itself.

It would be ideal if the fabric was breathable and water resistant.

If you want these qualities then Sunbrella isn't the fabric for you. Sunbrella is a synthetic material, the fibers cause high abrasion when rubbed against each other, it doesn't hold up well to folding, it is low on breathability but high on water resistance.

We ended up importing an Australian fabric that meets all of these qualities, plus we had it fireproofed. We will be using it for our JK Topper plus a few other projects.

Before you all ask about buying the fabric it would run around $21.00 per linear meter ( 2m wide x 1 m). Expensive, but it was the only fabric we found after doing a world wide searching for over 6 months that met all of our requirements.

Interesting points, which is exactly the feed back I was looking for. The old fabric is rather warn but can still be folded to fit into a carry bag, just showing how supple it is.
I've just followed your link and see you build trailers as a living but would be very grateful for the name of fabric and the company whom supplied it ? I'm based in Europe so happy to have it shipped in..

Many thanks Matt

 

[Martyn]

Interesting points, which is exactly the feed back I was looking for. The old fabric is rather warn but can still be folded to fit into a carry bag, just showing how supple it is.
I’ve just followed your link and see you build trailers as a living but would be very grateful for the name of fabric and the company whom supplied it ? I'm based in Europe so happy to have it shipped in..

Many thanks Matt

Matt

We have the fabric made specifically for us to our specifications, so the same fabric is not available commercially, and as we invested 6 months + researching suppliers around the world the information is confidential.

As you are based in Europe I would talk to Autohome in Italy. They are on the cutting edge when it comes to this type of material.

 

[goodwoodweirdo]

Thanks for the reply Martyn......

 

[goodwoodweirdo]

I've decided on Acryl canvas (ployacrylic) 330g /m2 – it’s very popular in the marine world, breaths well, waterproof, flexible and shouldn’t rot. Also its worth adding, it can be worked with on a domestic sewing machine and is readily available…. Abrasion might be an issue which I need to keep an eye on.

I’ll keep you all updated as this progresses ..

Kind regards
Matt


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