replacing the canvans on Compact Junior

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

We just purchased a 1972 Compact Junior and need to install new canvas on the pop up top but the camper did not have the original old canvas to use for a pattern. Any suggestions on how I could go about doing this without a pattern?

[John in Santa Cruz]

maybe cut up old cotton sheets to use as prototypes til you get the shape right, then use them as the pattern for the tent fabric ?

[Fiberglassflyer]

Measure the inside of the top and the outside of the bottom. Take the measurements to a boat cover repairman and tell them it needs to be 13” tall. When I had mine made we had them use solid fabric with zip down windows.

[janel]

What is you replacement timeline? Immediately or in a while?
I replaced my pop top canvas last year. I may still have the old one and/or the pattens and drawings I made. I’m on the road currently but plan to be home mid-sept. I can find what I have then and we can discuss how to transfer the information.

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

Oh that would be great! Thank you so much! I would like to do it as soon as possible but please let me know when you are back just in case I havent figured it out by then.

[Brian Dale]

Did you ever figure out a suitable replacement for your 72 CJ? I purchased a 72 compact jr a little over a year ago that was completely gutted on the inside. I've been slowly picking away at it replacing the floor, painting the interior walls, new glass and resealing the windows and building the bench/bed layout to the best of my ability. Bought a sink/stove combo out of an old tent trailer and all I have left are cabinetry on the curbside back half, exterior paint(PO painted over the gelcoat) and replacing the pop top material. I've been considering rip stop but would love to hear what you went forward with

[Linda of San Diego]

I had the old one when I redid mine 10 years ago. Instead of remaking the Velcro window covers I just doubled up the screens. If it gets cold I just close the top.

[janel]

I used weatherMAX 65 from Seattle Fabrics. https://www.seattlefabrics.com/61-We...yard_p_59.html
I followed videos from Sailrite for installing zippered windows and used noseeum screen.
Rip stop. Can be slippery to sew with and noises in the wind. weatherMAX was easy to see even with the many yards required.

[janel]

Attachment 1Attachment 1

[janel]

I tried to post photos but don’t know what went wrong.

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

Originally Posted by janel

I tried to post photos but don’t know what went wrong.

I got the first one and it looks awesome! I am new to forums and have no idea how to send them either. Thank u for the info though I love using youtube to learn so I can pause and rewind. I am definitely a more hands on learner. When u say it is noisy in the wind would u say its too noisy? Do you wish you had used something else instead? I've heard other people say RIP stop was sort of a pain to sew so. Will probably try to do a rough muslin this weekend and see if it's even worth the saving to do myself.

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

Brian- we actually just got.the camper on Tuesday so we havent even started anything yet. Hopefully this weekend we will do some gutting and measurements. Its rough and hard for me to even know where to start. Most of the I terror is original but sort of cobbled back together so I struggle with what to remove and replace. I know I'm going to want to go camping in the fall and dont want to make it inoperable for a long time.

[janel]

[janel]

Rip stop is noisy. WeatherMAX is whisper quiet. I loved working with it. I used my home sewing machine. Read up on thread recommendations for UV. You don’t want your pop top to fail from using the wrong thread!

[Fiberglassflyer]

I have a custom canvas seamstress that just made one for my Jr. if you want one let me know and I will give her number to you. She will send the finished product to you. It cost around $250.00. She is excellent and will build anything. She is doing my screen door cover now.

[Out4Fun]

KCorbin did an amazing renovation on her Campster that included sewing her own pop-up. The details she provides and the clarity of her writing makes her account a useful resource and a great read. I think the pop-up info starts around post #123. You might also enjoy starting at the beginning of her thread, but be prepared, it is lengthy, but oh so well done.

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

Originally Posted by Out4Fun

KCorbin did an amazing renovation on her Campster that included sewing her own pop-up. The details she provides and the clarity of her writing makes her account a useful resource and a great read. I think the pop-up info starts around post #123. You might also enjoy starting at the beginning of her thread, but be prepared, it is lengthy, but oh so well done.

Thank u so much! In gonna check it out now! I am so thankful for this group!

[k corbin]

Originally Posted by Out4Fun

KCorbin did an amazing renovation on her Campster that included sewing her own pop-up. The details she provides and the clarity of her writing makes her account a useful resource and a great read. I think the pop-up info starts around post #123. You might also enjoy starting at the beginning of her thread, but be prepared, it is lengthy, but oh so well done.

I am still around, just been lazy about updating my thread on the Campster to keep it current. Mostly because I am too lazy to take photos as that means I would have clear out all the clutter of tools and materials inside the trailer where I have been building cabinets and doing the wiring work.


On the rainy days I have been putting in some time with sewing covers for the new cushions.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by k corbin

I am still around, just been lazy about updating my thread on the Campster to keep it current. Mostly because I am too lazy to take photos as that means I would have clear out all the clutter of tools and materials inside the trailer where I have been building cabinets and doing the wiring work.


On the rainy days I have been putting in some time with sewing covers for the new cushions.

work in progress pics SHOULD be full of tools and clutter, cuz thats reality.

[Backwoodsbeautiful]

Originally Posted by janel

What is you replacement timeline? Immediately or in a while?
I replaced my pop top canvas last year. I may still have the old one and/or the pattens and drawings I made. I’m on the road currently but plan to be home mid-sept. I can find what I have then and we can discuss how to transfer the information.

I still haven't gotten the gusto to get started on my Jr canvas top. Are you back home yet? If you could send me the info you used for yours that would be awesome. Also, if you have any pics of the way it is attached that would be helpful too. I can send you my e-mail if that would be easier.

I really appreciate you offering to help! I have been so impressed with the amazing community of people on here! Everyone is so nice! Now if I can just get my Little Sweet Pea finished and get out there and start camping