Walking foot sewing machine -- Reliant Barracuda

[wellcraft-classic210]

DASH PICS -- STRUGGLING WITH THE COLOR SCHEME A LITTLE HERE


I think painting the drown fiberglass to a cream color may help.

Original













I tried this but changed it to black -- As I mentioned earlier -- It looked a little to pimped out.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Starting on the driver seat now

Original pics

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

I am going to try raising the drivers position a few inches by adding padding to to the seat and increasing the back height.

I scavenged some foam from a couch set we owned that had a short life.

The new foam glued to the plywood.




Seats done --

 

[Woodonglass]

Very Nice!

 

[bruceb58]

Looks good.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Thanks guys /

I am tempted to try a hardened enamal -- ( Rustoleum ) on the dash -- Any thoughts ?

 

[Woodonglass]

I used Acrylic Enamel w/Hardener on my boat and have been really pleased with the results. A lot of others here on the forum have used it with Great results too. Ace Hardware is now making their own Brand "Rust Stop" and they have a LOT of color Choices" AND will custom mix colors too!!! Check that out as well. Any of the name brand hardeners will work with it.

 

[Corjen1]

You Upholstery work looks great! I did my boat with Rustoleum. So far, very happy with it.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Finished the drivers seat -// raised the driver seat 2 inches & the back 4 inches.

This one was complicated with 50 pieces of vinyl in the back section / 86 total

Love that Rex607z machine -- for $300 ish its a real bargain

 

[Woodonglass]

Very nice work on the upholstery.

 

[sphelps]

That turned out great ! Nice work !

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Next project -- I am going to try & reduce leaks in the camper canvas now


The Glass on the 2 rear side panels and the 2 back leak at the bottoms -- the are atteached with velcro -- The screens have degraded from UV and stretched making it hard for the velcro to align. I am thinking of sewing the glass to the canvas with the lower portion on the OUTSIDE of the canvas ( sort of like roofing shingles ) and adding some curved zipper sections into the glass.


Sailrite has a video on how to do the zippered windows -- I am open to suggestions on keeping the water out at the seams






Also need to add some flaps to cover these open areas

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

A few more pics

 

[bruceb58]

I personally have not done side curtains but I would think that sewing the window to the outside is going to look too unfinished.

I have heard that using basting tape would help waterproofing. I would just make new side curtains.

EDIT: You say the glass attaches with Velcro? You have a better picture of that?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Bruce

Thanks for your interest !


You make good points on the seams and fabric;

-- I am just not sure how trustworthy seam tape will be for a good seal. I was thinking of sewing only the bottom of the window glass to the exterior and covering it with some matching fabric.


--The fabric and zippers seems to be in pretty good shape so I am tempted to salvage it. If I can get some learning out of this I can replace the entire canvas when needed in maybe 3-5 years or so.


Looking forward to loosing the Velcro as its too leaky


But I am definitely open to suggestions -- Pics posted below.






Rear panel with glass down ( note the misaligned bottom which was common as the screen stretched and sagged unless special effort was used to align it )




Rear panel with glass up



Torn screen with uv damage

 

[bruceb58]

Are you looking at having a fixed window or sewing in a new window with a smile zipper?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUuKqdOMbTg

 

[bruceb58]

Here is a video you should watch.
http://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Insta...n-Canvas-Video
Note how the window is installed before cutting fabric which is why you may just want to make a new panel.
Since the window is on the outside of the fabric panel, very unlikely it would leak into the boat.

I wouldn't use a screen again.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Bruce -- Like those videos ! // Thanks!!!

 

[bruceb58]

If you do make new panels, you are going to need to look into buying a binder. I use the Sailrite swing away binder. After going through a few binders, I have found it's the best one I have tried.

Some people don't put binding on the edge of panels like this but I think its a way more professional look. I use a 1" binder. I used to use smaller binding but it is way harder to work with.
http://www.sailrite.com/Binder-1-Swing-Bracket

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Can anyone offer advice or rule of thumb's on

--When to back stitch ( or when not too )
--Pros & cons of sewing the same seam twice for redundancy - added durability ( does this weaken a seam in vinyl if too close ) )
--When to use a Zig-Zag stitch.
--Other related tips.


Thanks!!!