Replacement canvas or vinyl covers

rumplecat said:

I need a full set for a MKT 99, I have the old vinyl just the thread gave up! I have a local person who says she can resew them but I don't know? I did buy one of the manual Chinese sewing machines, but it is still in the box a year later!!!

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The Chinese hand crank machines can work, but they need a fair amount to tweaking to handle the job. There is a YouTuber by the name of Hightower who has a series of excellent videos on how to set them up for success. I will offer that you need two hands to wrangle a piece of material of any real size, so you may need someone to turn the crank for you, and the bobbins are terribly small, so be prepared to swap them out very frequently.
BDGR

Bulldogger said:

That is a cute little machine. Lots of seams and fitment. Two suggestions if you take it to someone to fit out: 1) if the paulin that you plan to have cut down has ever been outside, please wash and dry it well. I have taken old HMMWV vinyl in for repair as-is right off the truck and the dirt and grime was terrible for n=both my hands and for my machine, 2) expect the sewing shop to ask you to leave the vehicle with them. There is no easy way to get a good fit on a custom frame like that without trial and error during design and fitting. (There are those with experience in making boat covers to order who are better at making a pattern on the vehicle and then returning to the shop, but I bet they'll want to hold on to the truck for a while.)

Best of luck!

BDGR

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Yep, I can imagine how grit would tear up a machine. A few weeks ago I pressure washed and scrubbed both sides of the paulin, folded it and put it in the shop. It's about as clean as I can make it. But it's also one of the camo'd covers - no idea if it's CARC or latex, or? But when I take the stuff in I'm sure they'll have some idea of the issues once they lay hands on it.

As to design and fitting, if I do go down the DIY side, I see that some threads suggest using muslin for the initial shaping? Is that accurate?

And another question - what kind of thread works for doing these covers, and what do I need to use that thread? Heavy duty needles?

Yet another question - thinking about going with a used sacrificial machine to DIY it, are any models or brands better than others? Or pretty much all the same for the low end stuff?

czechsix said:

Yep, I can imagine how grit would tear up a machine. A few weeks ago I pressure washed and scrubbed both sides of the paulin, folded it and put it in the shop. It's about as clean as I can make it. But it's also one of the camo'd covers - no idea if it's CARC or latex, or? But when I take the stuff in I'm sure they'll have some idea of the issues once they lay hands on it.

As to design and fitting, if I do go down the DIY side, I see that some threads suggest using muslin for the initial shaping? Is that accurate?

And another question - what kind of thread works for doing these covers, and what do I need to use that thread? Heavy duty needles?

Yet another question - thinking about going with a used sacrificial machine to DIY it, are any models or brands better than others? Or pretty much all the same for the low end stuff?

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For patterning muslin would be fine. I've also used lightweight packing paper, like Amazon or others sometimes stuff into boxes. If you want to get fancy, Sailrite sells a patterning vinyl that is slightly tacky so it can be positioned and folded and so on. You should be fine with any lightweight material for a one-off.
For thread I recommend one of two choices, either Coats and Clark OUtdoor upholstery thread, which is at well-equipped sewing/hobby stores, or if you want to order it, there is a seller called Sgt Knots on eBay and Amazon who sell milspec threads. I think they sell 4oz spools. One 4oz spool is probably enough for one cover. I use Sgt Knots and when I can find it military surplus UV resistant thread.
All portable machines are fairly equal (equally poor). Around here I would get one in a thrift store or Facebook market place, and not pay more than $30. If you do buy secondhand, especially at a thrift store, make sure it has the foot pedal and power cord. Those are often missing. Look to see if it has presser feet and a few bobbins too.
Best of luck!
Bulldogger

Bulldogger said:

All portable machines are fairly equal (equally poor). Around here I would get one in a thrift store or Facebook market place, and not pay more than $30. If you do buy secondhand, especially at a thrift store, make sure it has the foot pedal and power cord. Those are often missing. Look to see if it has presser feet and a few bobbins too.

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While I haven't done tarps, I have pushed a ton of heavy material through a post war Singer 15 clone. Dead simple machine, nothing plastic to break. I did add a walking foot to help with some of the less cooperative fabrics. Generally ran Coats and Clark upholstery thread.

On the plus side, you can find them for next to nothing, or free if you keep you eye out around bulk garbage days... Nobody wants a machine that just stitches straight now... Gotta have all those bells and whistles that generally you aren't going to use. Parts, and accessories are no issue to find.