How big is the tear?

If it's a small one, here's a suggestion. This week I repaired a tiny hole
in the canvas of my Westy's pop top. I thought about ironing a patch over
the hole from the inside of the top, but decided instead to try this first:
I applied a product called "Freesole", used commonly to repair holes in
shoes and to reglue soles which have separated from the shoe. I've used it
before on fabrics and clothing to patch small holes and tears (to prevent
the holes from fraying) with good success. It will even last through machine
washings. Unfortunately, this is a toxic, tolulene-based compound. But
definitely waterproof when dried, and perhaps less noticeable than a large
patch (which I will try next if the Freesole by chance does not work).

If you try something like this, definitely make sure the area to be patched
is clean and dry. Smooth out the Freesole as you apply it because when it
dries, it'll dry as is, bumps and all. And ensure that you let the product
dry fully before closing and opening the top repeatedly.

Are you thinking of the beeswax for the tear or for the zipper? If it's for
the tear, my thought about the beeswax is that it's also water-resistant,
but it will definitely change the colour of the fabric. My partner puts
beeswax onto his hiking boots and it changes the colour and the texture
quite noticeably. Also, I'm not sure how long the beeswax will stand up to
constant flexing and stretching, which is what the canvas top is subject to.

Katherine

On 6/1/02 8:39 AM, "Automatic digest processor" <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
wrote:

> Date:    Sat, 1 Jun 2002 08:43:01 -0700
> From:    Debra Clark <clark10006@COX.NET>
> Subject: Pop top canvas repair
>
> While tail-gating at Qualcomm stadium last night before the Padres game =
> (don't ask!) and the Sky show (fireworks) to follow, I popped the top =
> and when I attempted to unzip the screen the pulling action ripped the =
> canvas just above.  Having already spent a lot on our relatively, newly =
> acquired Vanagon, are there any recommendations for repairing the canvas =
> to get me through this summer?  I checked the archives and there were =
> only mentions of screen repairs.  Also, what to use to make the zipper =
> open more easily and smoother.  (Anyone try beeswax from a fabric =
> store?)\
>
> We had a great time last night and everyone loved our Vanagon.  =
> "Starbucks" coffee was there giving away free samples all night out of a =
> Eurovan w/ pop-top.  The crew said they loved it.  (The Eurovan)  It had =
> a cool paint job.
>
> Debra Clark
> Santee, California=20
> clark10006@cox.net