new member / new canvas ?

[haj]

I am hoping to update a camper owned by my family since the early 60's.
It is a chief titled as 1960, however serial # on title is VM -9 25xx, which judging
by a recent post might indicate it is actually a 1959?.  Hopefully there will be a few
members who would be willing to offer some suggestions as to how to approach
canvas.  Private email communication is perfectly fine with me if that is preferable.

thank you - my name is jeff

[Broncanous]

Hi Jeff, I have an Eagle rather than a Chief, but I've had 2 Eagle canvases, an awning, and a Mesa canvas repaired by Paul St Pierre in Michigan - (810)664-3152. If the canvas simply needs repair that might be the way to go. If it needs very minor repair, you can get an awl and do some repairs yourself. I've had Paul replace screens, zippers, patch holes and replace entire panels of canvas that were dry rotted. Extensive repairs (zippers + screen replacements, etc...) plus shipping costs, can push the price up around $400-$500, so it may be more cost effective to buy a new canvas depending on how far gone your Chief canvas is. I think they are offered through Apache Replacement Parts and maybe Bear Creek Canvas(?), but the designs may vary from the original. A new canvas should be about $800 from what I've seen. There's a lot that can be done to salvage an old canvas though. 

[Flat_twin]

Hi Jeff,  I had Paul St. Pierre replace zippers and screen on our 65 Raven.  Costs were in the neighborhood described in the previous post and he did excellent work including making a new front awning that matches the old canvas perfectly. 
If the canvas for your Chief wasn't stored well and is now rotting or just weak and fragile you will want to replace the entire thing. 
   Our other camper is a clone of the Chief made by Montgomery Ward.  It needed zippers , screens, a couple holes repaired and a pole grommet replaced.  A local Amish canvas shop that specializes in making custom boat covers was able to do all the repairs for less than $200.  So maybe also check around for a similar canvas shop in your area.  Can you post a pic of two of your camper and the areas of the canvas you're concerned about?

[rh1622]

Hello Jeff, I also had Paul S. repair the canvas, front door screen and zipper on my '59 Chief.  He also put new screens and zippers on my '66 Eagle.  Good guy!  Plus, it's cool that he worked in the canvas department at Vesely Mfg.
-Randy

[RyanK]

I am hoping to update a camper owned by my family since the early 60's.
It is a chief titled as 1960, however serial # on title is VM -9 25xx, which judging
by a recent post might indicate it is actually a 1959?.  Hopefully there will be a few
members who would be willing to offer some suggestions as to how to approach
canvas.  Private email communication is perfectly fine with me if that is preferable.

thank you - my name is jeff

Hi Jeff,

5 years ago, I began restoring a 1964 Apache Buffalo that my family has had since new.  The replacement canvas was many years old and had been subject to sun, wind, and terrible upkeep while forgotten in a back yard.  The remainder fragments of canvas were not going to serve as a template, which most places requested, since my popup is extremely rare.  I called Gregory's Canvas in Lapeer, Michigan.  The story goes that, on the last day of production, the original canvas guy for Gene Vesley in the Apache factory asked if he could have the fabric patterns.  Gene obliged him, He went down the street to the nearest location for lease and set up shop doing exactly what he did for years, with many of the same employees in tow.

That is Gregory's Canvas.  They are still located a stone's throw from the original factory.  I called them up 5 years ago and told them I didn't have canvas as a template.  They asked for my serial number.  After some back and forth about what models do and don't exist, they said, "Okay, it looks like we have the patterns here."  They asked about options, and several weeks later an amazing tent, awning, and screen room arrived at my door.  I cannot say enough great things about them.  The pieces that need to be original (same tension rope and tentioner from my old awning) are original design.  The things that should have been better from the factory (more durable and waterproof vinyl roof, larger and easier screen windows) are improved.  Answer their questions, pay them, and let them do their thing.  You won't be sorry.

Hope this helps.

Ryan

1964 Apache Buffalo
1975 International Harvester Scout II

[kanega]

I took my 69 Eagle to a canvas shop for custom tents and boat covers.  I did have my original canvas and they were able to replace the screens, 2/3s of the room, make a custom door cover and numerous patches.  I had to train the son how to open and close the trailer.  Sadly, the mother died and the place is gone.

[nt40lanman]

Hi Jeff, Welcome to the clan!! I sent a fairly beat canvas to Paul St Pierre after weighing the options. After a conversation with Paul I decided to go with him. He basically rebuilt the canvas by disassembling it and replacing bad panels, re-stitching the windows and screens, and all the seams that needed it. I talked him into getting the plasticized canvas to go over the roof. He also repaired a badly damaged awning. All for $550 including $50 shipping each way. Part of the reason I went with him was it was just cheaper to get camping, and I knew I could re-sell it.

The other options are Bear Creek and Gregory's. Gregory's is now part of his son's business Apache Replacement Parts after the owner's passing. They have been a great source for Apache parts and canvas but there has been some delays over there recently. Bear Creek is more expensive and may ask you to send your canvas in to be copied. I've seen good reviews on them as well.

[Red]

If 1960 vintage, just get a new canvas.... 600 to 800.

[sensi3d]

apache had a unique system of filling out the titles. they filled out the title year when the camper sold. This has lead to tons of confused camper owners. The dealers didn't want to get stuck with last years model. Totally illegal today.