Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[motto]

I was shown an ex-government sewing machine one time belonging to a fellow in northern NSW. The machine was built for canvas work and was of very heavy construction. The intriguing part was that it was capable of doing two parallel rows of stitching at the same time. I didn't know prior to visiting this fellow that such a thing existed.

David

[Private_collector]

Yeah David, it's a two pronged needle that does that. Looks like a little tiny bicycle front forks! I don't know if the sewing machine HAS to be a special type to use them though. I would have liked to been able to do that for my canvas, in some areas such as joining pieces across rear canopy. I can make two passes for that effect, but I have no expectation they will be parallel.

[Private_collector]

I was talking a a lady yesterday, who has a long sewing history and once ran classes teaching novices to machine sew. I have been having trouble setting up my machine, and must have been doing something wrong with the path of upper thread. After asking me a number of questions, the most likely problem was identified, and I will try again this weekend. That lady also told me that a standard industrial sewer (not the kind that carries poo away ) can actually work with the twin needle spoken about in a previous post. It does sound tricky to prepare the machine, requiring two threads to be loaded up top, with seperate threads to each of the two needle points. Only one thread is used in the bobbin. Once I have a few successful hours experience, I may buy one of the twin needles and try what was described to me. Having two lines of stitching laid down at once would be a HUGE advantage. I fear it will be an extremely long time before I can sew two individual lines of stitches parallel. Perhaps never!

A good friend, and fellow MLU membr, Andy Cusworth, has give me a nice big piece of canvas, in the form of a green tarpaulin. Although I have not yet measured accurately, I hope there is enough canvas to make the roof, door skins, side curtains, and possibly even the rear window cover or/and front window covers (x2). It's all very exciting, I must say. Learning something new and making something tangible from that knowledge is always very pleasing.

To aid my canvas work, I would be most appreciative of any photos other members may be able to post, which show parts of canvas roof panel or canvas doors.

Thankyou!

[Mike K]

Tony

I have a WW2 Chev cab 13 side curtain , the Aust. pattern one, probably made by GMH ( the plans are on Keith's OLD CMP site somewhere ) . The stitching on it is horrible, it must have been sewed by a beginner , it is that bad its a wonder it didn't fall apart . I don't know if they had inspectors at the factory but he sure missed this one . I also have cab 12 Canadian side curtains and the stitching is rather ordinary , but not as bad as the Aust. one . On the other hand , I have a WW2 Aust. 108 radio set cover and it is very nicely made, perfect stitches . Mike

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Tony

Reading your posting with great interest.

I learned how to sew on my grandmother's treadle Singer machine about 60 years ago.

Recently acquired a Singer Industrial (331K4) which will need to be slowed down with a jack shaft pulley arrangement.

I keep looking for a twin needle model but nothing yet I can afford.

From what I have seen a double needle can be used for single needle stiching but NOT the reverse. It seems that all double needle models have twin bobbin and twin tensioners for the tread.....

Let us know when you get good enough that the wife will let you do curtains for the kitchen window.

Cheers

[Andy Cusworth]

Hi Tony,

the machine looks good assembled !

In regards to stitching straight lines, initially can you just draw chalk lines and follow them ? also, im guessing someone could stand the other side and assist with keeping the line until you are proficient.

lastly, my Mother in Law is a seamstress of 40yrs and is coming over in December so I could bring her up if you wanted to help set up for canvas ...... honestly its not a ploy to get rid of the MIL

[Private_collector]

Hey there Andy,

I want to do three rows on the rear canopy. That will be the most difficult part. Mrs B will help with the manoeuvring of all that canvas, as it goes past the sewing point.

All the other parts shouldn't be too difficult (how's that for naive), as there will not be two rows required.

The three rows will be, one row stitched with both pieces facing inwards, then one stitch each side of the one just done, after the canvas has been opened facing outwards. So long as I follow the original stitch line, either side, that SHOULD guide me. Optomism Bourne from ignorance possibly.

I couldn't resist trying the machine again yesterday, putting into effect the pointers and advice I had been given. Although I still don't have the thread feed pressures correct, I did manage to get some sound sewing. While adding tension to the upper thread, I found a very fine line between crappy stitching and broken thread. The latter being most common result. Not too worried about that, because once I get the heavier thread, that problem should disappear.

Incidentally, I found yesterday that the heavy duty needles I have bought do NOT fit the machine. They are thicker where they insert into the area that locks them into place. It's an easy fix, but requires a replacement Needle Bar to fit them. I have ordered one, for $10, and it will be arriving next week. Then I will have to figure out how to change it over. That could be 'fun'. The manual is somewhat lacking in detail, and doesn't show that job at all. Can't be harder than rebuilding a transfer case, so I will learn as I do it.