Chevrolet C8A Canvas for seats

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Pieter

Do you have anything to use as samples? What is your time frame for needing them?

The seat covers in the HUP in fact all CMPs are really straight forward. I've always just made mine own copying the originals. My learning curve is about one full set before I've learned or remembered how to do it so that they come out matching the originals. The originals are not really highly finished just good solid sewing. I suspect that they were originally farmed out to small sewing business.

Any good upholstery shop should be able to do them for you.

The next thing is finding a canvas or fabric that is a good match for the original CMP canvas in weave and color. Fortunately the Cordura Nylon Fabric now used in camping equipment and luggage has a weave and colors which are good matches. The advantage of this stuff is that it wears like iron resists tears better than canvas, sews really nicely and can be had with a waterproof backing.

The spring and cushion are a real problem as the stock of NOS ones seems to have dried up after nearly 60 years. I've finally gotten to the point that I am putting the best seat bottoms in the drivers seats. But I'm looking for a way of making new ones, a future project once I get my HUP back on the road.

Cheers Phil