Noob with a new mx5 Saturn build.

[Bonzo]

The model I bought was Singer 3105

Stitch length up 5mm, center stitch + Left or Right ( straight stitch )
Also has a zig zag stitching capability.

Circa 1970s , a good solid basic machine.

One currently on ebay item: 191964756706 Cheap for what it is.

I paid £129 for mine but it was from a sewing machine center & had been fully serviced/set up.
Worked brilliant straight from the box.

I don't doubt that there are better machines out there but for a one off bit of trial & error, works fine for me.

Going to have a go at some covers just as soon as the weather warms up.

[norton]

Thank you again. I'm going to go for it. I've never done anything like it before so I'm looking forward to the challenge. Watch this space...

[norton]

I'm stuck on material choice for the boot cover and other parts. Black vinyl is an obvious choice but I'm not keen on the look. I thoughts of using a black outdoors canvas but, I don't know, I'm not convinced mainly because I've never handled it.

Also, will it need a second layer of something to give it more weight and substance?

[TSM Locost]

Good place to start https://www.profabrics.co.uk/collections/all/Marine

[norton]

Well, I found some black mohair for a very reasonable price so have that on the way now. Not long before I ruin it now!

[Bonzo]

I'll be alright

Watch a few online tutorials & grab an off cut to practice with.
Working with an off cut will also help you to ensure the sewing machine is set up properly for the material being used.

Just take it slow & easy, will turn out just fine.

[norton]

I'm sure it'll be fine plenty of planning a nd practice as you say.

With regards to the pop fasteners, what's the best way to mount them to the sheet ally?

The back face of the hole in the fastener is not flat on the surface it mounts to. I've just tried fitting one with a rivet to some scrap sheet ally and the ally gets pulled inwards towards the back of the fastener. Its not particularly neat and risks pulling through the ally panel destroying the hole.

[Bonzo]

Personally I would use a stainless countersunk screw of the correct size to suit the popper.

You could also get poppers that are a screw fit.

Another possibility is to pack the back of the popper with washers to stop the alloy deforming.

Here is one of the types of popper I use.



Ebay is a good source of all things related to cover fixings, just search for " Boat cover fasteners "

[norton]

I made some progress with the boot cover today. I've fitted all the poppers to the bodywork, I used load spreading washers on the back side of the panels which worked perfectly. I need to cut some side pieces out and stitch them to the main piece. Once that's done I can stitch the edging onto it which sounds easier than it looks!

[SteveH]

Good work
Apart from the rivets I can see securing the rear panel how else have you secured it over the rear tubes?

Steve