Windshield Apron and cover material search

[paddy]

Have any members here found any material close to the original cover material? Everything is have found so far has been more modern grain and lightweight. Here is a picture of top and bottom from my original cover.All input is appreciated.

[gharper]

Paddy,

Years ago I used the same material that many Model A enthusiasts used for the fabric on the roof of their restorations. I bought it in Denver, but that company is long gone.

Try Restoration Supply in California: https://restorationstuff.com/

or Snyders Antique Auto Parts: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/c...logrequest.htm

[Sidehacker]

Didn't they use oiled canvas originally until the mid to late forties

[paddy]

I didn't recall reading that in Ric's LE sidecar book. But my original 36-51LE sidecar windshield Apron is a type of vinyl on what appears to be a burlap or canvas backing. Referred to as Leatherette. I had posted pictures on this thread. Currently awaiting samples from 2 supplier. Will post my findings.

[Rubone]

My experience with old and newer sidecars is the cover material has always been a fabric backed type material. Not unlike era automobile seat materials. Old aprons and seat remnants always seem alike.

[duffeycycles]

Naugahyde is a brand of artificial leather that's made from a composite knit fabric backing and expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating invented in 1914.
1915 Harley sidecar top was mohair
I had my '17 sidecar at Davenport many years ago & a European guy stole a piece of the seat cover & some of the straw &
horsehair that was under the cloth, when he thought I wasn't looking !
.
Other names can be oilcloth or waxcloth.
Springer covers look like what Paddy posted but Shovelhead winter cover is smoother on the outside



xxx HD 15 sidecar info.jpg

[duffeycycles]

Hardware & Yard Goods
Look at the Cobra Cross Grain material, it looks closest to Springer windshield pattern
I have no idea how thick etc

[paddy]

Wow that looks really close. I just ordered the sample. I'll keep ya posted Thanks!!

[knucklehead 61]

Naugahyde is a brand of artificial leather that's made from a composite knit fabric backing and expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating invented in 1914.
1915 Harley sidecar top was mohair
I had my '17 sidecar at Davenport many years ago & a European guy stole a piece of the seat cover & some of the straw &
horsehair that was under the cloth, when he thought I wasn't looking !
.
Other names can be oilcloth or waxcloth.
Springer covers look like what Paddy posted but Shovelhead winter cover is smoother on the outside



xxx HD 15 sidecar info.jpg

I really need that folding top assembly for my 15 or 19 sidecar rigs!

[duffeycycles]

with side windows !

15 car 6.jpg

[paddy]

Ok so I got the sample sheets from classtique. Upholstery. As Duffy suggested. The dilemma is am facing now is the vinyl that matches very well Black Cobra Crossgrain. Is for interior. As it has a white backing. Not sure if it will hold up? Fells the same just the backi g adds a little thickness. The sidecar interior is very close to this crossgrain also.
Or other option is the T5 Colonial grain which is a Top Material. Here is a picture of it and below a picture of the Crossgrain. 2nd picture is the back of them. Ya think the Crossgrain will hold up outside? Not that bike is kept out side or i plan on riding in the rain....Any thoughts or past experiences?

[efowler]

Related question: Does anyone have access to the pattern for the LE windshield apron? L&W secrets?

[exeric]

Which begs the question. . . ? What did happen with L&W. . . Did they sell the business and all the tooling and documentation, or did they just close the door on the barn? L&W did good work and I was able to finish the sidecar for my '51 thanks to them. From my recollection, the interior, and windshield apron material texture was pretty authentic as I had OEM side-panels, and arm-rests to compare. L&W was an Amish business and I would bet that a current Amish buggy maker would know a lot about seat, and top material. The picture is of my '51 when it was a slave to a sidecar.

51hdsc.jpg

[BigLakeBob]

Merle Wolfe passed away several years ago, not sure if anyone took over.
RIP Merle... - Chesapeake Chapter Antique Motorcycle Club | Facebook

[jim d]

I am located about a half hour from the L&W business. And I have never heard anything about what happened to it as far as a auction or anyone buying out the equipment or inventory. I have been at the shop when it was open and passed by since closed and don’t see any activity at it. I will ask a friend that would probably be aware if there was a new owner of the equipment or inventory.