Although my chassis isn't finished yet I decided to make a start on the seats. There is sound logic behind it. I've opted for the bench style seats in the book as they seem to make efficient use of space without having a huge price tag attached.

Having bought some foam padding, wadding, vinyl and some 10mm ply, I went round to my Mam's and set up her sewing machine. I can only assume that I'll also need to buy some specialist needles and thread as when I tried to sew two of the panels together I'd get half a dozen stitches in and the thread would snap. This happened every time I tried without fail.

The girlfriend of a mate suggested plastic coated thread, but so far I've not been able to find a supplier. Does anyone have any comments, suggestions, experience or know some suppliers that'll be able to help?

Cheers guys.

girlie answer. taught myself to sew with a cheapo machine

buy strong thread - i got a reel of M36 grade. The smaller the number the tougher the thread. I think tesco sell it as 'extra strong thread'.

This stuff is so strong it will cut into your fingers before you can snap it.

for a needle - you need one thats for leather or denim. you can prob get one at a sewing shop, or buy discreetly on line, like I did!

Finally, make sure that the tensioner mechanism - the bit that pays the thread out at the top of the sewing arm above the needle - is set right. Too low friction and the stitches will be loose, and too high and you will snap the thread.

atb

steve

[Edited on 17/10/04 by stephen_gusterson]

Tip from my mum who was pretty handy with a sewing machine, try sewing with a piece of greaseproof paper on top of the vinyl. Apparently this acts as a lubricant and helps to stop the thread breaking. Also as already suggested check the tension. Hope this helps, Rusty.

Here are few tips that I've learn't whilst teaching boys how to use sewing machines.
First, keep your fingers away from the needle. They go through thumb nails beautifully !!
Most problems with machines come from incorrect thread tension.

Check the tension is even. Take hold of the top thread and hold the thread from the bobbin (thats the bit below the needle) now pull both threads slowly. They should both pull at the same tension. If not, adjust knob on top and then the small screw on the bobbin.in is more tension, out is less .

hope this helps.

Hmmmm

Ayoungman.....

first the PINK chassis and now an apparent considerable knowledge of all things 'sewing'....

is Ayoungman perhaps a request rather than a name ??

Cheers guys. Tougher needles and thread it is then. Will post some pics when I'm done.

dont forget to get the tension right too!

atb

steve

Gonna sort that by borrowing a better sewing machine. All bases covered here.

another simple thing.

when you start sewing you must hold the two thread ends away from you in gentle tension. I guess you know that, but if you dont it wont start the sew properly.

I found it a lot eaier to sew than mig!

atb
steve

Hadn't thought of using the MIG. Might melt the vinyl though.

ok

perhaps I should have worded it better

atb

steve

There are plans & instructions for building a bench seat in:
The Car Builders' Manual by Lionel Baxter

Now that's something I keep noticing on the self in Halfords but haven't bought yet. On the whole, what's the rest of the book like?

i bought it a year or so back.

he claims to be a mate of ron champions.

its a bit like 'the book'. it details general stuff about kitcar building without any real in dept detail. similar to, and almost a companion to rons book.....

its a decent light read.

atb

steve

It's a good book for anyone who wants a kit car but doesn't really know his way round a vehicle. It has a lot of general info, as Steve says.
The bit on electrics is very good though - although I'm very comfortable working with electrics, I found his diagrams very useful. Mostly because cars are wired in wierd ways!
The seat pattern is quite detailed.
You may not want to buy the book, but it is worth borrowing from the library.

rgds,

David

[Edited on 27/10/04 by David Jenkins]

Cheers guys. Think I'll pick up a copy on pay day.