On canvas, a sail (gromet) stitch does nicely. But, this is a naughahyde finish, right? Stitching tends to separate non-matrix fabric.
I recently faced a similar problem with the soft-top of my son's convertible. We took a piece ofnylon seat-belt strap, folded it lengthways over the rough edge of the material, secured it with Shoe-Goo, and clamped it until dry. Looks professional, holds great, and remains flexible.. Use plenty of Shoe-Goo and have some sovent, a rag, and a knife edge for cleaning up any over-run while the glue is still fresh. Dave Winters From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Linda Abrams Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 4:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ercoupe-tech] binding shoulder harness slits [was: A couple of parts...] John, Ask any competent seamstress (your wife? or a friend?) if she knows "buttonhole stitch" by hand. Buttonhole stitch should be done by hand in a heavy thread (like heavy-duty buttonhole thread or hand- quilting thread) "in place," to bind the raw edges of that slit without ever having to remove the baggage compartment sidewalls. It may require agility to get into some awkward positions to get the right working angle, but it can be done. Depending upon how loose or tight the material & the slit are, it may also be possible to apply piping by hand (a kind of edge-trim -- she'll know), and then turn the edge, for an even more "finished" look. In the meantime, to prevent the cut edges of the fibers from fraying, go asap to a fabric store, buy some "Fray-Check," and apply it to the cut edges of the fabric. It is a clear, viscous liquid which dries invisibly, and will temporarily glop the fibers together to prevent raveling. If you don't live anywhere near a fabric store, two "last resorts" for temporarily stabilizing the edges might be clear nail polish or even an application of slightly-thinned white glue -- but be VERY sparing of either of those, and apply ONLY to the very edge of the cut. Hope this helps! Linda N3437H (Sky Sprite) L.A. 3a. A couple of parts... Posted by: "John Craparo" [email protected] <mailto:john.craparo%40gmail.com> johncraparo Date: Sat May 23, 2009 9:40 am ((PDT)) I looked through the parts catalog, but cannot find a trim handle and trip plate listed in words or pictures. I have serial number 370 and my trim control is on the left side of the fuselage. I noticed in one of Glen's "for sale" photos a nicely finished handle and trim plate but cannot find them listed anywhere. Any help would be appreciated. I will call Univair on Tuesday. In addition, I had my shoulder harnesses installed under an STC. My A&P/IA did a nice job of installing them (these are the ones that anchor below the rear window by replacing 4 existing rivets). The problem is that I did not pay attention to how my mechanic did the work. He is not a "restoration" shop. So when he did the installation, he simply took my beautiful Airtex baggage compartment sidewalls and made a razor blade slit through them in order to pass the strap webbing through. I now have should harnesses with surgical scars (not unsightly, just not a finished look) through my interior wall cushioning. Does anyone know of a nice solution? I would like to find some sort of an oval grommet that can be applied to finish the edges. My alternative is to pull them and have a local interior person finish the edges by hand... Thanks, John
