Web Forum for Singer Cars

Perhaps this will help. It is for a car that still uses a three brush dynamo and the horns have been wired through a relay for safety and to free up a terminal in the junction box. The wiring colours are original for 1935. You will not need the dynamo terminals of the SLC2 if you upgrade to a voltag...

I’ve never used a piping foot but used a zipper foot instead. I notice that Segal’s in Salford stock 1/2” polyester Dacron wadding and what they call ‘needle felt’. This is where I got my original supplies from in the 1970s. I remember he was very helpful to a young lad. It sounds like you are enjoy...

I think you need some padding between the springs and cover. I used thick felt (a bit like old fashioned carpet underlay). Looking good Colin!

Mesh spring bases were available the last time I looked but have to be custom made and were prohibitively expensive. A common repair is to stabilise the springs with string. I used Spiralwrap (used by electricians) to protect the edges.

Looking great, Colin. I’m not sure about using foam, though. It won’t provide an authentic’feel’.

Nice work Colin. What are ou planning to do with the brass plates?

Mmmm. Chrome polish and an old tooth brush? Merry Christmas to you and Linda, Colin.

I guess to use the ‘tuck and roll’ technique you need a ‘walking foot’ machine. Your preferred method looks to be the same as original. If I remember correctly the flutes are 2” wide. If you are going to sew 1/4” seams you need to mark out fold lines every 2 1/2” with stitch lines 1/4” on either sid...

Hi Colin, I’m sorry to keep harping on but I live my life vicariously through my NHS-supplied iPad these days. 🥲 A quick scan of the internet turned up several articles about “tuck and roll” flutes. Here, the hessian (or calico) is laid flat and the leather is placed, right side up, on top. The leat...

I wouldn’t use foam but pull strips of wadding into the flutes after they are sewn. I used two steel rules to do this. This should make the sewing easier. I think this gives a more period look and you can thin the wadding out where the cover folds over the top of the seat. I must admit that what you...

Just a fold? No hessian or wadding? That explains the flat look to the flutes and should make sewing a doddle.
Are you using a leather needle in your sewing machine? Five for £6 from Singeroutlet.
Can’t wait to see the results!

You need a “Leather Sewing Awl”. Plenty on the internet. They have specially shaped lances to pierce the leather. Some have eyes for the thread, others have a “hook”. Prices from £3 to £5 for complete kit. Whilst ou are at it why not buy the spiked wheel to mark out the stitches in a regular manner?...

My daughter and her partner visited yesterday to replace the antifreeze in the’9’. Whilst they were here they took some photos of progress on the 1 1/2 and I can’t resist posting them here. But first - the ‘before’ photo:

Hi Colin, What you have done so far looks amazing! The colours are really luxurious. I am sure you could cover the seats yourself but I have to admit that sewing the piping around the seat bases is a struggle on a domestic machine. Have you tried Tony yet? This is how I restored the rear seat of the...

Hi Colin. Thanks! I only wish I was able to do it myself. I’ll PM you with details.