Hello, I have been handed down an 8 man frame tent in a lovely olive green, the tent itself is in pretty good condition for its age and the fact it has been stored in an attic for 20 years. The outside is a little sun bleached and the door zips are stuck and one of the vinyl windows has gone a funky orangey brown colour. I used to go on family holidays to cornwall and devon in this tent and am hoping to take it this year with my new family. I do however have a couple of questions I would like answered if anyone has the knowledge.
1, Can you change the colour of a canvas tent to something a little more modern?
2, I am going to need to give the canvas a fresh coat of waterproofing, any recommendations on product to use?
3, I need to replace the window, is this possible?
4, I fear the zips on the doors have had their day, is there a way to change them?
and finally,
5, Seeing as most campsites these days are geared toward the polyester blow away tents, am I likely to have issues turning up at a campsite having booked a pitch to find my 8 man tent is to big?
Many thanks to any who can answer some or all of my questions.
Regards
Paul
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TVS at Bolton could be worth a call re work to be done on the tent.
I can't see you having a problem with pitch size, most seem to be around 100sq/m and more.
Do you know the make model of tent, as TVS are a service centre for Cabanon, although they mostly deal with TT's and FC's but have looked after my tent when required.
We use Fabsil for waterproofing our canvas tents. Best bet is to get a garden pressure sprayer (one of those that you pump by hand is fine) and use this to apply the Fabsil. I did our 6 berth tunnel tent last year and got through 5 litres.
Have you tried WD40 or a silicone spray on the zips? It might get them moving.
Re.changing the colour... I've been camping in some pretty old tents and find that they attract friendly comments from other campers. Personally I'd be tempted to leave the tent colour as it is and enjoy the kudos!
Re.size... most sites will show the max permitted size of your tent so it's a good idea to know the outside measurements (not including guy ropes) when looking at booking
Long live the Retro Frame Tent!
When we've had zips stick on dive gear, bags etc we've let soak in warm water. That dissolves the residue without adding chemicals and potentials getting the canvas and poss damaging it.
If it's been stored dry for so long it may just need a real good soaking in the garden a couple of times so the canvas has a change to swell again. It may leak the first time or two but you may find after that all is well. Don't direct a jet of water at it but let it fall from above for a hose rose. Let it dry thoroughly between soakings.
It may not work but I'd try that first.
Best of luck :)
Well I managed to get the frame together, unpacked the canvas and it just started disintegrating, the windows had all gone a dark rusty orange and well its definitely beyond repair :( I have had a look around but cant see anywhere that does a replacement canvas so my final question regarding this tent is, Can anyone make use of the poles before I take them to the local tip, they are free to anyone who wants them. The tent itself was a Hawley Goodall Europa 806 from 1977
Sorry for your loss. We don't need the poles but maybe if you've got a local allotments they could find a useful home as a frame for protective netting?
If you do get hold of another old canvas tent, I'd still recommend treating it with Fabsil as this also protects against UV damage from the sun which can lead to canvas failing.
Hope you get under canvas soon... all the best.
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Topic: Newbie with a 1977 8man frame tent
