Adding Doors to OES Deluxe Spin Tarp

**BlackGoat** · 10-07-2009, 10:58

All,

I am curious if anyone has come up with a way to attach removeable doors to the OES Delux Spin tarp? I want actual doors instead of an endcap, just for simplicity of use and weight. I want them removable because I rarely would need them and wouldn't want the extra size and weight to deal with on a constant basis.

After handling a Warbonent tarp with the snap on doors I realized that it seems like a fairly simple mod that could be done on my current tarps. However, I am hesitant to give it a try with the spinn fabric, I am wondering if it is durable enough to handle me adding snaps to it? Also i believe the OES tarps have a bit different of a shape than the WB and I am wondering if I will be losing a lot of real estate under the tarp by adding them?

Thanks,

DG

**headchange4u** · 10-07-2009, 15:02

Are the edges of your tarp bound with grosgrain (black edge trim)? If so, I would simply place the snaps along this reinforced area.

**pizza** · 10-07-2009, 15:29

I've got a Silnylon version MacCat Deluxe. The grosgrain binding looks too narrow to add snaps unless you used really small ones.

**BlackGoat** · 10-07-2009, 15:40

Yeah I came to the same conclusion that the grosgain seemed a little to narrow to handle much of a snap. I also was concerned that by adding a snap to the grosgain that it would weaken it along the edge?

**Dutch** · 10-07-2009, 15:46

I've never seen WB superfly and I am qite jealous over your spin tarp. I would worry about the snaps blowing open. My next thought was of seperating zippers. but you didn't buy a pin tarp just to add metal edgiing. So how about using bra hooks. As long as there is tension they shouldn't come undone and they are weightless. May be a pain to hook on with gloves but I would think you would do that before you hike and not in the field.

**BER** · 10-07-2009, 15:52

Originally Posted by Dutch

I've never seen WB superfly and I am qite jealous over your spin tarp. I would worry about the snaps blowing open.

One night of gusty winds on recent trip. No snap issues on WB SF.

**BlackGoat** · 10-07-2009, 16:05

Originally Posted by Dutch

I've never seen WB superfly and I am qite jealous over your spin tarp. I would worry about the snaps blowing open. My next thought was of seperating zippers. but you didn't buy a pin tarp just to add metal edgiing. So how about using bra hooks. As long as there is tension they shouldn't come undone and they are weightless. May be a pain to hook on with gloves but I would think you would do that before you hike and not in the field.

Off I go to play with my wife's bras...

It is definitely an interesting idea, I am not sure what would be required to mount them and if I would get as good of a seal, but I will have to take a look.

The snaps on the WB SF were hardcore, it would take some pretty heavy wind to pop one off.

**gargoyle** · 10-07-2009, 17:06

Bra hooks available at Joann's. Don't wreck the wife's bra.

**TeeDee** · 10-07-2009, 17:08

"Actual doors" ???

Your best bet is to stop by Lowes or Home Depot. The lumber section should have a wide selection.

Are you sure you want "actual doors". They are rather cumbersome to pack or are you van camping??

**Ramblinrev** · 10-07-2009, 17:33

bra hooks _can_ be sewn on by machine if you are willing to futz a little.
Drop the feed dogs so the fabric does not move. Set the zigzag width to land in the holes of the piece. The hook and the eye both have loops that are used to sew them on. Once the zigzag is set it is probably easiest to turn the fly wheel by hand so that you don't get too many stitches set in there. Particularly with the hook as a thick slab of thread can block the hook opening making it difficult to fasten them properly. The alternative is to purchase hook tape. Iy can be found in the wedding/prom gown supplies. The tape has hooks/eyes set every inch or so and is sewn on similar to the way you would sew velcro. If you have to do a long stretch of many hooks it can be nice to have.