Posted by Jim on April 15, 1998 at 15:43:09:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Tractor Covers posted by Frank on April 15, 1998 at 10:35:37:
: : : I would like to cover an antique tractor when it is stored in the barn for the winter. Does anyone know of someone who makes custom tractor covers? Has anyone tried to have a tent company make them a custom cover? Thanks for your advice and assistance.
: : Where are you at? I've made insulated kennel covers, repaired car covers, made motorcycle covers, and truck bed covers. E-mail me and let me know where you are, type of tractor, type of cover (i.e., dust or moisture proof), and approximate price range.
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: I am in Southern Indiana across the river from Louisville, KY. I want to cover a Allis Chalmers WC tractor. I would guess the dimensions to be about 10 feet long, about 7 feet wide and since it doesn't have an exhaust stack the height would be about five feet. I hadn't thought about the cover type, is there a big difference between the dust and moisture proof covers. I am looking for a cost estimate.
I'm in Northern Indiana, so I could probably make it down that way sometime. You can go with a cheap moisture resistant material like vinyl, but I wouldn't recommend that as it also retains moisture. A fabric that is waterproof and breathes, like the new car covers, is difficult to find and is ridiculously expensive (probably in excess of $20 per yard and from what you said, your in the 30 yard ball park). Canvas might be nice, but it is course and may affect the finish. Canvas can be lined with a softer material, so add that to the cost of canvas. A simple heavy cotten would be easiest to work with and the cheapest to make, but would only provide protection from dust and light. Flammability may also be a concern if you're in a hurry some day and throw the cover on before the tractor has cooled.
Judging from your width estimate, you want it to go over the drive wheels and to drape to the floor all the way around. My suggestion is if it is barn or garage kept a cotton cover should suffice and would be the least expensive. My next choice would be canvas as being more durable and somewhat water resistant untreated. It is more expensive (check your local fabric store). You can get a treated canvas material, like that used for tents, but it is at least double the price of plain canvas and is kind of nasty to work with.
I haven't mentioned Goretex as I am unable to locate it; my guess is it is very expensive. Nylon is OK, but is rather flammable. Give me more details and tell me what you're thinking about what I said here. By the way, I check my e-mail more frequently than this site. I hope this helps.