MTFCA Forum

Anyone have success repairing their own flat fan belt with a vintage Singer 29-4 treadle sewing machine? Or repairing visors, side curtains, tops floormats.....

Nice machine to look at but I use a heavy duty sewing machine from https://www.sailrite.com/. I have repaired fan belts, sewn sails, made upholstery, made tops, and many other projects with my machine. It will sew through several layers of leather. I have owned it for 15 years. It is cast iron and heavy.

Why fix a fan belt? The new black Gates belts the vendors carry are around $7 and should last a lifetime.

Why? Because he can! I have not repaired one with mine but have made one.

GrandpaFord wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:56 am

Nice machine to look at but I use a heavy duty sewing machine . . .

I don't know a thing about sewing machines, but that old Singer ain't your old Aunt Granny's treadle that she used to make frilly aprons. The cut-down table and small drive pulley speaks to a heavy duty application. Been Here, tell us about it ?

As for making your own fan belt, that's one sure way to get one that fits ! Handy tip: antifreeze dissolves Barge cement

Briefly, the machine was in storage for about 20 years, used by the family for harness repair. It is a Singer class 29, an industrial machine, commonly known as a “patcher.” Mostly this type of machine was found in harness and shoe repair shops. I will down load a pic of the actual machine later. Ours is from 1914… say don’t some of you folks have 1914 Model T’s? The sewing machine is in two parts the table with treadle, and the actual sewing machine. The machine allows for slow hand stitching by turning the hand wheel, the material is fed by a walking foot. Or with speed using the foot treadle. There is no need to actually turn the work being sewn; this is done by turning the foot and the direction of feed is changed. I believe 1/8 inch leather can be sewn. The total machine with base is over 100 pounds of cast iron. If you enjoy the sound of a machine making mechanical noise , this has its own music.

That is what I used. I had to hand turn the wheel as my bad foot does not work real well on the treadle. That is why my stitches are not real straight, trying to feed/guide with my left hand and turn the wheel with my right. Body does kinda the twist!

I like those thoughts Mark!
I've laced belts together using thread or string and belts from around our waists for T's and lathes. They work.
Neil, that's the kind of machine or heavier I'm wanting. A machine that'll handle a 6 inch wide OT drive belt to save it.
Very interesting thread George.

Some pictures of a 1914 Singer 29-4 "patcher" sewing machine. A similar machine that may have been used by a Ford supplier to manufacture side curtains, floor mats, and even fan belts. Or reinforce a fan belt.

I could not find a belt the right length so it would not rub the timer and other thing. Look up how to lace a flat belt on a 12 inch metal lathe. Use spider wire which is a brand name for fishing line. Follow the instructions that are very clear and you got a belt splice that will last you two life times This type splice was used in old factory line shaft and belts for steam engines and other belt work, you won't be sorry

Here are a few pictures of the original visor on my 1926 Fordor. The crooked seams on each side of the center frame stiles are testament to the fact it was probably a difficult task to sew straight with such a sewing machine, especially while maneuvering the long and unwieldy visor under the powerful needle. Doesn’t make me not want one, though. Jim Patrick.