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newer equipment just isn't the same as the old gear driven stuff.I have two sets of travel curtains that are in good shape except for the seams, the thread is just rotting away making them useless! I have tried having they resown but no go, too thick for all the local upholsters, even the leather guys won't touch them. I have seen several YouTube videos of a hand cranked leather sewing machine for about a $100. Has anyone tried to resew the vinyl covers with something like that?
My cousin does upholstery work and regularly buys machines that are in the 80+ year old range and still working great. All of it gear driven, not direct motor drive, so lots more power.
I haven't gotten around to fixing some of my soft covers for my trucks, because he's always so busy; but find the right machine and it shouldn't be an issue.
Keep your eyes open for old equipment on craigslist and whatnot and you might be able to find some of the old, heavy duty equipment for a reasonable price, do your repairs, then when you are done you can turn around and sell it for what you paid (or keep it for future jobs)