Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[greenbeam]

Hi all,
I need to reproduce or repair these silk rope door pulls for my pre-war Armstrong siddeley, but I have no idea about technique, materials, terminology.

Is anyone able to point me to information about them - how they are made, what materials were used, etc?

Specifically, what is the 'braid' wrapped around top and bottom, and what is the 'macrame' weaving around the wooden ball at the end?

80+ year ago they were a deep green colour - in case that helps with suppliers.

PS - I know that Complete Automobilist sells the 9" ones, but I also need 4" long ones, so that would solve only half my problem (never mind the cost of them!)



Cheers,
Paul.
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1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series 3
1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17HP Sports Saloon
1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17HP Coachbuilt Saloon

[Ray White]

There is likely a problem with you being in Australia!

I know where you could probably buy new ones if you so wished. Even if you don't go down that route the people I know will be happy to help if they can.

The company I am thinking of is not far from here and is called:
https://www.trimmingsbydesign.c

They have a huge and fascinating archive of automotive trimmings dating back many years. My own experience was when they re made some unique pasting lace for my 1930 Austin Swallow. ( the little car uses no less than 25 yards!) Other Swallow owners also benefitted because the trim could be ordered in whatever colour combination they required.

Remarkably this lovely old factory still uses the same loom on which the original was produced and some of their other machines are also pretty ancient...so I am sure your door pulls can be reproduced.

Can they be repaired? I don't know but I suspect they were made on a loom.

[petelang]

Sometimes you have to think outside the box for these type of things. I must admit I haven't actually sourced any yet but I did contemplate replacements for my Siddeley a few years back and was aghast at the cost. Then I thought "where have I seen something similar" and it dawned on me it's the same as tied to nautical bells.
So if you search around the maritime fraternity you might find ready made, or the silk cord material to make some and there is an instruction video somewhere on how to make them from cord.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nauticalia-5095-11-Cotton-Lanyard/dp/B007V5C6P4/ref=asc_df_B007V5C6P4/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344374105565&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16378370759340804140&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006965&hvtargid=pla-751806097567&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Hope this helps.
_________________
Daimler Fifteen 1934
Armstrong Siddeley 15 Long 1933
Daimler V8 250 1969

[greenbeam]

Pete Lang, thank you - this is what I hoped to find - a parallel use or similar materials - I will follow up.
Cheers,
Paul.
_________________
1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series 3
1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17HP Sports Saloon
1935 Armstrong Siddeley 17HP Coachbuilt Saloon

[greenbeam]

[Ray White]

[alastairq]

Looks like the sort of ropework that I used to be taught when I attended a Pre-sea Naval College? [Reardon Smith NC, Cardiff]

If anyone knows anybody who works full time on a sail training vessel, that might be a source of knot-knowledge?
Or, the local Sea Cadets?
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.