Hello, Those folding chairs lay flat when squeezed together. They were very popular at the beaches of So Cal in those early 60s surf trips and then back at someone’s rental house for a relaxing afternoon of comfort. This all was a reward for a good day of surf. Barbeque steaks, plus the normal fixings and refreshments with friends all sitting around a controlled fire in a pit. The original ones we bought were the tall back folding kind that lay flat in the trunk or back cave of the sedan delivery. With several friends along for the ride, there were several chairs, all folded nicely and strapped to the side of the cave. They were a little more expensive than the normal flat units that lay in the sand. 1962-65 These original styles were sold at most stores as a simple way to relax at the beach. Foldable and flat for easy carrying to the sand. We went through several models and single flat backrests. But, for our longer gatherings and tired young/old backs needing rest from an all day surf session, those taller back sling folding backrests were much better. It felt as if someone was cradling you as you fell asleep in the “warm California sun.” Jnaki The ultimate in beach chairs was the comfortable sling chairs with arms. Now, there was nothing to keep tired young bodies from totally relaxing and falling instantly asleep in the afternoon sun. If we were traveling to another beach, the custom sling chairs were too large to take with us, so the smaller backrest plus canvas seating units were smaller and were able to fit behind the seats for security. Plus, the did not need to be strapped down in the rear area of the El Camino. 1965 These got wet, but the back rest area was covered with a towel for absorption. So, they lasted longer and could easily be carried when we had to walk downhill/uphill in those hidden coves in Laguna Beach. Note: As the photo of the man at a gathering shows him ripping the canvas sling material, that was a big problem. The usage in the photo was not a beach gathering, but just over use and someone who was slightly heavy, or a combination of all. The canvas when new was perfect. A little flex and a lot of sling cradle was the key. But, overuse was the problem. Add in salt water or even a fresh water rinse still made the canvas a little wet and as it stretched with the weight, it added to the warm sun baking it to the next level. It did not matter if you were a 120 lbs 5’8” woman or a 190 lbs 6 foot tall guy. A wet bathing suit shortens the life of the canvas slung beach chair for sure. It is a fact of life… So, after a few of these “wet” moments and drying, back to wet/dry seating, the canvas takes so much, then it happens. On the next dry day of sitting, the canvas took so much wear and tear and rips like a simple paper sheet, creating a funny situation at a gathering or just when one wants to take a nice nap on the beach. It is funny enough if the guy is the culprit, but a lightweight girl in a bikini can also make it rip across the middle or along the wet edges… YRMV A simple enough repair with new canvas and stainless steel screws. But, the big question was, how did the original canvas get sewn onto the round wooden cross bar at the top or bottom bar? It was the second to the last thing added to the original ***embly of the wooden structure…
The Jalopy Journal
