Like I don´t have enough ´in the air´ with the car.
Took Bubbly gf to the coast and she asked why the hard top.
That led to me observing that a tonneau would be nice too.
´What is that?´
So I explained and also that it was a pipe dream becasue not for sale and the local shop saw nothing in it.
´Oh but I think I can do that!´
Back at her place she showed me material choices in black, silvergrey and signalred; the colours of mine.
´The zipper is a bit more limited´ she says. So, will take the measure and she will have a look what is availeble.
Oh my. She is not one to let grass grow over things either; wants to know the length tomorrow.
The tonneau project is under way!!
Been a long held desire for such a thing.
No skills to fabricate myself. But have pondered how to secure it.
It did occur to me that the rear Hard top brackets could in some way be used to anchor.
I also thought if a variation of an old style picture rail hook, could be slipped behind the dash to provide something at the front.
Would be great for winter roof down motoring no doubt.
Possibly feel a bit Stirling Moss
It will involve riveting poppers to the door. Cannot see an alternative to that.
At the rear Í will use the hardtop fixtures and a metal strip sewn in the cover.
For whom lacking a hard top, it will involve riveting some more poppers at the rear.
At the front I am thinking of screwing two buttons on either side of the dash top.
At least it is underway this and Bubbly is one to keep it/me moving!!
But...what about the added weight of all those rivets?
;)
With the added lightness, comfort parts removed and now poppers i am thinking you really want a lotus 7 type car...
Quote from: McMr2 on April 22, 2021, 11:25But...what about the added weight of all those rivets?
;)
Need to drill holes first :-)
Quote from: 105e on April 22, 2021, 11:32With the added lightness, comfort parts removed and now poppers i am thinking you really want a lotus 7 type car...
You think wrong; tried that late seventies and I can assure you that my maín ´hobby´ precludes that. Unlike those who complain about their logic, I go with their flow. If I get a tonneau done it is rather proof of that puddin´ no?!
...and think about the aero dudes!!
Also kinda cool ánd the only one :-)
p.s. approx. 125 cm. zipper and Bubbly is already sourcing, icl. looking at material options like
(https://media.fabfab.net/images/products/popup/imitacion-de-cuero-napa-rojo-senal--81_1268_015_SZ00.jpg)
It will probably end up being black: Though the heavier pvc material comes in 14 colours, the red is darker :-(
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Frimmerbros.com%2FItemImages%2FLarge%2FGRID005981.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
(https://www.triumphexp.com/phile/8/6196/P1010166.JPG)
(https://www.triumphexp.com/phile/2/65743/20160621_112208.jpg)
The ´Lift-the-DOT´ studs don´t look half bad on the dash top I think:
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fclassiccarsmarks.com%2Fimages%2Ffull%2F1972-triumph-tr6-british-racing-green-new-tan-interior-runs-great-and-reliable-12.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Would all in all make it more ´classic´ :-)
looking forward to seeing how this goes.
Love the idea. But I know I could not bring myself install the fittings.
Quote from: Ardent on April 22, 2021, 22:21looking forward to seeing how this goes.
Love the idea. But I know I could not bring myself install the fittings.
Ah, can´t bake an omelet without breaking eggs; took a drill and saw to the bonnet so the fittings will be a peace of cake ;-)
Speaking of bonnets; what a pita the grp mould...
Think I have seen someone create a tonneau cover before, there is also the option for the off the shelf fibreglass/carbon fibre tonneau 'covers' which make it into a spider (with the bumps behind the seats).
You should be able to just use some rivnuts/nutserts to create some threaded holes in the bodywork to attach any posts you need.
Quote from: m1tch on April 23, 2021, 11:22Think I have seen someone create a tonneau cover before,
By all means more data s I could find NOTHING and only interested in reinventing the wheel if needed.
Quotethere is also the option for the off the shelf fibreglass/carbon fibre tonneau 'covers' which make it into a spider (with the bumps behind the seats).
That is ónly humps behind the seats though, so in effect covering only the softtop; i.e. a pita for all but garaging.
QuoteYou should be able to just use some rivnuts/nutserts to create some threaded holes in the bodywork to attach any posts you need.
Yes revnuts are one solution to secure the fittings. Most common are rivetting or screwing the buttons directly into the bodywork. For studs there is no solid alternative to the revnut.
I will probably be using a combination of lift-the-dot, push buttons and turn thingamies with a tongue through the hard top fitting at the back.
But, as observed above, anyone who dunnit before would be a great example!
What's wrong with the soft top? A hell of a lot quicker, water proof and..it's there...
Quote from: shnazzle on April 23, 2021, 17:22What's wrong with the soft top? A hell of a lot quicker, water proof and..it's there...
Nothing.
But then there is nothing wróng with a nice lasagna either and I still like a long list of other dishes too. Heck they even make having lasagna every now and then even better.
Not eveyything need to be about wrong or bettah.
That observed, driving top down solo ís better with the other half of the tub covered. For racers it would be a performance item even. For
@AdamR28 without his windscreen even more.
So; it is something I líke simply because and yes it doés have it´s specific use which a soft top does not offer.
Bubbly has found me the right zippah btw.
Tomorrow she´s taking me to a shop selling the cloth and fittings.
And there we have the second reason; she is really Bubbly about making me something.
Fair enough!
And I guess it's a nice addition for those who have removed the soft top.
And then there is that the Spyder is just about the only cabrio it is not availeble for.
Even both the MGF and TF have their specific ones.
(http://mg-wiki.britische-klassiker.de/images/thumb/6/66/Mgf-cover1.jpg/800px-Mgf-cover1.jpg)
Quote from: Petrus on April 23, 2021, 12:11Quote from: m1tch on April 23, 2021, 11:22Think I have seen someone create a tonneau cover before,
By all means more data s I could find NOTHING and only interested in reinventing the wheel if needed.
This 2 piece set of side ones used to exist back maybe 10 years ago, they didn't fit that great though in most cases iirc and was the only thing that I remember seeing easily available on the forum in the 13 years I've been here.
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p532/Mikeshtc/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/tapatalk_1410427268925.jpeg)
This was the full one that someone made: http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showphoto.php?photo=85480&title=dscf5825&cat=500
Quote from: onion86 on April 23, 2021, 22:17Quote from: Petrus on April 23, 2021, 12:11Quote from: m1tch on April 23, 2021, 11:22Think I have seen someone create a tonneau cover before,
By all means more data s I could find NOTHING and only interested in reinventing the wheel if needed.
This was the full one that someone made: http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showphoto.php?photo=85480&title=dscf5825&cat=500
I thought I would never see that again. That link is from a member who was making other peoples discontinued projects and reproducing them in the Philippines. I believe her name is Jenny and she was courteous enough to ask me before she replicated some of my discontinued items. At one time when our cars were flourishing there was so many parts to chose from and now the party is over. I never realized how fortunate I was to buy the navpod in unused condition for $40 and now its priceless.
I also remember those side pieces. It looked ok but it really didn't add anything or take away anything so it just wasn't very popular.
Quote from: Dev on April 23, 2021, 22:46I believe her name is Jenny
May be the same person I bought my HelloKitty exhaust tip from.
But the examples are not what I am after ofcourse.
Meanwhile the plot is thickening and we are progressing. Have ordered material samples.
Bubbly is planning time first week of May for seweing. Íf the material has arrived.
But fírst....
Pescado1.jpg
Pescado2.jpg
Pescado3.jpg
I think I am being spoiled here 8)
Been looking at quite a few solutions for the fittings and the Boxster one seems quiet neat for the door:
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/66393-tonneau-cover-installed.html
Signal red it is. Just ordered the cloth and extra strong thread.
Wow, that was quick. I entered the intended use in the ´observations´ section and the seller has responded with a more suitable alternative; nautic pvc. Water resistant, washable, UV resistant, significantly heavier etc.
Went black this time as the availeble red is not to my taste.
For those with the environmental impact high on the list; it is 100% recycled pvc.
Not cheap though but hey a ready made tonneau from this is scary expensive; the material cost uplift only is what I pay for the roll incl. shipping!
YESSSS!!!
The heavy duty pleather is in. Looks ... black :))
No seriously it looks 8) and véry rip proof so double layer folded in at the circumferance will make it perfect for the hardware.
Just been told that a friend of mine made some tents for his ultralight flying things. Dropping by his shop in the evening.
Right, Samuel does have the professional crimping machine, not the fittings but he did point me to the source. A shop near Bubbly I know from saddlery.
Saturday making the pattern with Bubbly.
Oh my...
Just received a message from Bubbly.
She is excited about making the thing for me.
My life réally is like an alternative reality ;D
By Jove...the stress of the first cut :-*
We are making it the three panels. Two panels driver (A) and passenger (B) with zipper in between, third (C) across the hood.
Two slits at the door opening/hard top fittings.
Tomorrow draw the pattern exactly on the coth in the car.
Monday morning will go to the supplier of the hardware.
Looks to be réally cool and it is quite nice to do this together with Bubbly; all going seemless. Pun intended.
Nope, they did not have what I wanted.
Not an issue as there is a specialist supplier in Barcelona but would have preferred buy locally.
It is ordered:
4 turnbutton fasteners
10 pushbutton fasteners
4 Tomax fasteners (for the dashboard)
(https://ossianfasteners.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Tomax-Insert-Ossian-Fasteners.jpg)
Have the hardware in and we did a second fit with the pre-cut B panel.
I know where to put the two Tomax studs in the dash.
When tose are in, mark the rear of the partly sewn paned and put the hats in.
Hook the hats on the studs and then accurate mark the corner behind the mirror.
This allows me to see where to fit the turn button, with that mark the back, fit the eyelet, hook it up, mark the rest of the panel incl. where the envelope for the headrest goes, and the slit for the hardtop mounting.
Sew the panel, mark where the push buttons go etc.
Fit and eveluate.
Copy to panel A.
Repeat procedure.
With both panels fitted and zipped together, panel C can be marked.
Repeat procedure.
Well, íf is turns out doable, want a cool looking hook up over the hardtop bracket with a tongue going through.
The most tricky bit looks to be that Bubbly best take her sewing machinery to Mountain Girls´s so we have only a few meter between parked car and sewing machine... ;)
Back to the hardware: Those Tomax studs are áwesome with a very satisfactory fit and precise clíck action. You can fit and pull without ány tension on either the pleather or the stud. Lóve them!
mr2tonneau1.jpg
Right, time for the driver´s side.
For some more info; the studs are screwed VERY tightly into the plastic and to make it extra secure added composite glue to bond them.
Looks a very neat solution so far, congrats
Thanks.
Felices los cuatro:
mr2tonneau2.jpg
In tune with the other retro details it looks actually bétter; not all that plasticcy anymore.
Very tidy. As you say, it adds a bit of intrigue as well.
Those fasteners remind me very much of the fasteners on my guitar strap. Strong as hell but very easy to remove
Quote from: shnazzle on May 18, 2021, 17:48Very tidy. As you say, it adds a bit of intrigue as well.
Those fasteners remind me very much of the fasteners on my guitar strap. Strong as hell but very easy to remove
A fastener stud a bit more close up
mr2tonneau3.jpg
Change of procedure. We are joining Panels A and B with the zipper first now. Then makr where to punch the holes for the fittings.
With the front part clipped on the studs mark the sides so they can be cut and sewn whereas I can put the fitting on the doors.
Néxt weekend Bubbly will take her machine to Mountain Girl´s, stay overnight so we can crack on with the car close at hand and try finish.
Going to be challenging.
Today ´T-day´.
Bubbly is coming to Mountain Girl´s with her sewing equipment.
We can work on the cloth and have the car at hand there.
Fingers crossed. Toes included.
So for so good
mr2tonneau4.jpg
and no other tension than just the right amount on the stitchings :P
mr2tonneau5.jpg
mr2tonneau6.jpg
Looking damned nice, the girls have performed well(tension or not)
Quote from: Gibla on May 29, 2021, 20:10Looking damned nice, the girls have performed well(tension or not)
Looking good yes.
The girls... well, only Bubbly is involved in the manufacturing and she´s a champ.
Í am as content as a monkey with seven tails but she is not all that happy with the inevitable imperfection in such a one off and first go. We are not professional soft top fabricators and though we put the time and effort in, it is learning as we go along.
For the rest saying nothing is saying too much. Beejeezusss....
Quote from: Petrus on May 29, 2021, 20:23d first go
When travel to S.Spain is somewhat easier(whenever that may be) you just may have some N.European visitors looking for hospitality and maybe tonneau, front spoiler and lightweight seat replication :-)
Quote from: Petrus on May 29, 2021, 20:23Í am as content as a monkey with seven tails but she is not all that happy with the inevitable imperfection in such a one off and first go. We are not professional soft top fabricators and though we put the time and effort in, it is learning as we go along.
That is what the previous post was meant to include:- whatever,the design and fabrication looks fabulous ...3 gold stars to the workers :-)
Initially I was not in favor of this kind of modification for our kind of cars but I must say it has been executed very nicely and looks like a quality job.
What would sell if you ever decide to make them is a frunk cover and rear storage bin cover. I stopped selling those kits but when I did I sold a lot of them and continue to have requests which I decided to discontinue. It was a good weight saving modification while looking like a complete car.
Quote from: Dev on May 29, 2021, 22:22Initially I was not in favor of this kind of modification for our kind of cars but I must say it has been executed very nicely and looks like a quality job.
Thank you!
QuoteWhat would sell if you ever decide to make them is a frunk cover and rear storage bin cover. I stopped selling those kits but when I did I sold a lot of them and continue to have requests which I decided to discontinue. It was a good weight saving modification while looking like a complete car.
Thanks for the suggestion but not looking to sell stuff ;-)
Ok, maybe my crytomoneys when those recover.
Lóve my car looking ... euhm... more functional :-)
It ís even more funtional in quite fundamental things actually for an open car; no carpet and such to get wet, no headset to get stolen :-O
Finished the thing yesterday.
Mán what a challenge to wrestle the entire piece underthrough the sewing machines :o
Withe the rear panel attached to the two front pieces we fitted the sheet on the car to mark the rear curve. Bóth the girls smoothly coöperating hands on ;) so I could mark.
It was too late to punch/drill the holes for the fittings so will be doing that today.
There are three details we may need to address:
- I máy need a bit of velcro to keep the zipper ends neatly closed. Will see when I have the central lid fitted again.
- The sheet is now simply óver the headrest and máybe we will add a small evelope.
- At the drivers side we made a seam to facilitate folding that behind the seat. It currently has no provsion to attach it to the metal as I would ideally want it to hook up to the turnthingy but have not thought of a way to do that.
Aaaaaaaanyway, the main sewing is done. Bubbly is not really pleased because if we´d do a second one it would be better in some details. Mountain Girl is awed. I am over the moon.
Spent the night at Bubbly´s and now at Mountain Girl´s again to finish the fittings.
...to be continued...
With help of Mountain Girl marked the fittings and... done!!!
The side slits need yet be finished but that is as planned. Can now order the hardware for those.
mr2tonneau7.jpg
mr2tonneau8.jpg
As you can see the material needs to settle to the fitted form.
Yes, we would do a wee bit better job if we´d do it again but all in all am quite pleased with it.
So, now the driving :-)
<870 kg now?
Still looking v good, how quick would you think that would take to put on in case of heavy rain (1-person only)
It´s not even 3 kilos actually.
I put it on from zero in 2 minutes but the idea is you leave it on; just unfasten and zip open de driver side. Less ado than folding the ears in.
Zipping up, and press buttons, 30 seconds?
It is not for heavy rain btw. I´d unbutton it, fold it in the back and pull the roof up, or if a few wet days are expected, fit the hard hat.
Functionality wise it is for like greenlaning a classic british sportscar: Just you, windows down, mongos fitted, enjoying the scenery with minimal wind buffeting and minimal weather hassle.
Picking up charming company on the way? Fold the other side behind the seat too. Same thing if you would want the windows up.
Does it add a lot of funtionality over the OEM soft top?
Nah, just a bit, but it doés add an extra way you can drive about and leave it overnight/parked. Same as every tonneau fitted to any cabrio.
Worth the effort?
Not for the functionality, but yes for the heck of it ánd I have The Ony One 8)
Silly me, I thought it was to replace the soft top completely, hence the weight reference.
Quote from: Gibla on May 31, 2021, 12:12Silly me, I thought it was to replace the soft top completely, hence the weight reference.
Could do if you track the car. Hence I was amazed that it did not exist.
I would be tempted to take the soft top out íf my overnight life style was not thát .... mobile.
Over half the ´lodgings´ have no covered parking for the itsybitsy so I do need to be able to have it proper rain proof.
´No dear, not coming over; it could rain tonight´ is not worth the weight saving ;-)
Experienced based btw.
With the previous soft top I often left it simply over overnight and yes, have needed to rún out at night to close it. And yes, also have missed hearing the nightly shower and had to drive sitting on a plastic garbage bag ....
My vehicles presently have to live outside, but attempting to get a double 'car-port', if that comes to pass I may consider ditching the soft top completely and add a 1/2 cover for additional overnight coverage.
Just need to buy the other half some suitable waterproof clothing then, jico downpours :-)
Quote from: Gibla on May 31, 2021, 12:58My vehicles presently have to live outside, but attempting to get a double 'car-port', if that comes to pass I may consider ditching the soft top completely and add a 1/2 cover for additional overnight coverage.
Just need to buy the other half some suitable waterproof clothing then, jico downpours :-)
I read an article long ago that found that not all covers are the same, a quality car cover with the right material can actually protect and retard many of the damaging effects. I have seen first hand the difference between a garaged kept car and one that sits outside. The amount of weathering including UV damage is like subjecting your car to being sandblasted.
For some vintage cars some of the owners go overboard with enclosed nitrogen filled tents.
There´s a real gale force wind blowing here. Branches breaking and all so ideal for a test drive. Got up to 80 km/h in all directions of the wind
Well, a bit of a bummer as it is being sucked up and then catches wind.
Not an unknow as many tonneaus came with a central tie down strap to hook up tu tunnel or seat rail. This one needs it too. So, another detail to sort.
Also clear is that it is a toúring thing. Befitting respecting speed limits ;-) Also, to put it in perspective, the top speed of the Nimbus sidecar combo :-)
Feels comfie and almost protected though. Very different.
The winds are also bringing the point home of keeping debris out while leaving it parked. The tarp had a lót of dust, sand, leaves and other light dirt on it and that is in 2 hours only while under the car port.
Wow, thát was quick!
The hardware has already been dropped off at the gas station.
Will leave the tarp at Bubbly´s tomorrow. She will probably mod it over the weekend with me doing the last fitting after.
Whát a project.
Quite fun, learned a lot, even operated the sewing machine a bit. Hope Bubbly will teach me more. I lóve being able to do things myself and the machine sure beats doing larger pieces by hand.
Was rather a challenge relation wise too but after one step backwards, twó forwards 8)
The tonneau is at Bubbly´s.
The wto side slits need to be adjusted (tightened up) somewhat and the eyelet for the mid strap fitted.
Here´s the car as parked in the real world ;)
We marked the bits to tighten. After modding add two more fitting so the sides and rear curves tighten up.
It is btw a very good illustration of the anti-sun function. The car next to it has a reflecting shield behind the windscreen. I had one behind the seat too. Nów the inside, being shielded from ány direct sunlight keeps cooler still.
mr2tonneau9.jpg
I don't hate that. Keeps the sun out and the cockpit nice and cool. Particularly relevant to you
Quote from: shnazzle on June 4, 2021, 14:06I don't hate that. Keeps the sun out and the cockpit nice and cool. Particularly relevant to you
And yes, it ´s a bit less trouble to raise/lower the hood but after even the sortest pause in the sun the interior gets scorching hot. Leaving it down is cooler than closed surprisingly enough but then it is all in the open for dirt and lookers. The tarp is cooler still ánd covers it all.
Even though I do not do much leisure driving, who knows the tarp will motivate me to, I am quite chuffed with it. It really sets the car apart from all those other MR2s which are not about over here ;-)
Dóne!!!
Going to the hosptal this afternoon, driving tonneau mounted. At the parking simply zip closed and in I go...
8) old school, I think.
Two weeks further on the road:
It has been on since completion and with the strap tied down up to 120 km/h is the user range. You can still overtake from there but it just is not quiet enough for touring that way. Also windows down 120 is enough.
On chilly mornings the heating is éver so much more effective as the warmth stays under the tarp meaning you can drive short sleeves at sweater temps.
One Sunday morning it started drizzling on the drive so a neat test I thought. The drizzle gained volume to leave standing water on the road when I got to the village. Still just the occasional drop on my shirt.
Wanted to stop under the roof of the loacal gas station and ask whether a package had arrived. Some 30 motorcyclist geared up with intergral armour had sought refuge but regardless snuggeled up the car réal close despite angry territorial glares.
Nope, no package, so I moved o, álmost accidentally spinning the wheels when turning up the tarmac leaving the cowering bunch of whímps ;D
Even pottering hrough the village a 20 - 30 km/h I received just a few drops and at the other end all water went óver the interior.
Some ten minutes further on, the rain stopped. Yes it définitely keeps the heaven´s water out longer.
As observed earlier it is very handy for leaving the car parked ´open´.
For two up or a sprited drive it is easily folded behind the seat and presto, you can roll up the side windows as needed.
All in all I´d say it is a véry useful acessory for hard core top down drivers.
Today washed the car. With the tonneau on. It has not been off since I put the finalised version on a month ago.
So
@Ardent please take note; only wíndows down use; how about thát?! ;D
Back to the washing. Not an issue at all. Just not aim the hose at the tarp. The water does not run into the car, most runs off to the back and sides, hardly any pools. Could easily spray, sponge, rinse and wipe.
So, still rather chuffed with the thing and it sure is unique!