Board logo

tonneau/half cover dimensions
hobzy - 5/2/09 at 01:12 PM

Can anyone show me some pics of their tonneau covers and some rough dimensions? I have got hold of some waterproof vinyl and fancy a go at making my own; something like this from softbitsforsevens:


BenB - 5/2/09 at 01:43 PM

It'll vary a lot from car to car and make to make.....

jlparsons - 5/2/09 at 02:09 PM

Top tip that was given to me - make it from scrap fabric first to check fit, but don't use any scrap that'll stretch (ie old bed sheets) cos that'll convince you it's going to fit when in fact it might not! I've heard of a couple of folk getting burnt like that.

Will be very interested to see the results. A usable soft/hard top to make these cars all-weather is the only thing they're missing in my opinion. Best of luck!

coozer - 5/2/09 at 02:39 PM

I'm interested in a one as well. One with half doors and slits down the middle to keep the wind off.

BenB - 5/2/09 at 03:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jlparsons
Top tip that was given to me - make it from scrap fabric first to check fit, but don't use any scrap that'll stretch (ie old bed sheets) cos that'll convince you it's going to fit when in fact it might not! I've heard of a couple of folk getting burnt like that.

Will be very interested to see the results. A usable soft/hard top to make these cars all-weather is the only thing they're missing in my opinion. Best of luck!


It's definately worth making a pattern first out of some cheap material. I used some lining material first. Non stretchy, reasonably cheap and easy to cut.. Being cream (typically) it's also easy to draw on with a marker pen....

hobzy - 5/2/09 at 06:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
It'll vary a lot from car to car and make to make.....


I know. I was sort of fishing for someone with an Indy

I was told today by our textiles lass at work to use card first as its easy to draw on and stick to the car, then make a rough from that in an old sheet or something to check the seams, then go for it.

Can't decide whether to use velcro or zips - want to do seperate half doors and the top in 2 halves...

Don't mind sharing the pattern after its done. The vinyl only cost £25, so not too fussed if it doesn't look good - can always have another go.

Another question - which fastenings to go for on the bodywork?

hobzy - 6/2/09 at 09:47 AM

Nice one! Might take you up on that if i get stuck! Cheers.

Are they just pop fasteners?

zetec - 6/2/09 at 11:29 PM

I made a pattern using very heavy lining paper (wallpaper) once I got started I fitted the from scuttle section, then tensioned by fixing at the rear and finished up doing the sides. I used press studs fitted to the body with small nuts/bolts. Takes about 20 secs to fit and designed to stop the rain if caught out and about. The material is lightweight, waterproof and folds up very small. I sewed strips of vinyl into the seams fitted with studs to give extra strenght. Rescued attachment DSCF0142.JPG
Rescued attachment DSCF0142.JPG

hobzy - 7/2/09 at 12:30 PM

Brilliant. Thanks for the replies so far. Very helpful... I have an aeroscreen, i'm just wondering how to fit round where it meets the scuttle/dash...

Meeerrrk - 9/2/09 at 01:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by zetec
I made a pattern using very heavy lining paper (wallpaper) once I got started I fitted the from scuttle section, then tensioned by fixing at the rear and finished up doing the sides. I used press studs fitted to the body with small nuts/bolts. Takes about 20 secs to fit and designed to stop the rain if caught out and about. The material is lightweight, waterproof and folds up very small. I sewed strips of vinyl into the seams fitted with studs to give extra strenght.

thats awsome, fancy making me one?!

zetec - 9/2/09 at 06:03 PM

Sorry mate too much mucking about, would be a poor man if I made them for a living!

Meeerrrk - 9/2/09 at 06:10 PM

lol only kidding; great job tho, fair play to ya

hobzy - 9/2/09 at 08:35 PM

Made up the patterns for the sides and top this weekend. Much easier with the lining paper - nice call on that. Going to do a trial run with an old sheet Anyone with an MK can have the paper pattern once I'm done for postage providing it turns out looking alright