Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

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KevinW
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Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by KevinW »

I am trying to get a tonneau sorted before the upcoming London show.
My old Pilgrim had a vinyl everflex item, which became a permanent fixture on the car, so I know it'll get used.

Material choices: Vynil Everflex, Double Duck or Mohair.

My understanding on the material, to date is:

Vynil: bit cheaper, doesn't look quite so nice, but can be thrown in the boot when wet, won't shrink or create other fitting problems.
May be less durable long term???
DD: Bit more expensive, prone to sun bleaching, May shrink (but unclear under what circumstances). Needs stretching back in position when wet?
Mohair: best looking, but most expensive material, needs stretching back in position when wet.

Looking for comments/experiences on the above.

Thanks, Kevin
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David Large
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by David Large »

I have a vynil hood and tonneau which are now over 30 years old, as is my BRA. Neither have been any problem, unless you count having a new zip in the tonneau last year a problem.
I like them because they don't take up much room in the boot, they are durable and functional. I learned in the last couple of years that they are very close to being "original" in terms of material used. The tonneau has had a great deal of use, the hood less so but it has been very good when used.

What's not to like?

David
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Roger King
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by Roger King »

All original Cobras had Vynide Everflex side screens, tonneau and hood. No mohair or canvas anywhere.
KevinW
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by KevinW »

Thanks for your comments.
I've ended up with a Duck tonneau made to my template for a very reasonable price - it looks very nice.
Started fitting and then sheared off a tennax self-tapping post last w/e with very little effort - not a good start.
I have ordered an 11/64" drill bit for the task, which might have been the problem (hole too small) - trying again this w/e.
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simonjrwinter
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by simonjrwinter »

All my fasteners are bolted through the glassfibre. Tried the screw in ones but didn’t feel happy putting a lot of strain on them. It’s a bit of a faff, but you can get to the underneath to put on a washer and nyloc. Incidentally, I used a small fibre washer under the fastener “head”
Simon
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peterc
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by peterc »

Surprised the thread was long enough unless you ground the fibreglass down a bit.
That method would be Used on an alloy body but not so suitable for thicker fibreglass.
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simonjrwinter
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by simonjrwinter »

They’re available with longer threaded parts
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clive
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by clive »

I used the standard threaded type (5mm I think) but simply tapped the fibreglass and no nuts. They've been great with no sign of loosening after 15 years and speeds up to continental maximums.
Cheers, Clive.

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peterc
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by peterc »

I think the Everflex is probably more durable. The 'new' standard cloth material appears to mark reasonably easily.
My tennax are tapped into the fibreglass but I used a bit of thread loc to keep them tight. No issues for 20+ years.
Peter C
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Migge
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Re: Query re: Best(?) Tonneau material

Post by Migge »

In the positions where the threads were long enough (longest availabe fasteners) I countered them with a nyloc nut, washers on both sides. When it was not possible, I laminate a few additional layers of fiberglass underneath and used long woodscrew type one. No problems at all since 2016.
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