View Full Version : Tonneau Cover
RdstrRod
04-15-2016, 09:40 AM
I'm contemplating a Tonneau Cover for my MK4 Roadster but not sure if I want a snap-on style or a snapless one. The snap-on ones appear to be more useable, secure & weatherproof. However, I'm a little hesitant with the thought of drilling holes in the body for the attachments. On the otherhand, the snapless type, with no drilling required and being easy on & off, doesn't seem to be as useable & secure (not sure about weatherproof). Also, do both of these syles fold up easily and store in the trunk?
I know this is probably just a personal choice, but I'm looking for some pros & cons from those of you who actually own and use these things.
Regards, Rod
68GT500MAN
04-15-2016, 09:58 AM
I have a snap less cover and it works great for me. In my opinion, neither one provides much security. I can drive and arrive at a destination, quickly cover the cocpit and keep the sun off of the seats/carpet. Mine stores easily in the trunk.
Doug
Blue MK3
04-15-2016, 10:04 AM
I have a snapless cover that is OK, but not perfect. It has a rigid stay in it that prevents it from sagging, but will fold/roll up and easily fit in the trunk. It's not totally rain proof, but I haven't parked the car in the rain (yet). A friend has one like it and says it works best when parked in the rain if the front of the car is uphill. Water seems to make its way over the rear of the car when level and run into the cockpit. That said, with the shape of the body being what it is, I doubt that a snap on cover would be more waterproof. From a standpoint of security, I don't think either type has the advantage.
Gumball
04-15-2016, 10:54 AM
I have a traditional tonneau with the Lift-the-Dot fasteners and posts. I have used it for sun protection and to keep prying eyes (and butts) out of the cockpit when the car is unattended (though still in view) and it works great. I particularly like the appearance of the fasteners, as my car is a very traditional build.
Pic of fitting the cover during bodywork phase:
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/IMG_20131121_2102391_zps1f447307.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/IMG_20131121_2102391_zps1f447307.jpg.html)
Pic of fasteners:
http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/IMG_20140928_111251039_zpsccb9ae59.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/IMG_20140928_111251039_zpsccb9ae59.jpg.html)
I am in the market for both a tonneau cover with the traditional fasteners and a bimini top which I will have fabbed by my upholsterer to keep us out of the sun while cruising so any suggestions on a tonneau vendor would be great
I am in the market for both a tonneau cover with the traditional fasteners and a bimini top which I will have fabbed by my upholsterer to keep us out of the sun while cruising so any suggestions on a tonneau vendor would be great
I'll be watching this thread for suggestions for a tonneau cover vendor...
MisterAdam
04-15-2016, 01:52 PM
i got the snapless for ease of use, keeping the dust out plus keeps the seats and seatbelts from heating up to 500 degrees. stores nicely in the trunk5278652787
Mesa Mike
04-15-2016, 03:09 PM
I went back and forth for years about snap or snapless. Decided to take the Cobra to a boat dealer. They put covers on all types of boats that last in the full sun here in AZ for years. Decided to go with snap. Can drive with the PAX side in place and then snap full cover when parked to keep the cockpit out of the direct. Believe me, here in AZ the sun can really heat up your cockpit and especially the shifter. WOW, hot do not touch.
BEAR-AvHistory
04-16-2016, 02:49 AM
Got mine from Whitbys when they painted the car. Like the lift the dot because you can keep in the heat in cold weather by running with the PS in place.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=13669&pictureid=53539
RdstrRod
04-18-2016, 08:04 AM
Thanks for all the responses to my question on which Tonneau Cover to get. I'm leaning toward the Snapless type. If at some point I decide I don't like that style, I can then drill some holes.........
Safe & happy motoring to all, Rod
Desert Cobra
04-18-2016, 03:05 PM
I used a lift a dot version with snaps at the doors rather than lift a dot posts. Two snaps on each door. Works great with now flutter when passenger side is covered.
So, is Whitby's cover considered to be the most recommended?
BEAR-AvHistory
04-22-2016, 04:42 PM
I like mine. Its a quality piece of material with a heavy zipper & through bolted studs.
I like mine. Its a quality piece of material with a heavy zipper & through bolted studs.
Are those the lift-the-dot fasteners?
BEAR-AvHistory
04-23-2016, 12:38 AM
Are those the lift-the-dot fasteners?
Yes
Dave Howard
04-23-2016, 04:09 PM
I have a snapless cover from Phillip and Kay. The thing fits like a glove. It rolls up into the bag provided and fits in the trunk, or on road trips when the trunk is full we put it on top of the seat backs under the seat harness straps. It stays in place as you drive. It does a great job of keeping weather out while you're parked. What I like best of all is I didn't have to install snaps in the fibreglass body. A matter of personal choice and my choice is a clean clear body free of snaps.
WIS89
04-23-2016, 08:20 PM
Bren-
The snapless one that Dave mentioned above it pretty first rate. I think it's worth taking a really close look at. There's nothing wrong with the loft a dot versions, but snapless gives an alternative.
The one's I have seen have been pretty sharp, and they do a great job matching their colors to your paint job! Really a first class option, and it is the one I will use when I am ready!
Here's a link: http://www.piggybackcovers.com/ Their forum name is pigfarm70. I believe this is their e-mail: pigfarm70@gmail.com*
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Steve
chopthebass
04-24-2016, 09:15 AM
I have an unused FFR cover that I won't be using if you are interested!
rmiller64
04-24-2016, 11:04 AM
I have an unused FFR cover that I won't be using if you are interested!
PM sent
Bren-
The snapless one that Dave mentioned above it pretty first rate. I think it's worth taking a really close look at. There's nothing wrong with the loft a dot versions, but snapless gives an alternative.
The one's I have seen have been pretty sharp, and they do a great job matching their colors to your paint job! Really a first class option, and it is the one I will use when I am ready!
Here's a link: http://www.piggybackcovers.com/ Their forum name is pigfarm70. I believe this is their e-mail: pigfarm70@gmail.com*
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Steve
Thanks, Steve, but I really want the option to drive with half of the cover on, which takes the snapless version out of the picture for me. Also, I like the look of the posts around the cockpit.
BEAR-AvHistory
04-25-2016, 09:48 AM
Thanks, Steve, but I really want the option to drive with half of the cover on, which takes the snapless version out of the picture for me. Also, I like the look of the posts around the cockpit.
Good plan. Nice to hold the heat in the cockpit when it gets cool out. Also can keep the summer sun off the metal harness fittings with you park in the sun.
Also checked my mounting studs. I have one on the door at the front just a little forward of the steering wheel line. The next one is just past the door on the main body. This keeps the cover tight against the door so there is no flapping when driving.
WIS89
04-25-2016, 10:00 AM
Thanks, Steve, but I really want the option to drive with half of the cover on, which takes the snapless version out of the picture for me. Also, I like the look of the posts around the cockpit.
Bren-
I totally understand. Like Kevin mentioned above, the ability to have the heat going on cold days, and filling the covered part of the cockpit with heat is invaluable. I had an MGB a hundred years ago, and was jealous of the guys who had the ability to cover their cockpits so easily. I never could find a reasonably priced tonnau, so I went without.
I think any kind of tonnau is a good choice for these cars!
Regards,
Steve
BEAR-AvHistory
04-25-2016, 12:17 PM
Agree with Steve. Don't think there is any one size fits all thing with the covers. What you are trying to accomplish will dictate what style you go with.
I do like the covers that match the paint but they did not suit what I needed one for.
BTW TR-3's & Morgans in the '60s conditioned me to the lift the dot style.:D
RdstrRod
05-03-2016, 06:27 PM
I have just received my SnapLess Tonneau Cover, compliments of Phil & Kay Deal. They sure do nice work. The cover is very well made, reasonably priced, fits like a glove, and is easy to put on or take off. If you are considering a Tonneau, check them out.
Happy motoring, Rod
hrosenthal
04-24-2018, 09:48 PM
I've heard Phillip and Kay mentioned, but haven't been able to find any contact information. can you please post it.
I've heard Phillip and Kay mentioned, but haven't been able to find any contact information. can you please post it.
wpdeal@gmail.com
wpdeal@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing!