body fasteners for tonneau cover

[mgless]

I'm looking at the body fasteners at VB and I'm trying to figure out how many and which ones I need. My car (65 Sprite) came with the tonneau cover, but when the car was reassembled the PO did not re-install the fasteners.

I assume they fasten from behind the body panels? PITA?

Also, is the rail necessary? I don't have that.

Here's the cover:
tonneau cover

 

[bugimike]

You can figure out how man you need by counting the ones on the tonneau cover. Do you also have the convertible top (hood)? If so, try to make the snaps on the tonneau and the hood match so that the snaps you install on the body will work for both! You should be able to purchase the snaps you need locally from either a fabric shop, canvass shop or marine supply store! By the looks from your picture, you will need 14 snaps. There are two types available, one mounts with a self-tapping screw thread, and the other is threaded to accept a small nut and washer (the second is preferrable where you can get at the back to install the nut and washer!) The rear of the tonneau should have two pieces of flat metal inserted that will slip into the slots on the rear hold-down for the hood!

 

[Bruce_B]

I was able to buy the fasteners at a boot supply store. I'm sure there's some of those in Wisconsin (something about 1,000 lakes)

 

[mgless]

It took me a few minutes to realize you meant "boat" store. I couldn't figure out what boots and lakes had in common! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

I never thought to check there. Good call. I need to pick up a stay for my sailboat anyway.

What about the rail? The VB catalog shows a metal rail that goes across the car to hold up the tonneau I presume. Seems unnecessary with all the snaps.

 

[Bugeye58]

The tonneau bar puts a slight crown in the cover when it's shut, to aid in shedding water. If you have the style cover that can be snapped to the rear bulkhead while driving, it provides a point for the cover to drape over.
Jeff

 

[bugimike]

I have seen the bars up for sale on ebay occasionally, though not often. You should be able to make a usable substitute with copper or PVC plumbing supplies if you cannot find an original! The Marine store (and I mean boat, not military, hehe!) is probably your best bet for the snaps, as I had mentioned before. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif