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Different Quality Tonneau Covers

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Soup

Jedi Hopeful
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Obviuosly none of us want to spend more than we have to. And many of you may have seen, TRF is offering 10% off their three different tonneau covers ranging from $270 to $500 dollars.

Hopefully the link works.

https://www.zeni.net/trf/specials06/index.php?menu=t&page=147

Does anyone have any experience with the different materials and able to say that one is definately better than the other?

I don't really want to spend any more money than I have already spent this year but am tempted toward the least expensive cover.
 
The Everflex is really nice stuff, but not sure it's worth the extra $$. It will stretch a bit more easily in the winter, but if you install the tonneau correctly, the Robbins will serve nicely.

Canvas adds a nice "luxury" feel to the car, but again, no real advantage.
 
Robbins is a good quality piece. It is closest to original of the three.
Just like the top, they can be a bear when the sun goes down. Especially the two snaps on the dash at the zipper. I was struggling with mine three nights ago. Come summer, they won't be as bad.
 
I suggest you hold off a bit and wait for an original factory one to come up on Ebay or in the classifieds, maybe place a wanted ad for one. The factory ones are about the best out there and the snaps are already attatched.
 
What color are you looking for? I have a dark tan/chestnut colored one that's in good shape that just laying around the garage. It looks like it's factory.
 
Box, your posts are getting thru. I didn't realize the snaps may be an issue.........assumed the cover would simply snap right onto the snaps already on car?!

I gotta look into this snap thing some more.

Shannon, my plan would be to purchase black to match the cars interior, but thanks.
 
DougF said:
...they can be a bear when the sun goes down. Especially the two snaps on the dash at the zipper...
Click to expand...

Me too, that's why I made a slightly modified version of the plate that holds those snaps...

TonneauSnaps.JPG


Just an extra half inch there makes a world of difference. I think they pattern the replacements using factory original tonneaus (& tops) that have shrunk a bit from sitting on the shelf for years.
 
Soup said:
Box, your posts are getting thru. I didn't realize the snaps may be an issue.........assumed the cover would simply snap right onto the snaps already on car?!

I gotta look into this snap thing some more.

Shannon, my plan would be to purchase black to match the cars interior, but thanks.
Click to expand...

Most, if not all, new tonneaus come with the snaps, but it is your distinct pleasure /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif to install them. Always an adventure!
 
I've had a TRF Robbins tonneau for a couple of years, I'm very happy with it, good heavy weight material.
The snaps are all shipped loose and you have to install them to match the car.
In Geo's picture above my car has the "lift-a-dot posts" which I think are a little easier to fasten when the top is cold.
The TRF kit comes with the lift-a-dot snaps for the front posts, regular snaps elsewhere.
 
LastDeadLast said:
What color are you looking for? I have a dark tan/chestnut colored one that's in good shape that just laying around the garage. It looks like it's factory.
Click to expand...

I might be interested in that. How much are you looking to get?
 
Some original tonneaus, not all, can shrink beyond further use. I have seen some that come up about an inch too short. But others continue to fit perfectly. Might have something to do with the fabric lot.
 
Sounds like the Robbins cover will suit me just fine. Just have to decide on wether or not I feel like dishing money for cosmetics rather than mechanical parts.
 
jackag91,

I pulled out the tonneau and I'm pretty sure it's ruined. I had put some cleaner on the box that I had it stored in and it somehow got knocked over and leaked all over the tonneau. I'm going try to clean it up tomorrow, but it looks like the vinyl is faded pretty bad.

I'll update you tomorrow, but it's not looking good... literally.

crap.
 
Soup:

If you are not in a hurry I'll take a look at the extra toneau I have, it's for a TR6 for the higher head rests & it came with my 250. I have been using it because DPO had the orig 250 toneau laying in the shop when he did a re-spray of the car & there is red overspray on my orig.

I may look into doing a vinyl paint spray of my orig one & I'll be ready to get rid of the TR6 unit. I think it is orig, it has a repeating pattern on the backing. It is in very good condition.

Sale may help offset my elect cooling fan project.

What do you think?
 
The Stayfast/Sunfast material will not shrink so putting on a top or tonneau is quite a bit easier in colder weather. And i really like the look.

That being said, I'm going to see a local Amish guy who does plenty of tops and sidecutains on buggys. I think I can get him to copy a TR tonneau for under $200.00...I'll install my own Tenax fasterers (TR2 w/o Lift-the-Dots). If he car do a reasonable job, I'll have him do a top, too.
 
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