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Tonneau covers

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AltaKnight

AltaKnight

Jedi Knight
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I'm considering getting a tonneau cover for my TR6.
I've only had it since November and got to thinking that in the upcoming summer time I would like the cover so that I don't have to put the full top up when parking it for any length of time.
My question is, is this what really happens or are they just a pain in the rear to use and not worth the investment/effort?
I'm sure there are a bunch of opinions out there.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
When I purchased my Healey, it was missing the tonneau. After a year of owning the car, I finnally purchased a new tonneau. I use it all the time. First of all I never drive in the rain so I never have the top up. But I find that the tonneau cover protects the interior from the sun when parked for any length of time. Also keeps dew off the seats at night, although the car mostly is garaged. I find it very easy to install, only takes a couple of minutes. With the Healey 3000, the cover is usually left covering the back seats, so it only takes a few snaps to cover the front.
 
Have been driving these things since 1961, and almost always have the tonneau on with the right side in place. It's very easy to cover the one side when parking, easy to pull back for a passenger, and somehow is kind of cozy.
 
I use my tonneau all the time. It's great for keeping the sun off the seats at the track (or anywhere else)It also doubles as my boot cover for the top, and it hides my nasty interior.HaHa
It's one of those features that you can't get with many other cars, and I love playing those up. Being different is one of the best reasons to have a TR.
 
Get the tonneau cover, I believe It makes the car look better when you have everything covered except the drivers seat and when your on one of those long cool drives, the cover keeps the heat in allowing you to enjoy top down motoring and still be comfortable. And like Shorn said it protects your interior from the sun and other weather conditions, also keeps the dirt out, All around great option to have.
 
Driving a TR3 with a tonneau cover in the midwest as a daily driver for 3 years I found that it was actually warmer in the winter with the tonneau and the heater. Those side curtains are DRAFTY.
 
Shoot, I even like saying 'tonneau cover'. As above, this is what mine wears in all but the wettest weather.

Can you get one for a TR6 w/o pockets for the headrests, and then lean the passenger seat forward when that side tonneau is in place? Dunno, though I think they look even better w/o the headrest pocket.
 
My first purchase for the TR3. Looks good and very functional. Keeps the heat in the cockpit in winter (Arizona winter mind you). Looks 'right' on the car and I'll def need it to protect the interior from the summer sun. I'd never fit one before but it was rather easy, just take your time and work from the center line outward one snap at a time.
 
the early US spec cars (68) had folding headrests and the UK spec cars diden't see head rests until 73 so you can get a tonneau without headrest pockets.
Moss part #
644-120 black
 
My understanding is that non - pocketed covers will fit over the headrest, as long as you don't mind a little bump. Anyone have a preference between canvas or vinyl?
 
Well thanks for all the posiive feedback on the tonneau purchase decision. I've just ordered one from TRF, it's got the headrest pockets although from line of sight I think my '73 could almost do without the pockets.
I hadn't considered it, but I like the comments about it keeping the heat in around a persons nether regions during the cool motoring days, we get quite a few of those here in Alberta.
 
My tonneau cover arrived today, it looks great. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
OK, now I've read the instruction sheet 14 times and I think I've got it!
Can anyone offer tips on the installation like....
1) How "taut" should it be when installed, like a "size too small" tee shirt?, like an Army bed bounce a coin?
2) Do they shrink significantly which makes it hard to fasten after a year or two?
3) I have the punch/die device but what's the best tool for putting in the holes to install the lift-a-dot studs?

All help appreciated.
 
Not an expert but put one on my Tr3 just a few weeks ago. Go taught/tight as a loose one will buffet way too much (they'll buffet anyway). I'm in Arizona so I pulled it about as tight as I could reasonably get it (pulled the portion to be 'snapped' snuggly over the post downward and laterally as needed when marking) as the summer sun will allow it to stretch, cooler climate less so. Didn't take long, just take your time and good luck.
 
I just installed a vinyl Tonneau for my 74 TR6. It has the headrest pockets but they aren't necessary if the headrest are in the down position. I wish I bought the pocketless tonneau instead as it looks cleaner. I installed the snaps on a cold day pulling as hard as I possibly could. Now that the weather has warmed up, I only have to pull slightly to get the tonneau on. Overall it's quite snug but it still flaps a bit at speeds over 100kph.
 
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