Vinyl Tonneau Cover Shrunk

[Tcraftdriver]

Well, I went to uee the nice looking black vinyl tonneau cover and it won't fit all the way around. It appears to have shrunk. I was able to fasten it along the windshield area and driver door, then just above the trunk lid toward the passenger side but could not stretch it far enough to fit it around the curve as you approach trailing edge of the passenger door.

Is there a way to stretch the tonneau cover?

 

[Geo Hahn]

Let it sit in full sun for a few hours and try to install it while still warm.

When you install start with the center front & center rear and work out, save the doors for last. Also, I don't do up the zipper until all fasteners are done.

 

[Lbp]

I recently bought a tonneau cover on eBay that needed to be stretched. I got it on about 75% and then let it sit in the hot sun. I still couldn't get it all the way on. I then carefully used a heat gun to get the last few snaps on. Now it's sitting there for a few days stretching out, I hope.

 

[sjuengst]

I had a similar problem with my AH 3000 after my Dad handed her down to me. That tonneau wasn't even close to fitting. It seemed at least 6" short. Eventually I realized it was from his old MG Midget! D'oh!

 

[TonyPanchot]

I sprayed the fabric (down) side with wd 40, this re elasticized the dried vinyl and set it in the sun, down side up for the day. worked well on the 45 yr old cover, has the Triumph logo still on it and could not part with that.

 

[Lbp]

I've heard of using WD40 for lots of stuff, but this is a new one on me! (The only two things you need to fix anything are WD40 and Duct Tape. If it's supposed to move and it doesn't, use WD40. If it's not suppose to move, and it does, use Duct Tape).

So what does the WD40 do to the fabric? Does it just absorb? Does it get all slippery? Do you have to wipe it off? Inquiring minds want to know! I might have to try this.

 

[CinneaghTR]

So what does the WD40 do to the fabric? Does it just absorb? Does it get all slippery? Do you have to wipe it off? Inquiring minds want to know! I might have to try this.

+1

I am thinking about trying Meguiar's 40, but would like to see if this might be a permanent fix.

 

[TonyPanchot]

The 40 made the fabric flexible and stretchable, it took 3 application as it sucked it up, after I applied it I set the top in the spring sun and let it absorb the liquid.

I cannot report on the current shape of the cover as I have put on a Surrey.

 

[Lbp]

After needing to use a heat gun to get my tonneau on (last Sunday), I left it one in the driveway for three days. During the day it was siting in the sun and it got up into the 70's. At night it went down into the 50's. After three days I unzipped it, unsnapped the driver's side, and drove it to work and back. The tonneau went back on with no problem. I guess I won't have to resort to the WD40.