MGB: Tonneau Cover - Why the material strips /snaps on TOP?

I just received a new tonneau cover for my 67 B and once installed (and looking good), I am stumped as to why there are two 2 x 16 inch strips of material (with 2 snaps each) sewn half way between the front and rear on the top side of the cover. These are "flaps" with only one edge sewn to the cover. They are pretty much centered over each seat and are parallel with the seat backs. I’m sure some one is going to give me a logical reason as to why these exist. I sure hope so, cause I’m feeling pretty dumb for not being able to figure it out..

Thanks,

-Dan

I believe those are for snapping the partially-folded tonneau to the front of the battery box/"rear seat" platform - the same as you would snap the front flap of a top cover ("1/2 tonneau") to keep it tidy.

Desmond wins tonight's cookie :)

Thanks, I went out and folded the driver's side of the cover back behind the seat and it appears that a few "male" snaps installed on the front side of the battery box would indeed tidy-up the stow. This top was not manufactured till I ordered it, and had I know these flaps were going to be sewn onto the top, I would have opted to have them left off. I would prefer the sleeker look of a clean top with out the flaps while in “full install mode”. This is because when its not fully installed (like when parked in public) I will likely have it stowed in the trunk.

Thanks again!
-Dan

cfrench Wrote:

Just like they said. But, the reason is to cover the fold back stay on the car top. With the top down and stowed, the tonneau snapped behind the seats, it gives a "finished" look to the stowed top.

Otherside the top just kind of sits there. You disconnect the back top bar and stow it down above the batteries, and the tonneau covers it all up nice and tidy!

You'll be glad you have them, just wait!

You must have a hard top, eh??

B

Brian-
Actually I don't have a hard top. I have a frame and convertable top that I just can't bring myself to install because 1) I drive the car on days when I'm sure it won't rain (if thats possible) and 2) The regular rag top just never stows with out looking like crap. Since I drive on fair weather days, having that bulky lump cramping my style is just not to my liking... Now you watch, next time I'm out I'll get drenched!
-Dan

My wife & I rarely take our "hood" with us when we go out in one of our roadsters. Instead, we use the tonneau cover as it provides excellent protection from the sun (keeps the cockpit cool) and dry in the event of a shower or while the car is parked overnight while out. It's easy to put up if you want to run into a shop or restaurant if you are using a tonneau bar and you can "Hide" what ever you need under the tonneau when snapped to the battery bulkhead. I won't be without personally. Do you mind saying where you ordered yours from?

Cheers - Dennis

I use the "tabs" all the time. With one person in the car you zip and fold the drivers side back and snap it to the battery box and drive away. When you stop and park the car you unfold the tonneau cover from the battery box and zip it up and fasten the one snap at the drivers side dash.

The reason I use the tonneau cover is two fold, the seats get hot in the sun and no sun hitting the seat, no heat and the second thought is "out of sight, out of mind" anything in the car is out of sight.

If you pull back the whole tonneau cover then you have to walk around to the other side of the car to attach the snaps on that side. And with two people, no problem. As far as the stowed top looking like crap, the tonneau covers that problem.

Dennis-
I bought mine from an outfit in England called Prestige Auto Trim Products LTD. ..Thanks for your response.

Chris- Ditto!

-Dan

Dan,
I just ordered a tonneau from Prestige myself. It hasn't arrived yet and I'm really looking forward to getting it. Have you had any trouble installing it?

Cheers - Dennis

Dan,
Not sure from you post but the tonneau bar will cleanup the look with the cover extended or rolled behind the seat(s).

Dennis-

The install of my Prestige full tonneau was a breeze and all the snaps were pre-installed. Because the material I choose has no "give", I found it easier to secure the the back with the "slide/plate" hardware then the dash snaps, then the side snaps. I have yet to drive it in the "half unzipped" configuration. It aught to be interesting..

-Dan

Clay-

I have heard this term; "Tonneau Bar" several times but I'm not familair with what it is.. Is this a seperate bar installed to make the stowed cover look better? Do you have a picture?

-Dan

Yes, your car originally came with a set but like many have been lost. The bar slips into the slots where the convertible top mounts and spans the area just behind the seats. The new replacements are expensive but you seem on Evil-bay regularly.

Clay-

Right after I left my question for you, I did some research (shoulda done it first!) and sure enough, I found all kinds of info on Tonneau bars. ..makes sense!.. Moss wants a bit much and the only one I found on ebay (for half the cost) looks a little rough.

Thanks..
-Dan

You should be able to get a serviceable set for $20-30, depending. I use 'em all the time with the top cover and the tonneau.

Dan,
As long as their not mangled they can be easily wire brushed and painted. medium machine grey was the original color.

Dan,
Check with Tony Barnhill about a tonneau bar. He has an excellent inventory of used MG parts and I bet that he would have a tonneau bar in there somewhere. He's on this site a lot but he also has a great web site which is www.theautoist.com. Give him a look.

Cheers - Dennis

I'll swap my tonneau without the flap & snaps for yours with as soon as you'd like! I bought my tonneau at a swap meet a few years ago, and the bar as well (from another vendor) but the cover is without the flap/snaps. Didn't think about it when I bought the thing but was well aware of the system and very disappointed when I first tried to use it.
As a matter of fact, If I could get some reasonable dimensions on those flaps, snaps & their location on the tonneau, I'd be a happy camper! I'll just run down to the boat canvas guy & have him add them to the top. That would keep me going for a couple of years until I can get a new one .... it's a ways down the list!