Tonneau cover question

[Linda]

Has anyone used a tonneau cover as a template to have a new one made?
I found a tonneau I forgot I had and it needs some repair and modification for the roll bar, but it would be nice to have a new one.
Anyone done this?
Thanks,
Linda
68 1600

[Import_sounds-of-mid-GA]

I want to make a fiberglass cover.... just gotta find something to make the shapes and get some more resin and fleece
But I think you should be able to get one made from yours... might cost a bit... but could be done.

[spl310]

Rallye has them:

http://www.datsunroadster.com/SUB_SECTI ... softop.htm

Most of the vendors can get them for you as well. If you search the internet, there are other suppliers, but BE WARNED!! some of them don't have a clue what actually fits a Roadster. Not that they don't try, they just don't get much working with a Roadster...

[Howard R]

Linda, I have a used high windshield tonneau with headrest pockets. I'm selling it for $125.I believe a new one runs about $260.00. And that price doesn't include installing the grommets. I believe you live in Reseda? I'm in Glendale. Let me know if you are interested. It's in very good,but not perfect shape. Howard

[ppeters914]

Hmmmm....are there really different tonneaus for low and high windshield roadsters?

[Howard R]

From 1968 to 1970, they are vinyl. Pre-68 they are cloth. I'm not sure if there is a size difference. Since mine is an original, not a reproduction, it's vinyl.

[spl310]

Yes, there are differences. The 3 seat 1500s use 3 hold down tabs in the back. The low windshield units are a different length from the high windshield units. Also, the headrest pockets (if so equipped) vary from the 67.5 to the 68 - 70 versions. Non-headrest tonneau covers were available for all years. Factory tonneaus were also available for high windshield cars that had factory roll bars. Those tonneaus are kind of scarce now though...

[Import_sounds-of-mid-GA]

mine came with the "plain jane" tonneau cover... tried to put it on once..... bad idea

[DELETED]

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[FergO2k]

Linda,
Marine canvas shops can repair a tonneau for you, and can use it for a template. They can also mod one for fitting around a rollbar, as the custom work you have to do to fit around boat gadgets is nothing compared to slotting/sewing around a rollbar.
It will be more expensive to have them fab one using old one as a template than to buy a pre-made one from a vendor. But, you can choose material/color if you pursue a custom one.
When you buy a pre-made one, it will come without grommets, as they were put in different places on each car. An upholstery shop will install all of them for about 50 bucks. So, Howard's will fit, might have the snaps in different places, but the upholstery shop should be able to do something cosmetic to hide the un-useable snap locations.
I don't have a top (at the moment) but like to have a tonneau for those "leave it outside at Solvang Motel 6" events, and when outside the grocery store.
Fergus O

[Linda]

Howard,
My tonneau I believe can be repaired and then used, so I'm not looking for a used one, but thinking more about a new one. But Fergus made the point that a new one from a vendor would probably be less than a custom made one using mine as a template. Just wondered about cost and how a custom turned out, if anyone did that.
Maybe I'll try vinyl sewing next..... arghhh...

Linda
68 1600

[spl310]

This won't help those of you in south California, but for the more northern folks, go to a boat upholsterer in the middle of winter. They may cut you a deal as they don't work much during the winter and the materials will be fantastic...