The tonneau cover farce

                                  Burlington Diary September 2009

Tues.01.09.09. The two types of tonneau studs have been ordered from Woolies as these need to be fitted before Michael makes the cover. It is necessary to secure the scuttle top studs with the more substantial twin bolted fastener. The nut head needs to be ‘glassed’ into the scuttle where the tension from front to back is optimum. This is the most vulnerable area being fabricated mainly from filler. It therefore requires a solid base to ensure that the stud can withstand the ‘pull’ from the cover.

Mon.21.09.09. The tonneau studs have arrived from Woolies. Chris has begun to plot out the pattern for the studs. Six twin bolted studs will be located on the scuttle top whilst the remaining four will be situated either side of the front edges of the cockpit. Single self tapping studs will then be used on the wooden edge to complete the layout. Where possible the placement pattern will follow the original specification.

 Fri.25.09.09. Chris has positioned the tonneau studs. The procedure has necessitated the removal of the dash. The concept of the cover embraces several ideas to provide maximum weather protection. There will be one central as well as two further parallel zips. The rear studs will remain more or less permanently fixed, as will the first three studs located on the rear quarter panels. The more robust twin bolted studs along with the side zips can be operated allowing both the passenger and driver to access the cockpit. Once seated the side studs can be fastened thus providing ‘sidescreens’, the central part of the cover can then be folded then placed in the rear of the car. 

The central zip can be operated independently sealing the passenger area when not in use

Michael needs the vehicle to create an accurate pattern. He plans to fabricate the tonneau from a matching green vinyl estimating only one day to complete the entire job. 

This of course is totally reliant upon his commitments on Mars; he intimated that he had been engaged for a lengthy lecture tour to discuss the values of leather, rubber and plastics in the automotive industries: plus single handed fag rolling whilst simultaneously operating a sewing machine.