Subject:
Re: Convertable Tops/Tonneau cover
Date:
Fri, 26 Apr 2002 16:50:49 -0700
From:
Mike MacLean <macleans@earthlink.net>
To:
David Riker <davriker@pacbell.net>
CC:
spridgets@autox.team.net
References:
1
I recently installed a top and tonneau from Little British Car Company
on my
Bugeye and found them to be of top quality. While I did not get the
zip-down
rear window, I did install them myself using the instructions that came
with the
top. I know a Bugeye top is easier to install than a later Sprite or
Midget,
(just poke some holes and install the hardware) all I did was to put
some chalk
line type powder on the studs and gently touch the top/tonneau to them,
then
punch a hole with a hole punch. They fit and look great. Only problem
I have is
the edge near the driver's door keeps getting caught when I close the
door. This
is where it is going to tear first.
Mike MacLean-60 Sprite
David Riker wrote:
> Just some general info,
> I've been wanting a nice top with a zip out rear window for my 74
Midget. I
> wound up ordering one from Little British Car Co., along with a full
Tonneau
> cover made out of the top of the line stuff (stayfast?) cloth. While
I've
> installed several Amco tops uneventfully, and a Crown, they came
either
> premarked, or with snaps installed. The fabric top wasn't marked, so
I
> wasn't going to risk it. I hired a local upholstery shop where I've
had
> alot of work done. The end result of the top is fantastic. The
material is
> actually German, same as on Mercedes. Can't figure out why a top made
in
> England uses German fabric, but it is nice just the same. However,
the
> upholstery shop said it was a real nightmare to install (I kinda
figured it
> would be, that's why I paid him...).
> While I'm ecstatic about the top, the Toneau leaves something to be
desired.
> I've been using what I think was a OEM Toneau. It had a zipper on
each side
> that ran behind each headrest pocket to within a foot of the center.
It
> also had two lift dot fasteners positioned so that when stowed, it
would
> snap down behind the seats. The new fabric one is made of the same
high
> quality fabric at the top, and looks very good. The down side is that
it
> has huge headrest pockets, located too far back. The steering wheel
pocket
> is also huge. No lift the dot fasteners or provision for them to
secure it
> in the open position, and finally, the side zippers are only about 4"
long,
> and run to the front of the headrest pockets. I'm getting used to it,
but I
> wish it had been designed the same as the OEM cover.
>
> Bottom line: The top is excellent, if difficult to install without
any
> markings or pre-fitted snaps.
> The Tonneau could be better.
> Oh, and the zip down rear window is really cool. Come summer when it
is
> 100 degrees plus, it is nice to actually put the top up, and still
have
> airflow.
>
> For a much less expensive top, the Crown top I bought off of ebay (the
guy
> lists them all the time) was the easiest top I've ever installed, and
came
> with all of the snaps and tenax fasteners pre-installed. It was
$135+15 for
> shipping.
>
> The fabric top and Tonneau combined was about $650+250 for
installation.
>
> David Riker
> 74 Midget
> 77 Midget
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