Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Tonneau Cover Flapping

After getting some miles in the last week or so bombing up the M5 in the 4/4 at 70-80mph, I noticed that the passenger side of the tonneau cover pops off the press-studs on the door and proceeds to flap around. This then rattles agains the door scratching the paint, and lets cold air in even more.

It seemed a shame that a fixing wasn't made to latch the tonneau tight onto the side screen knurled circular nuts, as this seems a better way of holding it down than a couple of press-studs. That, or extend the use of the lift-the-dot fasteners.

I think I shall have to investigate a helpful hood repairer to sound out my idea ...
Anyone got any better ideas ?

Matthew

Matthew, It sounds as if the fixings are just worn, probably as a result of being incorrectly 'opened' in the past. I have never had a problem with the Press Studs coming loose; usually the opposite.

Put the tonneau on & then add the side screen. It works so long as you don't have a passenger

Camelman is correct. However, I have seen studs that don't cooperate before. The easy solution is to simply have the cup and stud replaced. That shouldn't take more than a minute or two if someone has the right tool and a new stud set handy. A shoemaker, a boating supply shop or an older Morgan dealer should be able to help with that.

We often travel with the top up but sidescreens off. High speed wind can often open the first stud rear of the door. To prevent that, I changed those studs to turnstiles. That will work as well.

Lorne

Interesting Lorne. I for my part when driving any Mog - '67 to '07 with the inevitable exceptions of those years when I have been regretably 'Mogless'. I have never had the 'urge' to raise the Top', but leave off the Other'

With Madame in the car it is usually 'Full Kit' as opposed to 'Full Monty'. For my benefit, please describe the 'sensation' in your usual eloquent manner!

Maybe I can arrive at a compromise with Madame; as long as it doesn't require a 'Zip Out' rear window.

At the risk of offending anyone, Audrey and I personally prefer the old style tops rather than the newer ones. You can do more with the older ones and when the new ones are down they leave a hump at rest, breaking up car's lovely lines.

With three Mogs, all with full gear in mohair), I have never had one with a leaking top. We carry top, tonneau and side screens in the car when traveling, along with sufficient luggage, tools and parts to travel forever.

We have many 6 variations of using the gear..dictated by the weather or the possible weather.

1.Side screens off, tonneau on and folded over the rear compartment.

2.Side screens on, tonneau on and folded over the rear compartment.

3.Side screens off, top folded and covering the rear compartment,

4.Side screens on, top folded and covering the rear compartment,

5.Top on, screens off

6.Full gear.

#1 is the best for the right day..open, bright breezy and you're a part of the world you travek through will all its noises smells and sights. This is the style we use 75% of the time, reflecting the wather we find. However, ioo cold when the weather is brisk and too windy and exhausting on a Motorway for too long.

#2. this one can take of many of the cons in #1 as the sidescreens remove a lot of the wind and allow the heater to keep the cabin cozy. However, the windcreens pen you in on the sides, like DHC doors do.

#3 This is a good style for a day that just might bring rain. Takes only a few seconds to get the top up and leaves you fully open 'til then.

#4 This a style we use when the weather is bad. It allows us to put up the top easily and be fully enclosed or put it down in seconds as well.

#5. We use this one when the weather is iffy or even if we have taken too much sun. It gives you full freedom at the sides and you'll like that...yet also provides a feeling of greater protection. It gives your passenger the ability to be heard, and warm up and she will like that. It protects you and she against the rain..until you find a dry place to put the sidescreens on. It is warmer and less windy.

#6 To be used when you have to or when you wish to make up time by using a Motorway. Claustrophobic and cozy.

Aesthetically, many people believe a trad looks its best with its top on. In any event, try #4. That may be the perfect compromise you are looking for.

Many people are, at first, nonplussed by the raw feeling a fully open trad gives and the easy view (looking down) people have you. I often recommend they drive their better half with the top up for the first few tours. That normally resolves the breaking in period. For Audrey and I, it often hits our mood perfectly.

Lorne

Lorne,

Did you ever try a 3-Zip-Tonneau?

IMO, it is a great alternative to sidescreens. It keeps the heat in the car when it is colder (and/or rain out).

Btw, for me #0 was great in summer: Brooklands (+ folding screen). I fitted my first Morgan with Brooklands and I liked it a lot. Even the looks improved. Later, when I ordered (heated) 4-seater screens for my car I didn't use folding screens any more.

Roderich

Yes..on the first Morgan. (Assuming, you mean the one that allows only the driver to be uncovered?)

The problem was that the closed half billowed up with the wind. Additionally I normally have Audrey with me and she hated being squeezed down under her half. (giggle)

Neither Audrey nor I have ever been beguiled by any tradition of face-open-to-the-elements-no-matter-what. We are always comfortable, first and foremost.

Lorne

No, that is the 2-Zip-Tonneau I used with my black car.

With three zips the passenger doesn't need to hide under the tonneau but it offers some more cover. Of course, you can use it as you described.

Roderich

The '3 Zip' is the type I run with, it allows you to keep the Cockpit open for both driver and passenger, whilst keeping the space above the doors covered - Zero Drafts and doesn't give you that 'enclosed' feeling Side Screens give.

I have only had a 'Fold Flat' screen on one car - a '61 (Beryl the Peril) with the 'Classic' engine; Series 111 or 1V ?. Pre Cortina anyway. That was installed by one of the previous owners. After a previously mentioned incident involving my head and a hard object, I never used it again, nor was I tempted to have another!