On my 2000 4/4 four seater I have always felt that the back seats would benefit from a cover, both for weather protection and some security. The mohair easy-up roof on Merlin is quite bulky and would be very difficult to put under a tonneau cover. I considered that the front windscreen channel of the roof could sit behind the front seats, using the roof as its own tonneau, with some lift-the-dot fasteners at the side.
The front of the roof is supported by a 22mm diameter stainless steel tube mounted on some quick release fittings (chandler supplies: Sea Screw Ltd) screwed to the wheel arch.
The stainless steel bar and fitting can be easily removed and stowed in front of the roof timber stretcher at the back, when not in use.
The female fittings are not too obtrusive and won’t catch the passemger’s arms. I suspect it will help to reduce back draught a bit: I’ll find out on the way to Allon White tomorrow. If anyone wants to replicate it, I can give them the fitting part numbers and supplier.
Tim
