full tonneau cover for a speedster?

I'm debating whether or not to order one for my IM Speedster. The car comes with a half tonneau that just covers the rear of the cockpit up to the seat backs.

Anyone have any comments on the usefulness of a full tonneau cover? I've always had one for the MGs and Triumphs I have had in the past, and found it handy for when the car had to be parked outside for the day, and I didn't want to put the top up.

Any negative reasons against one? Comments?

Thanks in advance.

I didn't do one, but had the studs put in for one in the future. I really liked the one I had on my JPS. They're just handy.

I like having one. It's not very good against heavy rain, but it'll keep the light sprinkles out. It's particularly handy when you want to keep the sun (and bird poop) off of the upholstery, but don't want the top up.

A full tonneau also keeps out bird poop, leaves and prying eyes.

I've got one. Even had it altered with pockets for my high back seats. Had it for 10 years and always have it set up as a quarter-tonneau by tucking the front 3/4's under on top of the rear seat. Had the whole thing up maybe 4 times in 10 years, but I can see where it would be handy when parked somewhere for a while and want to "Shut R Up!"

It'll keep the cold out on those brisk Fall mornings.

my full toneau has two pin holes almost at the center of the windshield (one on each side). Other manufacturers have two on each side, somewhat evenly spaced. The difference is that at greater speeds my toneau is impacted significantly more by the wind than those speedsters with four pins. If I had my choice I would have the additional two pins installed in the dash. Just my two cents.

Bob

Thanks, everyone.

Lots of positive views on this.

Robert, I love mine for all the above stated reasons, keeps out bird poop, deflects light rain, keeps junk from being tossed in, keeps the seats cooler in the summer, keeps the heat in when driving with one side open, keeps the dust out while parked in the garage, and helps keep stuff from blowing out of the passenger side when driving around by myself. It was one of the better decision that I made when ordering my Speedster from Carey. Carey puts a couple of plastic tabs on the passenger side that tuck under the top of the door trip to help keep it from flapping so much and it also takes stress off of the fasteners. If your car comes equipped with a Murphy snap like a Vintage on the top tab, make sure that your tonneau incorporates the female. I didn't have that and ended up adding a regular snap to help hold down my top better (was only Velcro) and also provide another snap point for the tonneau. This additional point makes for a nice straight line behind the seats, and, more importantly, keeps it from peeling back from the wind while driving (which mine did frequently, before).

I'm with Tom. All the above reasons. Mine got tricky with two hoop roll bars. But it got done.

Max

Hey Max,

We'd suuuure like to see those rollbars at Carlisle again.

Max has a speedster??!

Bwwaaahahahaha!

Nah. He got those pictures online somewhere.

Do I know you guys?

I love tonneaus! I drive a lot by myself. I converted ALL fasteners to the Tenax and added a few on the right front dash. A lot less flapping. The passenger side covers a lot of "stuff" in the floor aka, cooler, strawberries, coffee thermos and firearms. I travel first class.

I truly need a tonneau for Ice Box (1991 Carrera 2 964 Cabriolet) Apparently they are NLA from Porsche! Can't hide anything with just the boot over the top. You know the old saying..."out of site out of mind". Any leads on a tonneau for the 904, let me know.
Thanks

I had good luck with a tonneau on my 1998 IM for many years for all the reasons stated above. It will let some water in through the zipper but that can be reduced by putting some candle-style wax on the zipper. I suspect there are better preparations for this purpose and someone can suggest a couple. To tonneau is just cool!!

The ones that Carey sells has a flap covering the zipper. Does yours not have a flap?

Carey's will let water in too. Ask me how I know ;-)

Maybe put a stick (or facsimile) underneath center of tonneau to create a 'high point', thus preventing water pooling & seeping in low point of closed (zippered) tonneau. Ask me how I know...

I concur with all the noted 'pros' of having a tonneau cover...

Full tonneau for sure -- only way to go. And:

Max has a Speedster?? Coulda fooled me . . .

So you can fit a full tonneau ok with the hood in place still?

Nick, I think the answer is yes, but they are different. In Becks, the top is permanently attached and the tonneau snaps over it.. On a Vintage, I believe you unsnap the top at the rear and use those snaps to attach.

Thanks Tom. I have a Chesil with the top permanently in place so I'll find out about a tonneau that fits over the lot. I will have to have a second, outside row of fasteners though. No alternative I think.

Tenax fasteners? Are they the type that go through a metal hole and the turn?

No, you pull up on them to release.

Maybe the Tenax posts can be installed through the edge of your existing top.

Here is the UK source where I bought mine:

http://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/categories/vintage-car-parts-upholstery-and-trimmings-cloth-fasteners-tenax