Heuer, Paul wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> I have finally taken delivery of a Series 3 (original engine, colour 67, OD,
> hardtop),
> and it is sitting safely in my garage in South Australia.
>
> The first of many little problems is how to fit the tonneau cover to the
> car. It was fitted during one of my visits to inspect it at the PO's house
> (during much warmer weather). It is now the first week of winter here in Oz,
> and the tonneau will not go anywhere near the stretch needed to get it over
> the clips on the car.
>
> Here's my questions:
> 1) Is there a "proper" sequence for fitting (and removing) the tonneau from
> the car?
> (There was no owner's manual with the car, so excuse me if it's detailed
> there). Personal accounts of success are welcome here.
>
> 2) If indeed my tonneau cover needs to be stretched, how should I go about
> this?
> I left it out in the wintery sun for a couple of hours last week-end with no
> visible improvement. I envisage attaching the cover to as many clips as
> possible then using a hairdryer to heat it as I progressively attach more
> clips. However the hairdryer will only heat small patches of the cover,
> possibly damaging the material in that area. I have kept the zip closed
> while trying to fit the cover, as I suspect it would not be strong enough to
> stretch the two halves of the tonneau together.
>
> 3) What treatment do people use on the tonneau and soft-top to preserve the
> vinyl?
> A friend suggested a silicone spray and regular washing in a gentle laundry
> soap - opinions?
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
> Alpine S3 - B9203022 (Ha, I've waited ages to write that!)
Paul, I have a terribly taut tonneau also and I find that it is best to
attach it first at the rear, then the front, with the zip open - I can't
get it on easily with the zip closed. I have treated mine with a
conditioner and armarall it now and again.
I would try and put it on by heating it with a hair dryer or a fan
heater and leave it on in the cold weather for a while. Hopefully that
may stretch it.
Good Luck
Tony Leeming Series II
Tautless in Gabriola BC Canada
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