tornneau cover; help and guidance pls

[gingerbiker]

two weeks ago i bought my mk

soungs great, well built and looks spot on; i am a happy chappy!!!!!!

it has an aero screen and although i am not bothered about a roof (as the car is used for fun not commuting) I would like some sort of a cover so if it is parked up the rain will not fill it up!

any thoughts on where to go, who to buy from, how much to pay; there are no fixings so this will also need to be done


looking forward to your thoughts

[Jubal]

There's no standard offering but there's one for sale right now on locostbuilders that someone had made up specially for his Indy. Even if it's sold you can ask him where he had it made and if they still have the pattern etc.

[RushV8]

Best to make it yourself.... piece of cake if you have a partner with a decent sewing machine ! Just buy the "hood material" of your choice from Europaa Motorspares or similar supplier (cheaper from auto stalls in the Kit Car Show halls though). Buy a set of popper or "lift the dot" hood fasteners. Use an old sheet or similar to make a template which covers all the areas you want covering by the finished tonneau and then cut the hood material slightly oversize (so edge an be "hemmed in", have it stitched by faithful partner / mother / granny , then fit fasteners to the tonneau ~ 0.5 inch inside where you intend to fit them to the bodywork (so it can be stretched good and tight when fitted and to allow for it "relaxing" after frequent useage). Fit fasteners to bodywork and you'll have saved plenty of cash and probably end up with a better fitting / quality tonneau than if you have one made.

[Shaun_E]

Try Soft bits for Sevens. They will make a custom tonneau for you. There are others out there such as Oxted Trimming.

[gingerbiker]

ta for the thoughts...if only i had not used all my brownie points up in buying the car asking the wife may of been an option!!!!!!

the next queston will be..how to drill fibreglass

c

[tribbles]

Err - with a drill bit?

At least that's what I've used (no particular favourite choice of drill bit, although I've found some that have a small step that kinda acts like a pilot drill).

I think Tungsten Carbide drill bits are meant to be used (I use them for drilling FRP/GRP printed circuit boards), but if it's just one-off holes, then just use any.

[Sam_68]

A couple more tips:
Make sure the drill bit is sharp, always drill from the gelcoat side (if you drill from the 'inside' outward, the gelcoat can crack and flake off as the drill breaks through) and use a bit of masking tape where you intend to drill (makes it easier to mark the position, stops the drill bit skidding off so easily, and helps prevent gelcoat flaking).

Other than that, any drill intended for drilling metal should do the job.