After talking to Second Wind on the phone the other day, I spent some time looking over a number of roadsters (MG, Austin Healey, etc) for some ideas.
The main goal is to NOT MOD the vehicle. I'm trying to use existing anchor points and posts.
Granted, my roadster is STILL in the shop and I have to rely on my photos for inspiration...that's OK for now; I should have it back soon to get started on this.
I'm planning the forward canvas top that would hook into the defroster vents and act like a dash cover with a zipper on the trailing edge (hidden under a flap so it doesn't look too ghetto). This would allow for easy install and removal. Not sure how I'm going to anchor the sides, yet; need to stare at it for a bit.
The rear (main) portion will use the existing bonnet posts. These vary on each roadster so if I pull this off, you'll need to have someone rivet in the bonnet locks for your own roaster's post positions.
To fasten the cover toward the front of the door, I've seen a couple of Healeys that use the side rear view mirrors as anchors. I like this as it would negate the need to mod the body to put in a post.
As for a rear-door anchor point, looking at my photos, the bonnet post nearest the door is anywhere from 1.5 to 2 inches under the top of the door which is perfect. Nothing to worry about here.
Option 1: I'm going to look into taking the door panel off and glue rare earth magnets on the inside to help secure the door flap cover (wrapped in the canvas) over the door to keep water runoff from getting inside the cab and help keep the thing from flapping wildly in the wind.
Option 2: A plastic rib (not sure how well this will work at high speeds all over the place).
Option 3: I've seen a few that just have like plastic hooks that insert between the door metal and the vinyl interior. Would leave a bit of a small gap and would not be too rain friendly )not that my car ever sees rain).
Most of the covers I've looked at tend to have a small zipper at the rear of the door (I'm assuming to allow access to the inner door handle or roll bars). We may or may not need a way to reach into the car to open the door.
I really don't like the look of the covers with the headrests in them. I'm opting to leave these off for a smooth flat look as the current headrests can be easily removed and put back on.
Storage-wise: include 2 strips with snaps underneath and just behind the seat so you can roll the canvas up behind the headrest (think oldie western bedrolls on a horse). Or you could just cram it behind your seat. Your call.
The right / left covers would attach to the front cover with zippers fed at the middle and go out toward the doors.
If anyone has any other ideas, links to photos I should look it, please let me know.
Sean
The main goal is to NOT MOD the vehicle. I'm trying to use existing anchor points and posts.
Granted, my roadster is STILL in the shop and I have to rely on my photos for inspiration...that's OK for now; I should have it back soon to get started on this.
I'm planning the forward canvas top that would hook into the defroster vents and act like a dash cover with a zipper on the trailing edge (hidden under a flap so it doesn't look too ghetto). This would allow for easy install and removal. Not sure how I'm going to anchor the sides, yet; need to stare at it for a bit.
The rear (main) portion will use the existing bonnet posts. These vary on each roadster so if I pull this off, you'll need to have someone rivet in the bonnet locks for your own roaster's post positions.
To fasten the cover toward the front of the door, I've seen a couple of Healeys that use the side rear view mirrors as anchors. I like this as it would negate the need to mod the body to put in a post.
As for a rear-door anchor point, looking at my photos, the bonnet post nearest the door is anywhere from 1.5 to 2 inches under the top of the door which is perfect. Nothing to worry about here.
Option 1: I'm going to look into taking the door panel off and glue rare earth magnets on the inside to help secure the door flap cover (wrapped in the canvas) over the door to keep water runoff from getting inside the cab and help keep the thing from flapping wildly in the wind.
Option 2: A plastic rib (not sure how well this will work at high speeds all over the place).
Option 3: I've seen a few that just have like plastic hooks that insert between the door metal and the vinyl interior. Would leave a bit of a small gap and would not be too rain friendly )not that my car ever sees rain).
Most of the covers I've looked at tend to have a small zipper at the rear of the door (I'm assuming to allow access to the inner door handle or roll bars). We may or may not need a way to reach into the car to open the door.
I really don't like the look of the covers with the headrests in them. I'm opting to leave these off for a smooth flat look as the current headrests can be easily removed and put back on.
Storage-wise: include 2 strips with snaps underneath and just behind the seat so you can roll the canvas up behind the headrest (think oldie western bedrolls on a horse). Or you could just cram it behind your seat. Your call.
The right / left covers would attach to the front cover with zippers fed at the middle and go out toward the doors.
If anyone has any other ideas, links to photos I should look it, please let me know.
Sean
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