Unfortunately, I am not very good about using the cover (unless it's for a long trip, i.e. 1+hours).

The result is that I do have a stained headliner. However, the car was already 8 years old when I bought it and the interior of the headliner has a foam backing that has turned orange and is deteriorating and bleeding through. I tried cleaning with rubbing alcohol (as recommended on this forum) and that lightened the stains quite a bit at the time. Now though, the stains are coming back, compounded by new spots that must have happened while riding with the headliner exposed when the top was down.

Thinking it's probably time to make a replacement, I was hunting on-line this morning and found a California company (GAHH.com) that makes replacement headliners for convertibles. Not only that, they make them in a variety of materials including a perforated soft vinyl (probably good for those of us who find it inconvenient to use the cover). They seem reasonable (I was looking at the one that's 400.00), but they do not show pictures of the item. I wanted to see it laid out.

It's not recommended for DIYers, but I'm wondering if anyone has ordered a replacement headliner from this group and/or installed it themselves and if so, what's your feedback.

 

GAHH is not too far from me (only a few miles) and if I get the chance in the near future I will try and pass by to see their operation.

Doug

 

I have a 2000 XKR that I bought in 2004. If i'm not going far I don't install the cover, and the headliner is not stained.

 

Thanks Doug! That would be great. I just wanted to see if it's put together the same as the OEM (with the tabs etc.) Let us know what you think of the product.

 

In SW PA it is most advisable to put on the tonneau cover whenever the top is down as the air has coal dust in it. To do otherwise will quickly lead to a very dirty headliner. In one of the forums Turtle Wax, Power Out, professional strength upholstery cleaner was recommended for cleaning the headliner. Ours had a few dark areas which cleaned up nicely with it and I have use it on the carpets and seatbelts with good results.

 

Save wear and tear on the headliner. Use the cover.

 

I havent been using mines at all. I have the tonneau cover but Im missing the plastic like tabs. Can you still install it without the plastic tabs ? Also how do you clean the tonneau cover ?

 

The tabs can be replaced with either wood or plastic dowels of the right circumference to fit tightly and cut to length.

Our cover has a vinyl exterior with cloth over foam rubber interior and both can be cleaned with soap and water, or, if you prefer, vacuum the interior and use a vinyl cleaner on the exterior.

 

I've only had mine on a few times in the 8 years I've had the car.

 

If i am going for more then a 15min drive i will pull it out.

 

I don't know what the big deal is....the designers wanted us to use the tonneau because it looked like a proper British sports car......If you want a German car with a metal top than that's where you should go. IMO it's a pain but that's the hand we're dealt. My wife always give me one of those looks but what the heck, I always put the cover on 'cause that's the way I am.

 

I purchased a canvas tonneau thru this company 2 years ago & would highly recomend them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jagua...ltDomainQ5f100

If you want a different look Paramount Performance in the UK sell this cover, I covered it in leather to match the interior

 

why did you purchase Canvas not vinyl?

 

Wow - I like that. How about a link, and some words on what it took to cover it looking this nice (professional)? DaleD99

 

We live in a state where adult children act badly,in my city we call them the "flower pot" crowd.

 

Again I am missing the plastic tabs for the tonneau cover. Can someone recommend me where I can purchase these tabs ?

 

I finally won a cover on ebay for a reasonably sensible price (£140 here in UK when many are going for nearly double that!)

The little "dowels" referred to are missing on mine too. However, much as I tug, its still stays in place. I've not actually driven in a spirited fashion (!) with the cover on yet mind!

 

On short trips, it stays off. Also, if I'm already in the car and decide to put the top down, I go ahead and drop it it without putting the top on. I've had it on the highway at 75mph+ like this many, many times with no apparent ill effect. Note the use of the word "apparent". I can't say whether or not unpleasant things are happening behind the scenes.

If I walk out to the car and am going to be out and about for a while, I put the top on.

 

always

 

I put in on for all but the shortest trips. I bought an aftermarket one also from Charles Whitney on ebay (clwco) and I agree with seismicguy that he makes an excellent product, even though it may not be the cheapest.