A new place to store the convertible boot cover? Input needed
 

Hey vert owners, I was wondering if others may have similar thoughts in regards to the storage of the boot cover. We have a cover (ok, well most of you do) and it consists of a vinyl case that you just stick it in, and keep in the boot right? I keep mine in a homemade case, but I don't like to keep it in the boot. When I add groceries, packages, golf clubs, etc...I always end up pulling it out and then replacing it atop whatever I am putting inside. I hate putting anything on top it so it doesn't end up creasing....as you have found out most certainly, that those 'wings' are best kept tucked inside one another, and we don't want the seams across the cover when its installed right? So I like to keep it loose, and nothing on top of it.

Well, I have now resorted to just keeping the boot cover in its case, in the garage instead. I Kept moving the darn thing around way too much. Then, when I wanted to put the top down spontaneously, I could not cover it up...and I'm trying to eliminate the number of times I clean the dirt and dust from the headliner fabric.

Now, this may not be an issue for some of you who keep the boot cover in the mesh net, installed forward of the boot (where my amplifiers are). Obviously, my net is now on the boot latch side, and there just isn't a good place to put the boot cover...or is there? I looked up...

http://matt.zenfolio.com/img/s10/v18/p151785743.jpg

What if I could do something up there? The cover isn't that long and I am now considering using the plastic rivet holes shown in the pic (and under the umbrella straps) to secure a custom, semi-rigid, boot case. It would have some mesh on the sides to allow it to open up, yet have some strong elastic to keep it closed when the case is empty. The material would need to be something like vinyl, and I may need one or two vertical reinforcement over that length, to keep it from sagging when empty....I've sketched up some plans, but not sure which way to go. I want the least amount of material up there, but still retain, and hold the boot cover (and protect it from anything in the boot, like a pitcher of ice tea...yes i do travel w/ tea on family dinner invites.

Any advice or interest? If I can come up with one that is strong and aesthetically pleasing, would anyone want to buy one? I may have to put my mom and her sewing machine to work :) Don't worry, she needs the money. What would something like this be worth to you, if the quality is there?

http://matt.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v23/p295692913.jpg

First a question: Are those umbrella straps aftermarket or just something later cars got?

I hardly ever use my trunk so the few times I do, moving the top hasn't been much of an issue. I'd have to see the finished product to make a decision. It should look good, be easy to get the cover in (bonus if it is easier than the nylon bag) and then I would see from there.

Umbrella straps are a jaguar accessory, $13 at Welsh. I'll update when my cover prototype is finished.

I like the idea Matt.

I'm probably in the same category as K. Westra though. I don't often need/use the trunk, but when I do, it's a hassle. I've come to store the cover completely out of the car, which works for me and the way I use the XK8.

I like this idea too. I`ve had the same thoughts about the cover. Sometimes I lay it on the back seat. That back seat is not large enough for anything bigger than a 12 year old (bottle of Scotch) anyway!

I probably don't have much legitimacy in being on this forum anymore since I sold my Jag last weekend, but..... as usual, I generally can't help myself from butting in.

Matt, it seems like you are making it so complicated. Could you not put in two parallel bungee cords (or some fancy straps) to hold the cover onto the boot lid? I'm sure you could make it look nice by installing grommets so the trunk fabric wouldn't tear. And it would be easy to get the cover in and out.

Myself, I'm keeping an eye out for a 2007 or 2008 that eliminates that problem altogether. :icon_wink:

Dude... get a black umbrella. Did you ever see John Steed with a blue umbrella? :icon_rain:

http://www.tvacres.com/images/weapon...ers_steed2.jpg

Or if you want, my 14 year old daughter has one of the clear bubble umbrellas I could send you! :icon_lolsign:

By the way, the trunk liner looks awesome!

Ok Rev, next black umbrella I see that I like, I'll buy it. I usually just had this one tucked into the corner of the boot, nobody ever saw it BTW, who's John Steed?

Ann, I thought of a bungee cord system, similar to what you were describing. In fact, the umbrella straps inspired me to think of something on a large scale, but expanded/retracted depending on how the cover was oriented. It has to be very quick and easy, otherwise that idea is no better than keeping it stored in its cover, and moving it around if need be. I need to get started on it, tomorrow. :) I'll cut something out and see how much material I really need to make it stay put, taking some away as I try it out. There will be no pics during this phase, as it's gonna be rough, maybe even safety pins and hand stiching until I get the dimensions and function correct.

From The Avengers! I can't believe you'd ask that question on a British car forum!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Avengers_(TV_series)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Steed

And of course, since we're talking about The Avengers, I have to post a picture of Emma Peel. Steed drove a Bentley and Emma drove a Lotus. Steed was always immaculately dressed in a three piece suit and bowler hat and Emma was usually wearing something that was risque for the 1960s. That's the only reason I watched the show when I was a kid!

Attachment 174996

OK, now back to the topic!


:icon_hijack:

I do think you are on to something. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Personally, I just roll mine up and drop it in the backseat. That way it is much faster to store or put on when I raise/drop the top with the key.

Another option would be to get a second spare tire cover panel, install the first one at the lowest position, put the boot cover on this and install the second panel at the upper position. Simple, easy to get to by lifting the first panel and won't get crushed.

I bought the tonneau cover bag from a guy on ebay whose bags are a stiffer type of material. Consequently, one way of "storing" is to put the tonneau in the bag and then stand the bag up vertically against the bulkhead (the "wall" between the rear seats and the trunk). So it is still in the trunk but does not really take up much actual usable trunk space that way.


Doug

Did someone say these covers cost$1K to replace?

By the dealer, just about. Jag-bits appears to be using the same guy that I bought mine from on ebay (

Browsing ebay, I found this ebay seller using my image taken when I first bought mine...see the similarities? geesh! His image ...

http://i.ebayimg.com/12/%21CBRMR9Q%2...g%7E%7E_12.JPG

and my original

http://matt.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v1/p647195048-3.jpg

I'm not a candidate, but just a thought ...

Has anybody checked to see if the trunk lid would stay open while carrying the weight of the tonneau?

Tonneau cover fitment.
 

Matt, your photo answered a question that I had. For some time I had fitted my tonneau cover the way yours is shown in the photo. Then, one day when I was cleaning it and spending a little more time than usual, something came to me. I had been fitting it improperly all along. (a few months after I bought the car) Please see the photo and see if you agree that this is the way that it is meant to be fitted.

Kevin,

I put my cover on the same way..tucked into the ridge on the side like in your pic

Hi Kevin, I also tuck it around that back seat corner piece like you show, just not in that image there. That was very early on in my ownership (first couple months) and I didn't make that same realization until much later. I knew it had to go behind the seats, but light bulb came on later in the install process.

Dennis, good question, and I'll test it shortly. I think the boot lid goes almost totally vertical, so I have a feeler that it'll be ok, as long as its fully opened before letting go of it.