I spent some time mulling over the options for the top tonnau 'lid' sections - decided on two separate pieces to give most options when driving the car i.e.
- Sides on only when there is a passenger
- Sides + nearside lid when driver only
- Sides + both sides lid to keep weather out when parked outside
Tried the template approach again and a simple back of envelope plan:
Flaps over the zips to keep out the worst of the weather, and initially I was going to have the offside much wider - to cover the tunnel and enclose the driving position as much as possible.
A test run (with string between the lift-the-dot studs) identified the best solution - the lid needs to allow a little more width at the back for shoulder space so runs from the rightmost front stud to the rear left one:
Marking up the template:
And - only 5 hours later! - the final cover.
It was partly template driven, but mostly fitted to the car with frequent fitting tests between steps. Cardboard template made for the seat pouch which was simple enough to make in itself but a real s*d to sew into the main flat cover - hopefully the drivers side one will be easier now I have had a little practice:
Test fit on the car, but not tensioned up yet. Its never going to be a drum-tight tonneau, more a lightweight cover to keep the worst of the weather off & compact enough to all roll up into a corner of the boot. You can see the offset centre line - to give more shoulder room to the driver:
Getting there - its also coming out neat enough. The red contrasting stitching is a double edged sword - on one hand all the stitching is visible & in your face if there is a mistake, on the other hand I don't even have to try to hide the stitching on the bias tape edgings or zips because its a feature.
Might need a flexible pole across the cab for overnight stops to avoid a puddle in the middle.
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