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MG MGA - Original tonneau cover

I am going to have a go at making up an original style, for later cars, medium length tonneau cover; the one without a steering wheel pocket.

I've seen a few pictures of original examples, I've attached one of them for a LHD car and I'm puzzled at one aspect of their design viz. that the zip is not sewn centrally down the middle. Instead it appears to be offset by 1-2" away from the driver. Has anyone an idea why this has been done?

I can't see that the offset is enough to give a significant amount more room for the driver. When I drove my car with a long cover and centrally sewn zip I don't think I was hindered sideways for room.

Another possible reason is that when zipping up to the mirror an offset zip might be easier to close to the mirror and not disturb the mirror positioning.

Yet another reason could be that when it rains the water may drain away better from the zip which does not have a zip flap.

Does anyone have a more plausible explanation for the offset? I'm sure there must be a good reason to spoil the symmetry ...................Mike


m.j. moore

Mike

My guess is that it for drivers who like to drive with the passenger side done up on inclement weather days. It gives a little more room for reaching the hand brake?

No disrespect but weren't Americans at the time generally a bit larger than us 'puny' Brits and needed a bit more room?!! We have probably caught them up by now though!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Good one that Steve. I'd forgotten that the handbrake for LHD is far away across the tunnel. I wonder if this means that the zip on a RHD tonneau is not offset? I've not seen a picture of a RHD example....................Mike
m.j. moore

Mike

I have just looked in Clausager. It mentions the offset zip, but on page 47 it shows both a LHD and RHD car with central zips; that is unless the rear view mirrors have been offset. Which raises the question about clearing the mirror with an offset zip.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed on 14/12/2012

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