Miata Mailing List: November 1993, Message #184
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   From: Alan Dahl 
Subject: Re: Tonneau cover (was: Shifting thoughts)
   Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1993 13:11:09 -0500

Bill.Allen@metrokc.gov writes:
>Anyone that can use a small wrench can install the Mazda tonneau cover.  The
>cover does have wear points that show up over time. I'm sure they all do.  The
>points are 1st - the straps that snap by the seat-belt towers tend to tear at
>the "crotch", 2nd - the piping along the zippers fray, especially the side  
ones
>by the doors, and finally, on long, driver-only trips - 1500 miles plus - the
>front "tenax" clips lose their inside brass springs due to fatigue failure
>resulting from the up and down movement of the passenger-side cover.  However,
>even without the inside spring-clips, the snaps still work.  I'm very happy
>with mine, and use it a lot.
I've had my tonneau replaced twice on warrenty because of problems like Bill  
described (straps tearing & wear by the zippers). The last replacement cover  
has renforced straps and slightly different piping that doesn't fray. I've used  
it for a summer and a half and so far I've had no problems.

P.S. Be extra careful installing the cover if you have a hardtop. I suspect my  
tearing problem was mostly caused because of having to stretch the straps over  
the side hard top mounts. The tonneau will fit ok, you just have to make sure  
everything is seated right before snapping the straps on.

---
  ___   __   ___  Alan Dahl                    | alan.dahl@mccaw.com -or-
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