Miata Mailing List: October 1995, Message #89
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   From: jppandes@ix.netcom.com (Jeanne P Pandes )
Subject: Tan Tonneau Owners
   Date: Tue, 3 Oct 1995 20:20:31 -0400

About a week ago, I ordered a tan Mazda tonneau cover from a Mazda 
dealer.  This was to replace my original black tonneau that I was in 
the process of selling to a fellow Miata owner.  I waited anxiously for 
the package to arrive via UPS so that I could hit the road topless (of 
course), again.

Sure enough, five business days later, my package arrived on my 
doorstep (so-to-speak).  I anxiously removed it from the box, and began 
to unfurl it.  I was welcomed by the smell of new ... vinyl (not much 
to say for it, i.e., unlike the smell of new leather).  Anyhow, as I 
unfurled the tonneau, I discovered something unexpected.  There, on the 
passenger's side of the center zipper, starting from the front edge 
where the tenax snaps 'snap' into the tenax studs, there is a BLACK 
vinyl portion about 14-16 inches long.  

Also, which I'll consider minor:  the tan tonneau is constructed with 
black center and rear corner zippers.  Why is that?  You would think 
that they would have gone with a uniform tan theme.  (Oh, well.)

My first reaction was that someone at the factory had 'run out' of tan 
vinyl and grabbed black vinyl remnants to finish the product.  It looks 
odd to me!  

My only explanation for this black vinyl area is that it is somehow 
intended to reduce some reflection (?) over the dash area for the 
driver when intact. (You know, how football players will 'wear' black 
'tar' under their eyes during a game for the same effect.)  "Is this 
stretching it, ... searching for an explanation of functionality?

Help!  For all you tan tonneau owners:  "Is this the way they are 
designed?  Am I worrying needlessly?  Or, should I be sending it back 
to the dealer for a replacement?"  Any clues?  Thanks.

p.s. Replies directly to my internet address are appreciated (for 
expediency)
*jeanne p
 92 Blk/Tan Spl Ed  "Longing to drive naked,
                     i.e., with my top DOWN, and my tonneau ON."
  jppandes@ix.netcom.com
  tues 10/3 5:16p PDT