Miata Mailing List: October 1996, Message #0091
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   From: Keith Tanner 

Subject: Choosing a tonneau

   Date: Wed, 2 Oct 1996 08:18:49 -0500





>   e. Tonneau Top? Who's is best?



"Best".  What a scary concept.  You first must make the big decision: are

you the sort who likes the look of the sleek Mazda design, or do you prefer

the convenience of the handy headrest pockets?  It's a genetic thing, I

think, and nobody will ever be convinced that the other type is superior.

I was looking at several designs this weekend.



The tonneaus with the pockets are arguably more convenient, but some have

complained that they still must move the seats for proper closure.  If you

want the smooth appearance of the Mazda tonneau, you must move the seats all

the way forward then lean them all the way back.  This is not really a

difficult procedure, especially if you mark your usual seat position on the

seat rails.



Some folks don't like tonneaus because they're inconvenient, but others say

the same about convertibles.  My own data point - I once decided to time

myself to see how long it took to put Baby to bed.  Starting with one side

zipped up, I removed the tonneau, folded it properly and put it in the bag,

put the top up (removing the towels from the rear window and zipping it

properly), rolled up the windows, locked the doors, and put the car cover on

(removing it from the trunk), locking the strap in the driver's door.

Elapsed time without hurrying: 1:45.  Not bad for someone by themselves, and

certainly not terribly inconvenient (how many use a car cover every time

they park?)



That said, here are three tonneaus on the market:



Mazda: Made of the same material as the top is - or similar.  Embossed

"Miata" behind the seats.  Smooth design.  Sides attach via snaps that are

mounted on the side mirrors (a reversible procedure). Very nice, IMHO.



Moss:  well made, on a par with the Mazda item.  In fact, it's almost

exactly the same, only with the headrest pockets. 



Wolf: has headrest pockets.  The sides are held down by magnets, not snaps.

Some folks can't stand them and find they don't work, others have never had

a problem.  It all depends on who you talk to.  A neat idea, though.  It's

cheap, too.



Make your choice, and enjoy it.



Keith and Baby, who has a "Miata" logo embossed on her tonneau

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