ERA FIA Tonneau Cover Questions

tkb289 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 10:35 AM

Have some tonneau cover questions ... trying do decide if I want to have a cover made for my car (ERA 2136 is still under construction). I use the one on my TR all the time, might be useful on the Cobra.

- Anyone have photos of their ERA FIA tonneau cover installed on their car? Interested in how it fits around the roll bar and forward brace.

- A lot of British cars use a tonneau cover design that is split down the middle with a zipper. Is the ERA cover set up the same way?

- If so, anyone drive their car with the passenger side covered? ( ... and yes, I know it doesn't work so well with the drivers side covered

)

Thanks!

1985 CCX · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 10:40 AM

If you plan to do any overnight driving they are great! (Short of a soft top)
They keep the car dry, mine has the zipper so half cockpit is closed while rain driving......

Robert McLinden · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 10:40 AM

Sorry no photos. I use mine quite a bit. It keeps the seats cool while parked. The cover is not split down the center (ala European covers) because the roll bar diagonal interferes. It has velcro flaps that go around the roll bars.

I use mine while driving by simply folding the drivers side under the passenger side. Its handy on cooler days as it helps the heater warm the cockpit.

Check ERA's website for pictures.

tkb289 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert McLinden

Sorry no photos. I use mine quite a bit. It keeps the seats cool while parked. The cover is not split down the center (ala European covers) because the roll bar diagonal interferes. It has velcro flaps that go around the roll bars.

I use mine while driving by simply folding the drivers side under the passenger side. Its handy on cooler days as it helps the heater warm the cockpit.

Check ERA's website for pictures.

Bob,

Folding the cover under sounds like a clever idea, does the cover flap or 'drum' at freeway speeds?

As Bob P suggested if you (or any other ERA FIA owners) have the time, any photos would be great. I took a quick look at the ERA website, found photos of the top, but did not readily see any pictures of FIA tonneau covers.

Thanks.

Robert McLinden · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2010, 10:11 AM

Folded under, it is not taunt enough to "drum". It does flap around abit but with all the other noises going on at highway speeds (our speed limits are 75 so we tend to cruise at 85+) there is no negative effects. I wish I could say the same for my hat.

I'll attempt to get some pictures in the next few days

jeffy · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert McLinden

I'll attempt to get some pictures in the next few days

In your gallery, there is already a picture of your FIA with the cover installed...

Robert McLinden · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 03:18 PM

Jeffy you're quick. I just uploaded three new pics of the tonneau both unfolded and tucked under. I will attempt to insert them here. The older pics don't show the details around the roll bar very well.

strictlypersonl · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2010, 04:36 AM

Sorry, but I don't have any pictures of an FIA with tonneau cover installed. Maybe Bob Mc will take some pictures of his next time it's convenient.

The 427 cover, installed:
http://erareplicas.com/427/img/tonneau.jpg

ERA Chas · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2011, 06:31 AM

I use mine when the car is parked outdoors to keep the seat cool and debris and leaves out. Works great, looks good. Forget highway use or be prepared for paint work.

xb-60 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-17-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I use mine when the car is parked outdoors to keep the seat cool and debris and leaves out. Works great, looks good. Forget highway use or be prepared for paint work.

So if just using it when parked, no damage or noticeable wear to paint? Over what length of time have you been using it?

Glen

ERA Chas · #11 (**permalink**) 02-18-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

So if just using it when parked, no damage or noticeable wear to paint? Over what length of time have you been using it?

Glen

Being careful on and off, zero wear. Since about '92...

jeffy · #12 (**permalink**) 02-18-2011, 09:17 AM

Glen-

I'm the contrarian. After I saw the body of my car painted, I decided to minimize any distractions to the shape and eliminated both the the lift-a-dot snaps and the holes for the side-curtains, opting for art over practicality! Doug told me he was surprised by how much difference it made to the cars appearance:

Without a heater, this is definitely a fair-weather car. I'll stow a full cover in the trunk for emergencies!

Jeff

xb-60 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy

Glen-

I'm the contrarian. After I saw the body of my car painted, I decided to minimize any distractions to the shape and eliminated both the the lift-a-dot snaps and the holes for the side-curtains, opting for art over practicality! Doug told me he was surprised by how much difference it made to the cars appearance:

Without a heater, this is definitely a fair-weather car. I'll stow a full cover in the trunk for emergencies!

Jeff

Jeffy - I like the 'art over practicality' thinking better than the 'oops, why did I drill these holes?' Safest approach, as can always do it later if/when practicality yells loader.
Glen

tboneheller · #14 (**permalink**) 02-18-2011, 06:21 AM

Mine has been "tested" at high speeds with on damage. It works good to keep some water out when washing the car, & Lulu says that it makes a great cat hammock.

cscobra · #15 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 08:42 AM

The body certainly looks slick, but originality of appearance has been lost.

It all depends on what you want.

jeffy · #16 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscobra

The body certainly looks slick, but originality of appearance has been lost.

You make a good point, authenticity does suffer. However, it is easy enough to add the posts and holes if originality (or staying warm and dry!) becomes the priority, but it requires a repaint to delete them. Doug wouldn't even drill the holes for the "Powered by Ford" badges (he prefers no badges at all); he attached them with double-sided tape in case I ever come around to his thinking.

jeffy · #17 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 10:45 AM

Come to think of it, I deleted the bungee holes for the same reason: looks better without them, but they can always be added later for authenticity.

xb-60 · #18 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy

Come to think of it, I deleted the bungee holes for the same reason: looks better without them, but they can always be added later for authenticity.

What about this argument....without the tonneau pins and the bungee cord, it's lighter and therefore more in keeping with the spirit of the original (LOL)?
But I wish you would stop posting pics of your car Jeff - it's upsetting me!
At this point, this is the best pic I can manage...

Glen

jeffy · #19 (**permalink**) 02-21-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

But I wish you would stop posting pics of your car Jeff - it's upsetting me!
At this point, this is the best pic I can manage...

Glen

I love that car! Has the 289 grill and riveted hood, as well as the split tonneau! Very nice.

ack fia · #20 (**permalink**) 02-21-2011, 02:31 PM

Jeff,
I noticed your Avon Tires. If you drive your car at all you are going to get stone chips on the leading edge of the rear fenders. The Avons throw stones and sand wherever you drive. Are you planning to cover the fenders some way or just live with it? The original cars were sandblasted in that area.
Pat