Hard Shell Boot Cover/Tonneau

[joelittel]

I did see this one and can appreciate how much work went into it.

Whoever made this one did a really nice job, but they took it a little further than the aesthetic I’m going for.

[joelittel]

It has been a little over a year since I started this project and I am happy to report that it is still alive and well. After getting to a point where I could secure the piece to the car I wanted to spend some time with it, assessing it and thinking through next steps before making any changes to the design. There are definitely some things I like about the top, but there are also a few things I'll need to change in order to proceed.

To get by during this driving season I quickly covered the top with marine vinyl and called it done. No attention went into creating a nice cover for the piece and no addition shaping has been done to the form.

Things I like:
It fits like a glove and is easy to install.
It dramatically cuts down on wind in the cabin and wind noise in general.
It stays in place with minimal effort.
Easy to install or remove.
Provides extra storage during top down driving, keeping what we bring with us in the car even at highway speeds.

Things I think need to be changed:
It is too big. When not on the car I cannot store it in the car. Just too big. Needs to be self contained with the car at all times.
The one piece design was cool for looks but I think it will need to come apart in order to be stowed on the parcel shelf as intended. I don't want to keep it in the "boot" because that's the one secure place we have to keep anything we want locked up and out of sight while out and about with the car.

Looking forward to the next stage of this build.

[RRoller123]

Wow! Really nice!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I agree; that is really sweet! Nice work!

-Bryan

[joelittel]

Thanks guys. I’m happy with where it is at but am equally excited about taking it to the next level. One thing is for sure, it has to be capable of being stored in the car. Something I forgot to mention in my previous note was how effective it was in the rain. On numerous occasions I got caught in the rain and not being able to store it in the car I had no choice but to drive home with the top down. Surprisingly very little rain actually made it into the cabin as long as I was moving. This is probably a well known effect of convertible vehicles but it was new to me and a pleasant surprise.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Surprisingly very little rain actually made it into the cabin as long as I was moving. This is probably a well known effect of convertible vehicles but it was new to me and a pleasant surprise.

Yes, I've found that the interior will stay fairly dry in light showers as long as I am going over 30 or 40 MPH. However, should those light showers turn into a heavy downpour..... well, that explains some of the rust in my interior!

-Bryan

[profcucchi]

It has been a little over a year since I started this project and I am happy to report that it is still alive and well. After getting to a point where I could secure the piece to the car I wanted to spend some time with it, assessing it and thinking through next steps before making any changes to the design. There are definitely some things I like about the top, but there are also a few things I'll need to change in order to proceed.

That's a great aesthetic for the car. Red, black and chrome are what I'd like to do - lottery win required.

[BwBrown]

I'm anxiously awaiting the opportunity to "beta test" your hard tonneau. (Your good work continues!)

Your photos make me ask... "What is the story on your hood louvers?" (I think I like them.)

[LarryM]

I love the look of this! It almost looks like fabric in the photos. Do you think it could be made from fabric? A modified boot if you will??
Larry

[joelittel]

I'm anxiously awaiting the opportunity to "beta test" your hard tonneau. (Your good work continues!)

Your photos make me ask... "What is the story on your hood louvers?" (I think I like them.)

BwBrown the louvers are an attempt at keeping the engine bay cool. I have Mark Allison’s header and the VAS programmable fuel injection and I didn’t want any of my new electronic bits melting. The header gets hot, really hot. I thought the louvers would allow heat to escape once the car was parked.

LarryM I do think the tonneau could be made from fabric. In fact I have a version of this design on my car now. I like the fabric design because it easy rolls up and stows in the trunk or parcel bench. I did have to create a small fiberglass panel to keep the tonneau tight and looking correct, but I made sure to keep that piece as small as possible.

I’ll post pictures… eventually.

[1976spyd]

I want one , whatever happened ? where do I buy one? new to this site but I need one LOL someone let me know ,THANK YOU.....

[TheBender]

Joe recently sold the car and did not complete the mold. The new owner has everything but not sure they will finish the project.

[1976spyd]

thank you for letting me know, sad because I really liked it,LOL I might try one myself, but it will look like a kindergarten made it.

[bpadda]

Hello Joe,
How did your hard shell boot turn out?
I would love to see a few pictures.

[Wolfman2332]

Beautiful installation and cover - very cool. The storage issue isn't that bad - lots of people drive 'fair weather' only, and don't put the top up at all (I'm not one of those). Also love the hood louvers - very way cool and I have to believe beneficial for the engine compartment. Wish they were standard - would do them myself.