The Official 356Talk Forum

What is the correct material for Speedster boot cover? I see vinyl, and canvas being displayed at shows. I know Porsche used vinyl, I can see it in some of their marketing pictures. Was canvas an option too? I've read the book, but don't recall seeing this addressed. Thanks!!

Canvas

Vinyl on 55 Speedster

Sorry was thinking of the side curtain bag

My original half tonneau cover is red vinyl on my 58 Speedster. It has shrunk about a half inch so I can't get it to fit between the front two Tenex pins near the doors. KTF.

Mine is a 58 also, so that is the year I'm most concerned with accuracy. Was canvas ever an option in the day? I almost see more canvas than I do plastic when at shows.

I thought that the black Haartz vinyl was the commonly used material back in the 50's.

David Jones wrote:I thought that the black Haartz vinyl was the commonly used material back in the 50's.

Hey David, haartz vinyl is exactly what autos International told me is correct. Just wondering why I see so much canvas, mine included. I saw a 55 Speedster at Ault Park in Cinci with the vinyl, and really liked the look.

Robert Thiemrodt wrote:What is the correct material for Speedster boot cover? I see vinyl, and canvas being displayed at shows. I know Porsche used vinyl, I can see it in some of their marketing pictures. Was canvas an option too? I've read the book, but don't recall seeing this addressed. Thanks!!

Robert,

New P-356 and 356A Speedsters were supplied with a vinyl tonneau cover as standard equipment.
The Speedster tonneau cover typically matched the color of the seat and door panel upholstery.

It was the more expensive and luxurious Cabriolet model that got a fitted boot made of canvas top material.

Can see this in my “minds eye” but now that there is need for corrective lenses, some pictures sure would be nice to see. Need to do the same work on our ‘55 Speedster.

Thank you.

As always, thanks for the feedback guys!!

Bill Tate wrote:My original half tonneau cover is red vinyl on my 58 Speedster. It has shrunk about a half inch so I can't get it to fit between the front two Tenex pins near the doors. KTF.

The original tonneau cover on my '58 Speedster is vinyl. Tom, try leaving your cover in the sun for a while and it should stretch to fit.

Originals I have seen have all been black vinyl.