Under Slung Tonneau

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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Max Handley
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Under Slung Tonneau

#1 Post by Max Handley »

Probably not many have even heard of this ,but they were used on the 58/59 cabriolets. The full tonneau fastened with Tenax fasteners below the dash instead of the fasteners on top of the dash.

Since they are rare probably not many out there. If you have one please post some pictures and give your impression of your likes or dislikes of this unusual feature.

it appears that Christian Guthrie has posted a full underslung tonneau in a past post , Christian would love to see photos of the back side of your tonneau.

Thanks Max H
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Joris Koning
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#2 Post by Joris Koning »

Yes, thats what they did on T-2 cars. Do not have data points on T-1's. My original interior 59 cab has the same setup
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Martin Benade
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#3 Post by Martin Benade »

Does that somehow function better than it sounds?
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Erik Thomas
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#4 Post by Erik Thomas »

One of the disadvantages of a fasten on top tonneau cover is that you cannot see the other side of the dashboard. This is where the speedometer lives on the MGTC, thus, there is some ducking under to take a look once in a while. With a 356, this is not likely a problem.

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Bill Sargent
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#5 Post by Bill Sargent »

Seems like if it rains the underslung tonneau would funnel water right where you really would not want it? Or am I missing something?
Regards,

Bill Sargent
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Max Handley
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#6 Post by Max Handley »

Bill yes you are missing something.The underslung design has 2 flaps on the front edge. The lower flap snaps to tonneau studs mounted below the dash while the upper flap lays over the dash like a conventional tonneau. It's a somewhat convoluted design which was quickly abandoned probably due to it's somewhat difficulty to snap into place .

A few pics of an original underslung tonneau courtesy of Christian Guthrey.
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Jim Alton
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Re: Under Slung Tonneau

#7 Post by Jim Alton »

This will probably only fan the flames: the tonneau page from the February 1959 Accessories brochure.
Tonneau.jpg
The picture shows a pre-A Speedster, not a T2 cabriolet.
 
Jim Alton
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1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet
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2003 Porsche 986 Boxster

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