ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

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Charles Steven Miller
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ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#1 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

I am currently updating a 58/59 356A cab (with hard top and NO softop) and have exhausted searches for a tonneau cover of my liking (see attached photo). I am located in eastern/midwest (WV) and have no local sources available either. Any input/help and or advice on sourcing this type of cover (without extensive driving) would be helpful...Note: I have an upholstery shop that can fit and install the fasteners IF I find the right cover...Thank you in advance.
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ISO...this size, shape and color...for a 58' 356A...
ISO...this size, shape and color...for a 58' 356A...

Charles Steven Miller
356 Fan
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 1:55 pm

Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#2 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

I have given up on this search for a "stock" item and have opted to create a template and have one made. aparently they are custom fabbed only for speedster kit cars. Several contacts have "in-house" capabilities for fabrication well less than 200 bucks (if I supply all templates and materials)... It will be a few weeks but I will keep this post updated with more info and pics once I have received the completed piece.

Steve

Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#3 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

I have decided to pursue this on my own with the help of a local seamstress...photos attached here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141680321@N05/ (look for the checkered tablecloth)

Ill update when finished. :)

Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#4 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

template making 101...a checkered tablecloth worked well for symmetry...

it's off for sewing this week!

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M Penta
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#5 Post by M Penta »

Nice job. It is amazing what these upholstery professionals can do, I bet it will come out great with a fine template like that. Maybe you will end up liking the table cloth pattern instead?

Norm Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#6 Post by Norm Miller »

Charles,

I think the checker board is, well just nifty!
#1 for antagonizing the purist.
Have you considered fiberglass?

Norm
 

Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#7 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

...:) I have considered fiberglass. But to be honest the only reason for this piece is to cover the void (ugly in my opinion) where my elusive soft top should be nesting...and only until I source one (new used top) reasonably... (I know...a contradiction in terms exist there).

Cringworthy note: We (my father and I) pretty much gave that old top away back in the early 70's...it was in horrible shape, in pieces as I remember...and I can also remember us thinking we would just get a new one once the car was finished (car needed engine work at that time - where the original "Father and Son" project started).

Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#8 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

...prototype has been completed. A few adjustments and onto a final. Hardtop restoration is now underway as well.
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Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#9 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

some additional...
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Doug McDonnell
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#10 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Your dad would be proud of what you have done to this car!
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

Charles Steven Miller
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#11 Post by Charles Steven Miller »

Thank you Doug! I have intentions on taking him for a drive next weekend...he has not been well of mind last few years...but I can't keep from thinking that with me showing up at has facility in this car...sooner or later...it just might shake loose a memory or two... :)

more pics https://www.flickr.com/photos/141680321@N05/

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Dan Kalinski
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#12 Post by Dan Kalinski »

Looks wonderful!

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: ISO 356A Tonneau half Cover... help & advice?

#13 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Yes! A friend who restored the 59 coupe his dad bought in 61 drove it from Michigan to Alabama when he finished and showed his dad who really enjoyed it. Too frail for a ride but his mom got a ride. Special family memory.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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