You know how convertible roofs like those on the Porsche Boxster and Mazda Miata fold onto themselves to create their own tonneau cover? If not, it looks like this. Well, there was a time not so long ago when they didn't do it.
Here is a video starring yours truly showing the rather lengthy and aggravating process involved with putting my 1998 BMW Z3's rigid tonneau cover over the roof. I actually think it looks better than the new Miata's set-up, but for the overwhelming most part, progress is a good thing.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 41,663 miles
With and without pictures after the jump.
Without the tonneau cover during wash day at Casahashi.
With the tonneau cover (and wind deflector, which I don't use any more because it looks lame)
By robert4380
on August 4, 2010
10:31 AM
Separate tonneau covers may be a pain in the butt, but they do seal out leaves and dirt and junk a lot better than folded tops like in the current Miata. Sure, its top might fold back flush and look good, but there are still big gaps on the sides where crap from trees can get in. Look at the Miatas at any dealership that has trees on their lot, and you'll find the back end of those Miatas filled with those little helicopter seeds.
By ahightower
on August 4, 2010
11:09 AM
It does look nice with the cover on. I suppose if you live someplace with great weather and can park in a garage overnight, it's worth the trouble to put it on and leave it on for weeks at a time. But certainly wouldn't bother with it on a daily basis. How about the wind deflector, does it make much difference? I don't mind the look of it.
By jriz
on August 4, 2010
01:55 PM
It makes a bit of a difference, but my head is too close to the top of the headliner anyway for it to really matter. Also, I don't drive on freeways enough.
But, if I did want the wind deflector I'd get one of the clear plastic ones rather than the mesh deal that came with my car. It would be easier to see through and it would be easy to clean (the mesh thing is disgustingly dirty and I have no idea how to clean it).
By ne1butu2
on August 4, 2010
04:41 PM
I had a TR6 and a TR7 with this type of setup. It looked great but it was always a knucklebuster to install. And they are tough to remove and put the top up quickly in a sudden rainstorm.
By slickersdrip
on August 4, 2010
11:21 PM
To add upon what ne1butu2... how are those little plugs to remove from the car?
Still in envy of the Goldeneye replica.
By billt9
on August 5, 2010
02:04 AM
That's ridiculous.
Mazda ftw.
By jriz
on August 5, 2010
10:00 AM
^^ Not so fast champ, the Miata of the same era (and the era after that) also had a removable flappy tonneau cover that was a mess of little snaps. I'd show you on our long-termer but I'd be stunned if that crap can still has it.
By wrinklebump
on August 13, 2010
10:45 PM
This is hilarious