Tonneau Cover

Designed as a convenient option for quickly covering the interior of the car – either completely, or leaving half open so you can still drive the car – Tonneau Covers became a staple item for many sports cars of this era. Following on from some quite radical changes to the bodywork shape of the Giovanni Michelotti redesigned Triumph TR4 models – the accompanying Tonneau Covers were also updated to suit. Despite very obvious changes in shape to suit the new chassis design – the overall concept of the Tonneau was the same – with a pocket located on the drivers side to allow the steering wheel to be covered when the cover is fully in use – and the slightly off-centre zipper offering a larger opening on the drivers side for when using the cover half-open – painting a very nostalgic feel to a Sunday morning drive on a crisp autumnal day in the Cotswolds! A tab was sewn to the underside of the tonneau cover for securing to the fixing located on the inside edge of the passenger side seat base framework. This design was maintained for the proceeding TR4A, TR5 and TR250 models – with only changes to the fixings used to attach it to the bodywork being updated. The TR4 models used Lift-A-Dot fixings, whereas the TR4A, TR5 and TR250 cars used the “hood” press studs; the TR4A versions in silver, whereas the TR5/250 were originally in black (plastic).

The majority of Triumph TRs left the factory with PVC Hooding – this is effectively a pvc vinyl plastic material with a waterproof membrane, and featuring a grain in the surface of the material to imitate vinyl/leather. The actual material used was Everflex (known as “British Everflex”) – which was an ICI trade name for PVC Hooding (think “sticky tape” and “sellotape”!). Some special-order models may have left with Deluxe Mohair Canvas. The TR4 to TR6 Tonneau Covers all seem to have been available in either White, possibly Off-White, or Black Everflex from the factory production line.

Here at John Skinners, we have patterns and templates for all the different Triumph TR Tonneau Covers. These have all been templated using the factory designs and donor cars – of which John has owned a few himself. This cover is supplied with the pre-sewn steering wheel pocket located on the Drivers Side – as well as the zipper located off-centre depending on LHD or RHD cars. The underside located “wind” securing tab is also included. Note that these same patterns and manufacturing processes have all been used consistently for 40 years – to good effect with our kits winning many awards the world over. However, please be under no illusions – the Weather Equipment elements (Soft Top Hood and Tonneau Covers) are tricky to fit, even for an experienced trimmer. We strongly urge you and your professional trimmer to contact us for directions on the best methods for fitting these items, as some fitment processes are irreversible. These parts are not meant to be easy to fit – that’s why when they are done correctly, the material is as tightly pulled and tort as a drum. Remember that a well-made kit still requires skill and attention to detail in order to fit it successfully, but a badly made kit will never yield good results. Don’t leave this to chance – use a John Skinner kits, and ensure you fully understand the process of fitting before you start.

We can offer these kits in the original PVC “Everflex” Hooding, or in the more premium Deluxe Mohair Canvas material, in a variety of colours to suit both the “as original” enthusiasts, or those after a more custom finish to their restoration.

You may wish to consider our Convertible Soft Top Hood and Hood Frame Envelope Cover to complete the external “Weather Equipment” set.

DETAILS

• Available in automotive-grade PVC Hooding (Everflex) or Deluxe Mohair Canvas.
• Pre-sewn zip mechanism along the centre of the car.
• Steering wheel pocket cover on the driver’s side of the car.
• Sewn tab on the underside of the cover for securing to the passenger side cushion base framework.
• Edged with the traditional “e” cross-section binding edge finish – where the material edge trim material tucks round on itself meaning no raw material backing is exposed.
• Includes reinforcement material on the underside for the rear and sides circumference edges; to ensure strength and rigidity during the fitment process.
• All “Female” fixings are included. These are supplied loose, not pre-inserted – see FAQs for more information.

Why JSM?

• Made in England, only 50 miles away from the original production line.
• We source only the highest quality raw materials to manufacture our products – demonstrated by using on the premium versions of both the PVC and Mohair Hooding ranges. In both of these materials, there are cheaper alternatives available which many other suppliers opt to use. Please see the FAQs for more information on this.
• John Skinners offer the widest range of colour options on the market – including all the correct original colour combinations, as well as many more custom shades.
• Worldwide material and colour samples service is available upon request, to ensure you get the look and finish your car deserves.
• Our kits are manufactured using the same methods and templates that we have used to great success for 40+ years. Rest assured, we know they fit!
• JSM has contributed to various notable Triumph restorations including TS01, and the much-publicised Triumph TR2 “Jabbeke“ MVC575 restoration project. We also worked closely with Mark Macy of Macy’s Garage (USA) on his wife’s TR4 – becoming the only Triumph TR to ever score the perfect 100-point score in the TRA Concours D’Elegance – back in 2018. Mark Macys own TR4 came in second place, at the same show – also with JSM trimmed fitted.
• Access to help and advice when it comes time to fit these weather equipment parts – we have been making and fitting these same parts for a long time – we know all the tricks, and we are more than happy to assist you or your trimmer should you get stuck.