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MG TD TF 1500 - Preventing Full Tonneau Sag?

I posted the message below in a thread about tonneau installation, but got no responses. probably because I shouldn't have steered that thread off topic :-) So, I started this thread in hopes for possible solutions.

"I have had a Moss full tonneau on my TD for about 6 to 8 years. When installed it was perfectly flat, with no sagging. However, over time, when folded in the half tonneau position, it has sagged in the middle along the edge of the seat back. I would imagine that the weight of the extra tonneau material folded and hanging below puts a great deal of weight (pull) on that area. Has anyone figured a solution, or am I the only one?"



L Karpman

If it is any consolation Larry, Ours does the same thing. Worse still, if we drive any length of time at highway speed, the portion of the tonneau that is tucked under starts pulling out. I wonder if dumping it into hot water and hanging it out, would cause to shrink enough to make it fit. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

The 21 year old tonneau cover on Lazarus does the same thing. It's been that way for a long time. Bud
Bud Krueger

Same problem. Same solution, living with it :-)
Dave
D Moore

Looks like you've got it tucked behind the seat like I do. I have the same cover and I would expect it to sag without the tonneau bar. The bar is only useful for the 1/2 tonneau (I have one of those also). Too bad there isn't a bar for the full version. Or is there?
efh Haskell

Thanks folks for confirming I'm not the only one. If I have to live with it, OK, but I keep thinking "there must be a better way." OK, maybe not :-)
L Karpman

How about sticking an expandable rod between the inside of the wheel wells and draping the cover over it? Maybe a shower curtain rod? It would not be visible.
efh Haskell

Guess I'm missing something. I can't see any negative functional aspect caused by the 'sagging cover'. We seem to be talking about some aesthetic issue that doesn't mean a thing to me. I can think of a number of fixes, but I think this is one of those "...if it ain't broke ..." applications. Bud
Bud Krueger

Of course it's an aesthetic issue Bud. I imagine it's like the minor paint damage to a recent restoration, or a wrinkled hood or tonneau installation . No effect on functionality, but not aesthetically pleasing either.
L Karpman

Larry, I'm trying to picture the OEM alternative, the half tonneau cover. It gets tucked over the tonneau bar on the back of the seat. Would that be the natural thing. Running a bar across the entire tub wouldn't seem natural. Guess I just see it as a natural thing for a car that gets driven. Bud
Bud Krueger

Understand your point completely Bud. Yes, it appears that the sag is a natural consequence of the weight of the unexposed full tonneau material folder under. But just as one would make "appearance" improvements to a car that is driven, due to age, or other factors, I'd just like to have a nice looking flat fitting tonneau cover. Of course, it may not be possible or worth the effort, but I just thought I would ask.
L Karpman

If ours starts to fit loosly, I wash it and let it dry, It shrinks nicely

Steve
Steve Wincze

This thread was discussed between 19/08/2016 and 21/08/2016

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