Tonneau cover, does it fold?

[rivercitybird]

When we got our 2002 bird a couple of weeks ago, they gave us what appears to be the original tonneau, same fabric as the soft top, all wrapped in plastic, but not folded.

So, do we just fold it in half to store in trunk, or will we get a permanent crease down the middle?

Just need to clarify before we do the wrong thing, it's obviously too long to go in the trunk without folding.

The answer seems obvious, but better safe than sorry...

[Leroy]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

Yes, just fold once. 03,04 and 05 covers are different and fold smaller.

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[Kokomo]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

Fold it over but don't crease it. It will fit in the trunk easily if you put the two ends together and put them back into the cubby hole under the top area. The curled part will be back toward the trunk latch. It fits easily if your trunk is empty. It is very difficult to take it on a long trip though when you need to pack lots of things into the trunk.

[DavidA]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

There is a strap that clips the 2 ends together and leaves them sort of "springy". Make sure you do NOT press the folded center hard as it will permanently put a crease in the tonneau. Although they made it easier to fold with the 2003-5 versions, many prefer the 2002 because it lays so much better with no seams.

If you travel and want to take it, some have figured out to put the soft luggage in between the tonneau then fold it over the luggage. It is a pain to take with on trips, however.

[DavidA]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

Also, make sure when you put it on that the sides are UNDER the fender wells. If you put it on so it lays over the fenders and back, it can catch the wind and blow off. Proper placement is a must!

[5bird7]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

If you look on the backside of the boot cover, you'll see a snap at one of the ends and at the other end, there should be a small strap with a snap on it. Fold the boot cover in half "backwards" ie with the underside of the boot cover on the outside, then you can snap the cover closed for storing in the trunk with that strap and the odd ball snap -- assuming you're not on a trip. Otherwise, we just hang ours in the garage length wise, unfolded. It just folds with a curve, no creases as Kokomo says. bulky.

[5bird7]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

I see that David was writing as I was writing.

[crmpuf]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

It also makes a great windshield shade

[Rondor]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

It also makes a great windshield shade

Not a bad idea;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

[Rondor]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

I don't always carry it as we often have top up and down many times is a day. I put it on when we know top will be down for more than a 30-45 minute drive. I didn't realize 02 was different but even the 04 will crease if folded. When we carry it we roll it up or at home drape it over hard top rack.

[Ediron]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

I keep mine folded in the closet

[5bird7]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

A question I've always had for those that roll their 03-05 boot covers. The 03-05 boot covers always came folded when packed in the trunks of the tbirds new. They were built to be folded unlike the 02 boot covers.
Why roll it up?
Folding it doesn't affect the looks when it's unfolded and put on the car. I have two 04/05 covers and both of them look great on the tbirds when unfolded, just not as great as the 02 covers. I've never seen any creases from being folded as they originally were.

[stanw]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

I roll mine up so that it fits in space under the soft top and that leaves me the whole trunk space for luggage. luckily we travel light.

[Chuckster]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

When not in use, it stores easily - laid out flat - under the bed in a plastic bag.

[5bird7]

Re: Tonneau cover, does it fold?

Stan, folded up, the 03/05 cover also fits in that same space and still with room to pack other stuff in that cubby hole.