Also remember, ther are two height settings for the spare tire cover. An upper setting (for a full spare) and a lower setting (for the donut spare). There is plenty of space above the donut ,yet beneath the tire cover

 

I'm also intrigued by this idea, so I conducted a simple test on my '97 by securring the boot cover and the factory sleeve for it to the underside of the trunk lid with a couple of bungie cords. I had my doubts, but it does stay up! It's near the limit, so any more weight (i.e. from anything other than a net to hold it there) is probably not going to work.

John

 

I've been keeping mine on top of the spare tire, with the tire lid in the upper pos. for about a week now. It is working great. No pressure on the cover what so ever.

 

getting my prototype materials today, ideas are flowing well this weekend on this project. stay tuned. Going lightweight, lots of mesh, some strong elastic with black vynil trim, and a jaguar emblem.

 

Any updates on this, Matt?

 

And while we're at it, why are there two snaps near the center of the boot? Am I missing something?

 

I assume you're talking about the snaps that attach to the seat backs slightly below the head rest.


I do have a question, is there some round pin or something that fit into the loops that tuck into the trunk lid? It seems I've seen them pictured but don't have any on mine, which causes the cover to not tighten when the trunk is closed... I guess I should go to a jag dealer to find out....

 

You need 3 of part number HJA7845DA tubes ($2.95 list) and 6 of part number CBC7363 plugs ($.65 list) for the loops in the convertible cover. Use a drop of cement when you assemble them, they have a tendency to eventually work loose and get lost.

 

Update - I contacted two people I know who are competent seamstresses, however, both do not have the ability to sew seams on the vinyl that I have cut, so I've been recommended to a lady who repairs leather. My pieces are cut, my netting is sized, I just need it sewn up! If I have time this weekend, I will drop it off with her, if not...it'll be next weekend. This nice weather is making me wish I had my cover handy...in its new net. Put the top down tonight...cover was in my garage.

Beav, which snaps are you referring to?

 

Thank you!

I was wondering about them and yes, they probably got lost from the previous owner because of them.

 

I have a couple snaps on the boot cover (not the outboard D ring snaps) toward the center, I suppose behind where headrests would be, if the car had rear headrests. Nothing to snap onto, that I can see.

 

I have snaps on my boot cover and behind the rear seat head rests... perhaps they eliminated that on later production cars but had earlier covers left over? *shrug*

 

That is very interesting...never saw one of those boot covers with a mystery snap...one of you must take a pic so I can become educated.

 

Well, it took longer than I anticipated to finally wrap up this small project. I wanted an option to secure the convertible cover to the underside of the boot lid...and that it be 'nice' looking.

Over this last weekend, my mom purchased a few needles and special thread, and we tackled this thing together. (ok, I helped hold seams and pulled the material when it was in the machine) She's not the most perfect seamestress, stiching isn't exactly straight and corners are not going to win any awards, but I like it.

Materials used
Marine grade vinyl
Elastic (wide)
Rigid wire (coat hanger thickness and strength...but straight)
Universal trunk cargo net - got this from amazon, the type that folded over itself, for lots of 'netting' area.
Fishing lure (for spot stitching)
leather/vinyl needle
Fabric glue

I cut the patterns out for the sides, we put an outside seam that the reinforcement wire would fit into, slightly curved. The cargo net was cut so that the bungy-chord top was unmolested, and the thick edging could be used at the top of this pocket.

Lots of hand stitching for this bungy-chord attachment to my vinyl sides, and then carefully stitching the netting to the inside of the vinyl. I'm sure it could be built not only better, but probably much easier, and I welcome any improvements if you try it yourself.

The key is to leave some elasticity to the entire unit, so it recoils to a flat position when not in use, but provides enough capacity to stick this folded cover into it (mine is barely elastic enough). I also purposely wanted the center section to be shorter, angling in the elastic on top down a bit so that it would not interfere with my umbrella and OEM straps.

Plastic fir-tree fasteners reused from the boot liner itself, no problems there. Added a wheel center cap to the center by cutting a hole and snugly fitting the cap into it, trimming part of the cap's snap edges, then gluing a piece of vinyl over the back of it so it doesn't snag on the cover when going in/out.

It weighs a little bit, and noticeable on the boot lid when opening, but it doesn't test the hinges at all, I can almost keep the lid at a 30-deg angle w/o it closing itself.

Anyway, thought I would show the final product. Hope you like it.

BEFORE


AFTER

 

Hey, Matt, that looks great, and it appears to do the intended job very well! Thanks for the great idea; it should be easy for anyone interested to make one for themselves. I will, for sure....one of these days!

John

 

thanks john! Anyone with better sewing skills can certainly do a better job than we did. And, some reinforcement at the very top (or not having any horizontal vinyl material) will avoid the natural fold mine produces.

Also, a tip and reminder to myself - don't put holes in elastic! I should have never put those fasteners through those lower pieces. its like snagging a silk tie, the entire thread is affected.

 

That turned out nice. Too many good customization ideas on the forums.

 

Very slick Matt !! I'll see if I can convince my wife to go to work on this.

 

Matt - that looks very slick - neat and tidy too!

Question - the growler badge on the pouch - is that an applique (embroidered patch) or an actual badge from a car?

 

Matt,

Finished product looks good! I have forwarded the picture to my wife, the Quilt Queen of Gilmer County for my version if that does any good.

I will keep looking for it on eBay.