Windshield snaps for Tonneau Cover
The '83X I bought locally and have been restoring came with one of these tonneau covers. Until now, I didn't realize it was a commercially available option - I thought it was a PO added "one-off". Frankly, I had completely forgotten about the Amco line of accessories. I had one for the very first 1974 X1/9's imported to the US (I was told it was the 3rd one) and drove it for 12 years before it rusted out. Over those years, I added several Amco accessories but don't remember ever seeing the tonneau.
In any event, here's my take on it: The grommet snaps on the roll bar are fairly unobtrusive but the ones on the front of the windshield frame are quite noticeable. I can take a picture if anyone cares to see exactly what they look.
I can attest to the quality of the fabric they used. Its quite well made and should last a long time. However, the one that came with my car seems to have shrunk a bit over time and since the fabric is pretty substantial, it doesn't offer much stretch, making it very hard to actually snap into place. While this may be a good thing (it probably won't flap in the wind at high speeds), it does make mine very hard to get in place. Frankly, its much easier to pop out the top and put it on.
Since this car had a LOT of windshield frame rust I was afraid to pull too hard lest I fold the whole windshield frame into the passenger compartment! Now that I've addressed the rust and strengthened the frame, I'll try again soon!
I guess the question you have to ask yourself is; when would I actually use a tonneau? If you can get past the look of the grommets, it certainly has value as a unique and kind of cool thing but if you are caught in a quick downpour, that top is probably a faster option.
Ed
