QV Rear Trunk Cover

Without a picture how would anyone be able to give an answer?

Don't be so impatient and post a photo so a real answer can be given.

 

Lol. Easy with the attitude.

 

I was having trouble with that original zipper too... I checked out a few YouTube videos on zipper repair and turns out that the driver had just separated a bit. I was able to use a pair of needle nose pliers and got it to work again. A little dry lube helps too. Maybe you can get the original to work?

Franny

 

Good quality reproductions that look just like the originals are available. If a zipper lasts nearly 30 years it is very hard for me to criticize the quality. Typically the vinyl tears at the corners before the zipper becomes a problem.

I have no idea what an "upgrade" is but I see no need.

 

You're absolutely right Brian! My vinyl is original (33 years) and the zipper was replaced once five years ago and now the left corner is tearing.
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I can't answer the question on concours but I took a girlfriend on a picnic last Sunday and my biggest worry was that I might end up looking like an idiot who couldn't get the chow out of the trunk of his Ferrari on account of a jammed zipper. :-/

Fortunately that didn't happen but I might be interested in an upgrade or maybe a bit of graphite lube will help because it has been acting up on occasion.

 

Looks like a nice replacement cover Steve but definitely not to original spec. I doubt a judge would ding you for it though.

Things I notice at a glance are the leather zipper pulls, the arc shaped stitching around the latch openings, the border stitching around the latch openings, and the way the raw vinyl edges cover the zipper. Latch opening shape is also a bit more square than factory. Finally, there should be hard arc-shaped backer board reinforcement around the latch openings beneath the vinyl.

A perfect reproduction cover is hard to make since the originals have two rows of genuine stitching on each side of the zipper PLUS two rows of embossed stitching.

Again, wouldn't expect a judge to ding you for these small issues but I'm sure Brian will chime in with the final word.

I happen to be aware of all the details because I obtained an original unmolested cover to use as a pattern for my covers.

 

I got a point deducted for a small nick where one of the latches had been catching on the vinyl.
That cover pictured looks very different from the original. I would be surprised if that doesnt get a deduction because there does not have been any effort made to reproduce the original as exactly as possible.
Brian will know more but in my experience as an entrant, replacement non-Ferrari parts are fine as long as some effort has been made to produce accurate reproductions.

 

When I worked at Rutlands I was able to buy the last OEM factory rear trunk cover they had. Its correct with the blue lines on the inside of the material. I was lucky to get it because now they are not available. Those guys at Rutlands are concours judges and are extremely sharp and they did mention to me last year that they will deduct for a non-OEM trunk cover.

 

You aren't there anymore?

crap

 

A deduction for sure. It is not a good fit.

Whoever made the cover used a straight zipper and made it bend, or used one with the wrong curve radius. That is doomed to failure. On top of that on installation wrinkles were left in the cover buy not slightly stretching it in the correct places during installation.

Many try and use heavy brass zippers made for Jeep doors with precurved zippers but the big heavy duty zippers just don't look good and the Jeep zippers are the wrong curve radius.

 

That may be but I have bought and installed several perfectly made aftermarket covers. I have one sitting in the trunk of my 328 now waiting for me to install it. I have also seen good upholstery shops make them beautifully for not a lot of money. Just because OEM is NLA is no reason to settle. OEM parts for 250 GTOs have not been available for a very long time and somehow it has not prevented them from being repaired.

 

I have kind of a dumb question: Is there a "correct" position to leave the two carriers? Would that be the center or both off to one side?

Thanks,

Franny

 

Brian Keegan got it for me some time ago. He is now with T Rutlands. Talk to him.

 

No.

 

It seams that we all will have to go thru with replacing them since they are notorious on failing.

 

Here is a bit of advice on finding a high quality replacement trunk cover. Confirm that the latch area reinforcements are waterproof backer board and either laser cut or die cut. Some less particular upholsterers will cut the reinforcement pieces with snips or other imprecise means. They aren't a perfect match to each other much less the factory pieces. Also, check that zipper is YKK or Dunlap brand. Lots of cheap import alternatives available today. Hope this helps!

 

I leave my zip holders touching in the middle but I have OCD.

 

I've always left them in the middle - seems the obvious spot. If they're to one side, it throws out the corner weights

 

I do the same thing. Always in the middle.