Ryan--

The factory shade is kind of stretchy, and isn't very heavy at all. Sunbrella comes in a couple weights, and the heavier is the stuff that better boat covers are made of. The thinner is often spec'd for patio furniture coverings, and would be the better choice of the two for thi duty. Sunbrella's big claim to fame is that it doesn't fade or deterioorate in the sun like the original fabric does. The common stuff you find for sale is the lighter of the two fabrics, and looks somewhat like the original although the feel is totally different. I've been casually looking at local fabric places for suitable replacement, but so far no luck with getting a match with the original stretchy stuff. In the meanwhile, Sunbrella will certainly be more durable than what's supplied by Porsche. Unless somebody has a NOS piece on their car next to yours, nobody is going to complain about a Sunbrella cover next to the typical 20+YO original that has tears and frag'd edges. The original shade is bound with vinyl edging to help hold the shape when stretched over luggage. It also includes a zipper in the forward section so it can cover luggage on one side of the rear deck with the seat folded, while the other side has the rear seat upright. I'm not sure I'd bother with the zipper in a replacement, plus I'd look at extending the front section so it can go over clubs, and have a way to tie off at the loops in the footwell in the rear.

I like Paul's design a lot, although I'm not ready to put the junk tray in the rear on a regular basis. It would just fill up in my car. I'm instead looking for some imi-Porsche luggage, including a 2- or 3-gallon car travel kit bag to hold the few carry-along items I have in a canvas tote. A few microfiber towels, a bottle of instant detail, some window cleaner, stuff like that. All in a nice logo'd tote in leather to go with the cashmere interior color.

 

Bob,

Yes the factory cover does have some elasticity to it. Also when i mean heavy, i didnt mean actual weight, i meant thickness, most canvas and other materials ive seen are too light and too thin.

I was thinking the cushion fabrics would be best based on the close up of the grain pattern of the stuff. I know its not very accurate but the blown up pics will have to do for a sample for now.

I will probably pull the original apart and use the vinyl or plastic edging and the factory zipper and buttons. It will be a PITA but not impossible. My mom has offered to help sew and if not i will probably hire a seamstress to do it.

Good idea about building in some type of attachment mechanism for the front. I had no idea that it was designed to cover a folded down seat until Roger pointed it out to me.

 

Hey Bob,

you do realize that the boxes do not take much more space than the folds in the original. Especially if you put stuff in there.

Also I designed the cover to accept other options that will be offered depending on what people need. I am working on soft pouches, that will mount in the same place but instead of the rigid boxes, for those who need the whole cargo area.

Paul

 

Paul, you are the Master of leather
Can't wait to receive mine

 

Very interesting Paul. Now I know what you were taking about when you said "other options".

 

Wow, Paul that looks great. It will look even better in my car! Did I forget to mention the 87 5 speed has sports seats that need covering. I plan to put them in my Strosek!

Cheers,
Glenn

 

Here is yours Bertrand, unfortunately, that beautiful dark blue color isn't coming out in the pictures:



And that is one of the nicest suede I have ever had:



Paul

 

Wow. No, WOW!!
Many thanks for posting this. I knew it would be beautiful.
You are the Master of your art my friend
By the way it is a birthday gift from my wife and for sure one of most cool one!!

 

Sorry for not replying earlier, been crazy busy.
I will respond soon hopefully with some pics. Thanks.