Trim and Storage

I received a 2m length of grey vinyl for Exmoor Trim today. It’s for the interior side panels behind the sliding windows to cover the Noise Killer sound proofing shown in the photo, and exactly matches the vinyl on the Moorland Cloth seats. I’ll be fitting boards of marine ply covered with this vinyl just in those spaces – the areas around the side windows will remain uncovered.

The panels will be slightly recessed behind the vertical post of the hard top side panel, and will be screwed directly to the horizontal reinforcers, with brackets at the top to secure the trim panel to the roof gutter channel. Behind these trim panels will be standard Defender rear window surronds, painted to match the vinyl.

The left hand panel will have two net pockets side by side (the larger of the two sizes commonly available), while the right side panel will have velcro straps for the first aid kit and elasticated loops for holding glow-sticks. I may also fit attachment points for the two warning triangle containers, as I don’t really like them sitting in the seat pockets.

I have also acquired a free but brand new Hannibal roof top tent zip-up cover. It’s for a 1.2 model tent, and measures 1250mm along each side. The idea is to have a board of marine ply cut to fit, attach the bottom of the cover around the board, and use it as a soft roof storage box. That way, I will have an area of the roof rack where I don’t have to worry about items falling between the bars, that can be walked on easily and will store bags and equipment under a water/dust proof cover away from prying eyes. The cover has sleeves on the outside for running securing ropes or straps – these will be used to tighten down the cover after zipping shut to prevent it flapping in the airflow and to prevent the load from sliding about inside. I did consider having rigid sides to act as a roof box, but it wouldn’t be so easy to use, wouldn’t fold flat when empty, and may look like I was trying to pretend I have an expensive roof top tent. I’ll leave the sides flexible.