Convertible Top Cover

[LAEast]

Just got my new Solara SLE Convertible (on the coldest day in the Northeast this season!) I got a question regarding the cover that goes over the top once the top is lowered down. It seems very cumbersome to put the hard cover over the lowered top. Is it that I am just not mechanically inclined? Any advise?

P.S. I lowered the top in a heated garage

[Guest]

First off congratulations! The cover is a poor design. It is very hard to put it on the first few times. However, you will get the knack of it, and it will go much quicker. I get really jealous when I see the high end convertibles open up and the roof retracts into the back automatically. The car is a lot of fun when the top is down. I too live in the N.E. and it's been miserable with the cold weather. I only use the car when the weather allows. The one problem I have found, is that the top is noisy at highway speeds when closed. Kind of a flapping noise or water drop hitting the roof type of noise. Anyway what dealer did you by it from, and what color. Good luck!

[Guest]

I love it when the Benz and Bimmer people twist their heads to figure out what type of convertible it is while driving!

[ChiroCop]

Check the owner's manual for the correct way to put on the boot. It's a hassle, but necessary. My friend had a black top convertible and didn't always put on the boot. His top faded unevenly from the sunlight hitting it when open. It only takes a minute to put on, and a little maneuvering from one side to the other until secured. I agree though, the design could have been a little better. But what do you want for $34k?

[Guest]

First off congratulations! The cover is a poor design. It is very hard to put it on the first few times. However, you will get the knack of it, and it will go much quicker. I get really jealous when I see the high end convertibles open up and the roof retracts into the back automatically. The car is a lot of fun when the top is down. I too live in the N.E. and it's been miserable with the cold weather. I only use the car when the weather allows. The one problem I have found, is that the top is noisy at highway speeds when closed. Kind of a flapping noise or water drop hitting the roof type of noise. Anyway what dealer did you by it from, and what color. Good luck!

*** Thanks for the kind words. I bought the car at Lawrence Toyota in Lawrenceville, NJ. Its a Black Pearl with a Black Top.

[LAEast]

See above msg

[LAEast]

Is there any boot on the market that is not an OEM from Toyota that might make it easier to cover the top?

[ChiroCop]

There was a message thread a few months ago (before the convertible board merged with the general board) asking a similar question about a soft boot. As of yet, I don't think any have become available from Toyota or otherwise. If anyone does hear of one I'd be interested.