57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

[Salvador B.]

Is there mohair on the gas tank cover to protect the soft top? If so, what color is it? We have a white top with black. Also, what color is the mohair supposed to be on the rear window bow?

[Patrick S.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Mine is well used grey with lots of stains. Ironically she is a "hardtop only" car.

[Edward B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Isn't mohair of a fluffy, long stranded composition whereas the covering you are seeking is short napped and almost flock like in appearance? In the cars I have seen it has been black, regardless of body, interior or top color.

[Salvador B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Yea, that's what I'm seeing. Was just confirming the color and if it was for a 57. Thanks! Also, what about the color of the actual mohair around the rear bow? What color is that? We've read that it is supposed to be the color of the interior of the top, but then others have said they have always had tan. A little confused.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

I have had my '57 since Nov 1964 and it came to me with original black soft top. Early cars had a light tan color tank cover fabric glued down. Later cars had black. My original bow fabric was also tan. It is a Polo White 2 top car. The soft top had not been up since 1961 when I got it so fabrics were well protected on the Dec 1956 assembled car.

[Rod K.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Steven, do you know approx when the change to black mohair covers occurred? My car is a Nov '56 build I've had about a month longer than you've had yours. Non-original top and mohair was gone.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Rod, I have it written down somewhere but not with me. It is in storage from a move. I will look for it and post. Steve

[Rod K.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Steven, thanks. Just confirming from your previous post, was your tank cover as well as rear bow cover beige? If so, that would probably make mine beige/beige as it was a bit earlier than yours. Thanks.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Rod, yes both beige. Car is Polo White, black soft top and red interior. Conv. top well has original red paint.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Rod, pro of the TIM and Judging Guide states "The rear bow seal is a mohair covered round foam design, which matches the interior top color (black or tan)---". Mine may be an exception or all black is worn off but no other materials in the well were faded to no color. If you are replacing both pieces I suggest following the TIM as that is typical factory. Steve

[Rod K.]

Re: 57 Mohair on Gas Tank Cover

Steven, your "similar thread" below from 2009 on this topic seems to indicate beige was not uncommon and when I originally got my replacement AK top some years ago, it came with a beige rear bow seal. I changed it to black then based on the TIM but now I'm not fully convinced from the responses in your earlier thread. I'm familiar with the TIM passage you quoted re the rear bow but can find no reference to the tank cover mohair. I think it's time to contact the team leader for some guidance. Thanks for your help.