So, we all know (right?) that one of the idiosyncrasies of the Cooper Cabro is that the power top will not operate unless a number of things are "just so". I understand the reasoning for this, and at the same time, I would like to just plain old remove one of the moving parts from the equation.

Running right across the middle of this pic (not my car) is the practically useless cargo cover, which apparently can be positioned in two places: an upper set of tabs, and a lower set. This pic is in the lower set of tabs.



There are sensors back there somewhere that prevent you from lowering the top UNLESS this cover is in the lower set of tabs.

I would like to ditch this thing altogether. Anyone figured out how to do this? I did a search, but my google-fu is weak today.

 

I think that the reason it works like that is because the top lays there so it has support. I don't think you can get rid of it. I'm not sure...

 

The shelf also provides some protection to the glass rear window from tall objects in the trunk.

Lowering the roof to hear the 'click' of a snapped rear window would mean a multi-thousand dollar bill for a complete new roof.

 

Well, dang, I wanted so much for the two of you to be wrong, but, alas, I guess the shelf has to stay. I will admit that I was dubious that the shelf provided any support for the top, but it clearly does. I put my top down last night, then walked around and opened up the trunk. The top was sitting so tight against that cargo shelf, I couldn't even get a finger in there.

Oh, well, I can live with it!

Thanks for the response!!