TR2/3/3A TR3 Hardtop OEM or Aftermarket

[rusty55]

I've got a fiberglass hardtop and a steel hardtop. There does not appear to be any markings on either one. How can I tell which, if either was original. I want to restore one with the car but would rather have an original.I don't have pictures as they are both out of state but the fiberglass one has holes through the sides with chrome caps likely for moumting. Thanks.

 

[prb51]

You'd have to post pics to sort that out.
The factory made both steel (early) and fiberglass tops so they may both be original.
I'm not sure about markings or a foolproof way to tell but I'm sure someone here has the expertise.

 

[TEXAS_TR3A]

I have a steel factory hardtop that came with my 1960 TR3A. It was a one owner car when we bought it, and the hardtop was listed on the original paperwork that came with the car, so I'm confident in saying steel was a factory offering. Hope this helps.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

According to Piggott's book, <span style="font-style: italic"> Original TR2/3/3A </span> ,

" <span style="font-weight: bold"> Hard Top Kit </span>

Part number 900771, supplied in primer. This was originally introduced in October 1954, made in polyester resin - later the same style of hard-top was manufactured in steel... The steel hard-top is by far the most common... Both types usually had Perspex rear windows, but some glass ones exist."

One way to tell a factory top from aftermarket is that the factory tops had a bit of a wrap-around rear window; aftermarket tops typically were flat. Mounting of the factory tops was from the inside; no exposed bolts, etc.

 

[mallard]

If you look under new members you will see my introduction that I just posted with a picture of my TR3 with a factory hardtop.

 

[alfa33047]

I have just finished restoring a steel factory hardtop for my hot rod TR-3. My friend Mallard here on the forum gave me the hardtop about a year ago and I promised him that I would restore and use it on my car. The back glasses are almost impossible to obtain as well as all the brackets to attach it with. That is why you will find alot of hardtops laying around and not on the cars. The brackets can be made but the rear plastic window is hard to find. I also have a factory fiberglass hardtop and it looks identical to the steel hardtop. If you find a fiberglass hardtop you need to look at the windshield mounting (it should be a formed piece of metal with 3 mounting holes and runs across the entire front of the windshield). The rear moulded area below the rear windshield should have 5 slits for mounting the 5 angle brackets. If it appears that the top is held on by J hooks or parts from your local hardware store, it more than likly not factory Triumph. I spent almost $1,000. restoring the free hardtop but it changes the appearence of the car. Thanks again Mallard and good luck on restoring a hardtop. Bill C. Mesa, Az.

 

[Andrew Mace]

At one time not too long ago, The Roadster Factory reproduced most or all of the mounting hardware. I don't know if they still have it. Meanwhile, though, rear windows are being reproduced by an acquaintance of mine in Oklahoma. I have no financial interest in this project, although I did lend him an original for a pattern. If anyone is interested, see Randall's reply below.

 

[rusty55]

Great info guys thanks. When I get back to to where they're stored, I'll look closer get some pictures.

 

[TR3driver]

The back glasses are almost impossible to obtain

Oddly enough, Sam Clark just posted on the Team.Net list that he has made a run of backlights for the factory hardtop. $250 plus shipping ... I'm trying to decide whether to buy one or not.

If you are interested, write Sam at TRDOCTOR at aol dot com.

The hardtop is an interesting option, but I really don't like driving the car with it installed. It hasn't been out of the garage rafters in nearly 20 years ...

 

[mrv8q]

The hardtop is an interesting option, but I really don't like driving the car with it installed. It hasn't been out of the garage rafters in nearly 20 years ...

Me, too!.... Well, not 20 years, but you get the idea....

 

[Andrew Mace]

Oddly enough, Sam Clark just posted on the Team.Net list that he has made a run of backlights for the factory hardtop. $250 plus shipping ... I'm trying to decide whether to buy one or not.

If you are interested, write Sam at TRDOCTOR at aol dot com.

And that's the acquaintance I'd mentioned above...so no need to PM me for the information! :wink:

 

[TR3driver]

And that's the acquaintance I'd mentioned above...so no need to PM me for the information! :wink:

Sorry, Andy, didn't mean to steal your thunder. Guess I should read the entire thread before replying

 

[Andrew Mace]

No thunder stolen; no apology necessary!

 

[rusty55]

Heres an old picture of the steel one

 

[kodanja]

Rusty whats that in the back of the El Camnio?

 

[Got_All_4]

I had a customer give me one a few years ago. i never did anything with it. It also is in the rafters of my garage. Needs a lot of TLC. It is fiber glass and always thought it was an after market design. It has 2 knobs one on each side that are aluminium. Thought that was odd and wondered what they could have been used for. Also the back window " back light" is much smaller then the one pictured.

 

[TR4nut]

The top with the disks or knobs on each side sounds maybe like an old Parrish Plastics one, the one I had on my first Spitfire had those and they were used as the mount point for the turnbuckle attachments.

 

[rusty55]

Some sort of go cart body I think. :confuse:

 

[mallard]

The hardtop in the picture looks like it was covered in vinyl. All the tops I've seen were painted. The car in the picture is being restored or do you have other plans for it? The reason I ask is that I'm looking for a bonnet from a car like yours. Let me know what your plans are. Thanks Keith

 

[rusty55]

The hardtop in the picture looks like it was covered in vinyl. All the tops I've seen were painted. The car in the picture is being restored or do you have other plans for it? The reason I ask is that I'm looking for a bonnet from a car like yours. Let me know what your plans are. Thanks Keith

As of now, no. We're restoring a '60 TR3. Not quite ready to part with that one though.