TR2/3/3A TR3A Side Curtain Rebuild

[nealm]

First, thanks to all who responded to my question on TR3A steering play adjustments. A little fiddling with the steering box adjustment screw and my steering is now nice and tight.

I wanted to know if anyone could recommend a shop that can rebuild sidecurtains. I'm located in New England but could ship the old ones. Since I've got an everflex top, I'd like to use the same material for the sidecurtains. Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks
NealM
TS73289L

 

[sp53]

Hi Neal I have seen the windows and channels for sale by RTF ( the roadster factory) if you not familiar. A good local shop might be able to pull the rebuild off with the right products, but I do not know. RTF use to offer a rebuild option also and they probably would have the experience. I bought two new ones from Moss Motors and they were very nice. The price was up there and I have been thinking that next time I might try a rebuild with the help of an upholstery shop. Basically they are simple and kinda crude after all the stitching is exposed and folded. Good luck with that Neal and let the forum know how that turns out.

Sp53

 

[YankeeTR]

Our local upholstery guy sorta gave up on doing a set of TR sidscreens recently.

He sez they are pretty complicated if you want them exactly as original...I don't know. But I do know that some people have done them themselves...

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Go with the Roadster Factory - too tough for most interior shops, not to mention do-it-yourselfers.

 

[wifegonnakillme]

I had a local shop sew in a plastic window. Ended up being smaller than the original and certainly would not be concourse, but looks good - gives it a kind of a "chopped" look. However, since having the work done, I must admit I have yet to mount the things and wish I had just just saved the cash... good luck,
Kerry

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Oh, and TRF can match the Everflex...

 

[Don Elliott]

Larry Learn used to do them for TRF. He did mine with the same material as the Robbins top that I had bought from TRF. Larry is no longer doing them for TRF but he did a perfect job on mine. But it took a long time. Like 8 to 10 months back in 1989.

His phone : - 724 465-8661

 

[Lou Metelko]

I second Don's suggestion to go with Larry Learn in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Larry is simply the best of the best for interiors for a side screen TR. Larry took my bent and battered side screen frames and made a work of art. Considering the skill required, his rate is very reasonable.

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana

 

[PSUTR3B]

I had TRF cover my sidecurtains. I also got the top from TRF though probably a year before I sent the curtains to them for covering. The match was great and the quality of work was great. Now would be a good time to send to TRF to get them back in the fall.
Gary

 

[Frank_D]

I have just replaced my after market aluminium sidescreens with proper sidescreens re-built by The Roadster Factory (TRF)in PA. They took my old frames (bought on e-Bay for $40.00) and did an amazing job or restoration. My car is just coming back from the paint shop and I will be installing the sidescreens in a couple of weeks. I think these will keep out a lot more moisture than the old ones.

Frank D........
TS42756L '59 TR3A

 

[TRTEL]

Neal, I'm not familiar with everflex material, but if it has some stretch to it and you have access to a good tailor or upholstery shop, you can do a good job on your own, as well as improving them a small bit. I've done a number of sets and would be happy to fax some info. Just send me a message or email.

 

[Brooklands]

I was wondering where one actually gets the window part. I might be able to learn the upholstery methods after removing the duct tape that covered my side curtain frames, but there is nothing at all in the window openings.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I seem to recall that TRF sells just the plastic. Don't have any catalog or reference handy so I can't verify or give a p/n.

 

[TRTEL]

TRF's sliding pieces are well made, but I recommend using around.015 or less thickness Lexan/polycarbonate for the fixed window. Optically better and far superior scratch resistance,never darkens with age, etc. Tougher to cut however, so stick to a max thickness of .015. That way you can just score it with a box cutter and snap it. Can ONLY be glued in place along the front edge, which I think is preferable in any case.