TR2/3/3A Position of LTD fastener on new top

[RC64]

I'm about to install a new Robbins top on my TR-3a. I'm wondering if there is a preferred location of the LTD fasteners relative to the bound edge of the top. I have the original top and tonneau cover. On the top, the LTDs are flush with the edge of the top with the prongs going through the binding material. On the tonneau however, the fasteners are just above the binding. Note that on the tonneau the binding is thicker. Here are some pics...



To practice installing the fasteners before tackling the top, I installed a new stick cover. Since I hadn't put much thought to the LTD location at that point, I installed them flush with the inside edge of the binding. It seemed to work well that way. However, after having to add some extra pressure to get the LTDs to snap tight and stay, I noticed that the edge of the cover was laying against the deck rather than flush up against the vertical part of the cap where the peg was mounted. Some more pics...



If you look close you can see the curvature in the material where the LTD is located. Not sure if this will be a problem other than making sure they are snapped tight or perhaps some wear on the deck lid paint over time.

On the top now, the material is so thick that if I mount the LTD through the binding right up to the edge I'll need the long prong LTDs. On the other hand, if I use the regular (short prong) LTDs inside the binding I'm wondering if I will have trouble keeping the snaps secure since the top is under a great deal more tension than the stick cover.

So here's the question... Is there a preferred location for the LTDs? Anything else I need to think about on the fasteners? I've read many of the threads on the positioning of the frame, so I think I have an idea how to approach that... if I can ever find a nice warm sunny day here in the mountains.

Rick...

 

[Geo Hahn]

I think it looks best if the LTDs do not overlap the top. But some of these repro items can be a very tight fit.

On my (Moss) tonneau I had the LTDs right up against the top, in fact the rear ones had there outer edge slightly under the binding. Even then it was very tight to install and has not shrunk to the point where I had to modify the forward attachment hardware on the dash to still be able to use it.

Sometimes I wonder if they make their patterns using NOS tops and tonneaus that have already shrunk just sitting on the shelf.

 

[CJD]

I found my Robins top to have very little extra material, so the dots had to go fairly close to the edge, or the top would be too tight to install.

The way I now do dots is to punch holes with an exacto blade and just poke the studs into the bare holes. Once I am happy with all the holes, I then go back and install the dots. This allows the dot to cover any adjustment to the hole location before making the location permanent with the dot.

Always start at the middle and work outward. That seems to be the only way to get the top centered.

I prefer the top to touch the deck, as in your picture. I think it both looks and seals better that way.

One tip, if you put the center dot so it lifts up, and the outer dots so they lift from the side they are on, the top installs and removes much easier. So the side dots are installed at 90 degrees to the centerline of the car.

 

[Frank_D]

I fully support John's advice, especially about the orientation of the dots lifting from the sides. It was unfortunate that I did not do this when I installed my tonneau cover. I find the Top much easier to manage than the tonneau. Take your time and you will significantly reduce ripples.

Frank D.........

 

[martx-5]

I fully support John's advice, especially about the orientation of the dots lifting from the sides..

I also orient the LTDots 90 deg along the back. The first two by the doors on each side I left in the normal orientation. It does make it a lot easier to install and remove.

 

[RC64]

I also orient the LTDots 90 deg along the back.

That sounds like a reasonable approach. I'll have to consider going that route.

Rick...