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Convertible top

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AltaKnight

AltaKnight

Jedi Knight
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I got my '73 TR6 last November, so I haven't had much time to play with it , Winter in Canada!
I did put the convertible top up and found that at least 3 of the snaps have pulled through/out of the fabric (it was already like that, honest) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif
These tops look to be about $250 and up to replace, is it better to just get a local upholstery outfit to gusset and attach new snaps.?
The top looks pretty good with clear windows and no other damage except that it seems somewhat shrunk around the bottom which is what popped the fasteners in the 1st place I think.
 
Graham, the snaps must have left a pretty big hole for them to have pulled through. You may have to take it to a shop to heat-seal in a new backing. Or, get some new Dot snaps with the longer shaft and cut small pieces of appropriate material to put on both side of the hole to reinstall, using adhesive to shore up the material. I use a King Richard snap tool which makes installing snaps a, er, snap. Sure your top material isn't deteriorating? The price of a new top is a lot more than 250, unless you are going economy. You might be ready of a new top. Good luck.

Bill
 
These tops aren't exactly immortal -- sun is tough on them but I think they shrink over time no matter what you do.

When I was shopping for a top for the TR4 I found Britsh Parts Northwest had an amazingly low price. It was a sale and a couple of years ago... I just mention it as you may want to contact them same time you check the other usual sources.

Lots of top choices depending on how you will use it, how you view the car, your budget etc... a search of the archives will turn up much advice on this.
 
I would definatly look into having a local uphoulstry shop repair the top if that's really all that's wrong with it.they should be able to reinforce the areas and put in the new snaps so you can't even tell there ever was an issue. some other reccomendations would be to, if you are patient enough, wait until you can have the top warmed up (preferably a good warm sunny day) before trying to get it to stretch back out and fully snap it in place. also for next year, it is always reccomended to have the top up when you store the car for the winter. this prevents kinks cracks and shrinking. have a Pan-galactic Gargle Blaster and enjoy hope this helps.
 
HI, I have a 74 TR6, I am looking to replace the top, and I was wondeering if anyone has any information about Prestige Auto Hoods in England? Pros and Cons would be helpful. Thanks, Ab
 
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