TR4/4A Folding a TR4A soft top

[Darrell_Walker]

I found a copy of the TSB that talks about the proper way to fold the soft top on a TR4A, but I had some questions:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Release the two clips securing the soft top to the windshield, release the <span style="color: #FF0000">two side draft vent clips</span> from the windshield post, release the three push buttons below the rear side windows and then push the frame work toward the rear approximately half way. [/QUOTE]

What are the "two side draft vent clips"? There is a little tab of material on the front corner, but right now it is riveted to the top. Should this attach to the windscreen somehow?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]When this position is reached make sure to release the <span style="color: #FF0000">two draft vent cups from the second hood stick rail</span>.[/QUOTE]

What are the "draft vent cups"? On my car, there is a flap from the top that is connected to the middle rail, should that be attached with snaps, rather than just riveted?

Thanks!

 

[TR4A_IRS]

I was going to try and answer your questions, but I realized that I probably could not explain it better than what you found.

If you like, I can snap some pictures of my top tonight. You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words...

 

[Darrell_Walker]

I was going to try and answer your questions, but I realized that I probably could not explain it better than what you found.

If you like, I can snap some pictures of my top tonight. You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words...

Hi Ian,

That would be great! I've had my car for over 30 years, and still sorting out some of the DPO stuff. I've installed new tops twice, and just always did it they way it was when I got it. Figured I should find out the correct way.

-Darrell

 

[sail]

I don't understand what the side draft clips are.
On mine the little tabs are rivited to the frame also. The flap is also rivited to the rail.
I took off what may have been the original top, thats the way it was.

 

[TR4nut]

Are they talking about the clips the TR4 has? On my TR4, on the top of the windshield post on each side there is a simple clip - and there are corresponding clips (like stiff paper clips) riveted to the hood that clip in and keep things tight along the top of the door glass.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Are they talking about the clips the TR4 has? On my TR4, on the top of the windshield post on each side there is a simple clip - and there are corresponding clips (like stiff paper clips) riveted to the hood that clip in and keep things tight along the top of the door glass.

Hi Randy,

I think that answers my first question. I found them in the parts picture. I can see how that would help seal around the top of the window. I have the clip on the windscreen, just not anything on the soft top.

Still not clear about the second part, and the parts catalog doesn't show any detail around that part.

-Darrell

 

[HerronScott]

Hi Randy,

I think that answers my first question. I found them in the parts picture. I can see how that would help seal around the top of the window. I have the clip on the windscreen, just not anything on the soft top.

Still not clear about the second part, and the parts catalog doesn't show any detail around that part.

-Darrell

Darrell,

If I recall correctly, at least one of my TR4A soft tops had a small piece of elastic and metal hook that would attach to the clip on the windscreen.

The soft top might have connected with snaps to the second rail as otherwise I don't think you would be able to pull it back far enough to fold it properly to protect the rear window.

Scott

 

[TR4A_IRS]

Darrell,

Here are the pictures. If you go to my Photobucket page (https://s483.photobucket.com/albums/rr199/IanG_01/TR4A%20Top%20Fitting/) you can see all the comments that I added to the photos. I tried to use the service bulletin terminology to make the pictures easier to interpret.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Thanks Ian, that helps a lot.

How is the top attached to the center cross-rail on the top? Is it attached with snaps, so you can disconnect it when you fold it up?

 

[TR4A_IRS]

How is the top attached to the center cross-rail on the top? Is it attached with snaps, so you can disconnect it when you fold it up?

It is glued. The folding procedure in the service bulletin pretty much describes the folding procedure. I think the rear of the TR4 top was detacheable, making for much easier folding. With both the front and rear of the TR4A top non-detacheable, it makes for a bulky top when folded. In fact, mine barely fits under the top boot cover.

 

[sail]

Ian thanks for the picts. I was suprised to find the clips on the A pillars and even more suprised to find the clips off the old top in the "looksusefulnotsurewhatitiskeepitbox."

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Ian thanks for the picts. I was suprised to find the clips on the A pillars and even more suprised to find the clips off the old top in the "looksusefulnotsurewhatitiskeepitbox."

Hi Richard,

Since you have the clips, can you measure (or better, scan) them for posterity? They don't look too hard to bend up a new set.

-Darrell

 

[sail]

They were pretty bent up, I'll have a look see...bend to fit the clip & angle looks like they way to do it.

Although for me to put them on is way down on the list, I doubt I will mess with them.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Although for me to put them on is way down on the list, I doubt I will mess with them.

Me, too. I usually don't drive in weather that needs the top. But just in case...

 

[sail]

3 clips survived:

Now if I found a black top with a tan liner like it had........

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Thanks!