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TR2/3/3A Looking for a Primer on TR3 Side Curtains

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mxp01

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Gentlemen:

I'm pretty new to Triumphs. In October I purchased a 1962 TR3B that is in very good condition. However, it did not come with the side curtains. I have looked at the set sold by Moss, but they are a bit expensive ($1150?). I was hoping to get a little primer here on these curtains, such as:

- Was there more than one type? If so, were they compatible with each car (TR2/TR3 A &B)?
- Were there after market options (I know JC Whitney offered side curtains for early Sprites and Midgets)?
- Is it possible to purchase an old set and restore them?

Any input will be appreciated.

Mike Pennell
 
I'll take a shot at some answers...

There was more than one type. The earlier ones used wedge style mounts wherein a wedge in the supports fitted into a wedge-shaped bracket on the door. Later this changed to Dzus fasteners (like those on the bonnet). That is what you'll need and (fortunately for you) are usually more common.

Early ones also had soft lower flaps that fastened to the lift the dot studs on the doors (same studs used for a tonneau), later ones had a solid panel for the lower half. Early cars also lacked an outside door handle so there was a zippered opening to allow you to reach thru and work the cord in the door.

I seem to recall that window treatments varied with the later ones (the ones I am familiar with) having a sliding plastic window.

Yes, there were after market versions back in the day (including JCWhitney) -- often these were made of aluminum and used a rubber seal around the leading and top edge.

All types (even the aftermarket ones) can be and are restored. There are restoration services available for the stock versions both from vendors and from an individual (Larry - someone here will recall his last name).

One can, in theory, restore an old set. Some here have done this but it (IMO) takes a pretty crafty person to make a good job of it.

Expensive -- yes they are. Whether you by buy new or restore an original set or even restore an aftermarket set -- it will run into some dollars.

One other alternative -- in addition to my stock side curtains I have a set of soft side curtains that snap & strap into place.

PSideView.jpg


Inside.jpg


The nice thing about them is they roll up into a small bag taking much less space in the boot than the full curtains -- which can easily occupy a third of the boot space (if that is where you stow them).

Bagged.jpg
 
Mike
I have a set of original side curtains that will need recovering and a set of aftermarket curtains that can be used as is. PM me for more details.

Marv
 
Geo:

Thanks for the information. It was very helpful.

Can you give me a bit more information on these soft side curtains such as who makes them and where can one buy them?

Thanks,

MXP
 
mxp01 said:
...Can you give me a bit more information on these soft side curtains such as who makes them and where can one buy them?...
Click to expand...

They really are 'Rocket Science'. A friend (retired rocket scientist) made a set for his TR3A and offered to make a set for me. An offer I couldn't pass up.

I told him I was sure he could sell these, he said 'If I had wanted a job I wouldn't have retired'. I get it.

I have sent some detailed photos to other forum members who were considering making their own. PM me if you would like to see those.

The great thing about them is that one almost never needs the side curtains -- yet, on a long road trip, you pretty much have to take them and lose a fair amount of space doing so. That little bag works better.

Yeah, I know you can drive fast in the rain and everything eventually dries out but these are trips where my wife is along so some weather equipment is in order.
 
I'm reluctant, usually, to take a purist's position, but I happen to feel that the side curtains are a defining feature of the sidescreen car. I like them, especially those accompanying the TR3-A, with their sliding window. They can be renewed ad infinitum, they can be bent to shape (as each TR seems to require, and as was, apparently, done originally, as factory issue), and, above all, it's the sidescreen that defines a sidescreen Triumph, right?

I would recommend monitoring Ebay and so on and locate a used (likely rotten) set, understanding that the frame of these survives; then, have them professionally refurbished. This will cost a bit, but well worth the price. And, then, be prepared to do a bit of modification to make them fit well. They are a lovely appointment to a classic car.
 
Mike,

I had my original curtains restored by the Roadster Factory several years ago and they did an outstanding job.

Paul
 
Geo:

Thanks for the pics and the info.

I have a set of original sidescreens that came with my car. They are in substantially less than perfect condition and I have other projects for the car that will get my financial attention long before the side curtains. The truth is that if the weather is anything less than warm and sunny, the TR3 stays in the garage, so I have yet to actually need the side curtains. So it would be great to have a set of the soft side curtains in the trunk for emergencies like sudden unexpected weather changes.

Bill
 
Gentlemen:

I've looked at a few of the options and will likely, longer term (2015) pursue the restored option. In the mean time I'm pursuing the after-market options.

Thanks all for the input.

MXP
 
When I got my TR3 a while back it came with what I guess are some JC Whitney aftermarket side curtains. A previous owner chopped away at the rubber seals along the top, front, and back. I would like to buy those rubber seals and replace them myself. It appears they just slide into a groove. See picture. Geo, you mentioned that someone restores the old aftermarket side curtains. Do you know who that is and how I would contact them to see if I can buy the rubber seals? Thanks!
IMG_5229.jpg

Regards,
Bob
 
Geo Hahn,
Could you please post some details of how your soft sided curtains attach to your car. I see the straps but how do you keep it semi tight to the windshield frame? Great idea! Have a good day!

John
 
TuffTR250 said:
When I got my TR3 a while back it came with what I guess are some JC Whitney aftermarket side curtains. A previous owner chopped away at the rubber seals along the top, front, and back. I would like to buy those rubber seals and replace them myself. It appears they just slide into a groove. See picture. Geo, you mentioned that someone restores the old aftermarket side curtains. Do you know who that is and how I would contact them to see if I can buy the rubber seals?
Click to expand...

See this thread:

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf...vinyl-seal&highlight=amco+side+curtain+rubber

Where he got some: https://www.clarkespares.com/



Excerpt:

"I called them, told the guy what I needed (seal strip for TR3A AMCO frame), and received the roll of seal within a week."
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Geo! That is the information I needed for my side curtains. I had searched for old threads but I missed the one you added above. That thread was full of the information I needed. Based on that thread it looks like mine are from AMCO.
Regards,
Bob
 
Just getting ready to do two more sets for my tr3 and 3B. Did a set last week for a friend.....
No rocket science but a lot of fitting and fussing
1 clean painted frames must be fitted to the car
2 have the upper frame covers professionally sewn (no rt or lt here)
3 buy all the channels and plex
4 put the frame upper cover into place and glue(3m weatherstrip) so as to have the seem vertical
5 fit the upper run to hold it in place(can be glued latter)
6 fit the outer lower cover (you rough cut it first) glue it at the channel and set a channel in to hold it
7 Pull it tight and wrap it over the lower steel band glue it well.
8 Some foam fitted to the void( appx 1/4 inch) is a nice touch
9 the inner is fun as you must carefully cut the holes for the mount arms ,glue up at the channel and stretch
10 carefully trim up the inner bit where it is unseen make sure it is well glued
11 fit the front (fixed ) window. drill a series of small holes to allow you to hand sew the window on the front edge
12 The slider will likely have to be "fitted" a bit as it is often too tall to be popped into place
13 If it doesn't come out right on the first one CONGRATULATIONS you are human, the second one will be easier /better
14 Have a cold beverage!!! Cheers
MD
 
I also have come across a set of 57 side curtains in my stash. If someone needs a pair please send a PM
the condition is what you would expect(needs refreshed)
MD
 
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