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Tips

TR2/3/3A New TR-3a Top

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TR-3rg

Jedi Hopeful
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Merry Christmas!

Santa brought a new top for my TR-3a! I do not have an old one to use as a reference. Would anyone have a photo showing how much of the top overlaps the chrome windscreen frame and the edge distance of the Tenax fitting? The top is a Robbins.

I read a couple good threads on installing the top. Basically, set the Tenax fittings first, then the lift the dots, then the bows leaving the last one loose. Should the lift the dots run vertical when viewed from behind or horizontal?

This will force me to put the heater back in the car and repair the side curtains.

Thanks,

Roy
 
Also best (my opinion) to mark the center front and back and work from the center out.

So far as I know, LTDs were vertical on TR3s (but horizontal on TR4s).
 
Geo Hahn said:
...

So far as I know, LTDs were vertical on TR3s (but horizontal on TR4s).
Click to expand...

Having had a TR4 and TR3 in the past, when I installed the new top for my current TR3 I decided to put the LTDs horizontally. The dots facing to the right on the right half and the left on the left half. I think it makes its much easier to put on and take off. I also did the same with the tonneau cover. Do at your own risk. :friendly_wink:
 
You will find that Robbins leaves no "extra" material at all. The fasteners will be as close to the edge of the material as possible.

As stated above, definitely work from the center outward and point the "dots" outward.
 
CJD said:
You will find that Robbins leaves no "extra" material at all. The fasteners will be as close to the edge of the material as possible...
Click to expand...

My theory is that they made there patterns from disassembling original tops & tonneaus... which had already shrunk.
 
I have no doubt, Geo! I made that same mistake when I sewed my new tonneau. I learned a lesson I'll never forget about how vinyl shrinks over time.
 
Yes work from the center out and get a leather hole punching tool, or I guess you can buy specific tools for tops and wait until summer when everything is soft and subtle.
 
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