TR2/3/3A Soft top

[Donald1107]

My question has to do with the doubled over soft top front edge attachment to the windshield TENAX fasteners. I can snap on the knob (head) to the post with the inner flap folded back, but the doubled over flaps are too thick for the fasteners to connect. Both flaps have oval holes lined up with the windshield TENAX posts. I’ve heard that the inner flap can be cut off so it doesn’t hang down inside the top.

What is the purpose of this double flap? What is lost by cutting it off?

Thanks; Don

 

[NeilRogers]

Here is a photo of the front flaps of my original soft top. The hole in the bottom piece fits over the stud in the windshield frame and the Tenax fastener then goes over the stud. Did you try lifting the center Tenax knob as you place it over the stud to help get it far enough on?
I believe the purpose of the double flap is to help seal the top to the windshield frame.

 

[Graham H]

It is designed to keep the elements out, if you cut it off and drive in the rain you will get wet.

Graham

 

[charleyf]

It is designed to keep the elements out, if you cut it off and drive in the rain you will get wet.

Graham

+1
Charley

 

[bobhustead]

I do not think the inner flap is supposed to be involved with the Tenax at all. I think it just goes over the top of the windshield frame. My second flap (aftermarket) has a piece of weatherstrip along its edge that gets crushed against the top of the windshield frame.
Bob

 

[bobhustead]

I looked at the Roger Williams book How To Restore Triumph TR2 TR3 & 3A. It notes that the front flaps on the tops are highly varied. Illustration 17-16 shows the Tenax fasteners fastened thru both flaps (referred to as a double thickness of material) with an apparent puffy layer between the flaps. The flaps are sewn together at the trailing edge of the second flap. Looks nothing like mine or Neil's.
Bob

 

[charleyf]

I do not think the inner flap is supposed to be involved with the Tenax at all. I think it just goes over the top of the windshield frame. My second flap (aftermarket) has a piece of weatherstrip along its edge that gets crushed against the top of the windshield frame.
Bob

If you are fortunate enough to have a top that has the double flap. That inner flap is supposed to have holes in it that allow the Tenax studs to pass through. Yes it makes it difficult to get the top snapped down. I as earlier noted, if you pull up on the outer tenax when placing over the stud. Then push down on the tenax the installation should be doable. Over the years ( my first TR3A was in 1963) I have had the original top or a replacement Robbins top. They have always had the extra flap.
Charley

 

[sp53]

I bought a top out of England I think the company was named “Prestige” their tops do not have flaps and went on easily, but the seal is not super good especially on the freeway. For summer the Prestige top is nice.

Later I got the Robins top with the flap. They go on new with a lot of effort. I punched the hole in flap big enough to fit over the windshield stud so there is a doubled over fit which seals better. The top actually looked too small, but I was able to get the top in place with a lot effort in summer. Now it fits very nice in Fall and the side windows have no waves.

steve

 

[CJD]

The holes in the flap should be large enough to go around the tenant studs without adding thickness.

 

[ckeithjordan]

The attached drawing might help.

 

[Graham H]

That's interesting Keith, the holes in the lower flap are elongated, where did you find that drawing?

Graham

 

[ckeithjordan]

Actually, Graham those are the flattened (thinner) areas of the flap, to make it easier to use the tenax buttons. The drawing has appeared several times on the web, but this is where I found it:

1960 TR3a Restoration - Soft Top installation

Installing the soft top and hood stick webbing.

www.tr-register.co.uk

 

[ckeithjordan]

Here’s more info and a better picture, off this forum, from an earlier time:

TR2/3/3A - Convertible Top installation instructions

Surprised by searching for above and getting no hits. Just found the instructions for a Sunfast top onto a TR3A. I did not know what the extra flap is for up by the windshield top so this will explain if anyone else needs the info. Jerry 1960 TR3A with Sunfast top

www.britishcarforum.com

 

[Graham H]

Thanks, Keith,I have been putting my top up with the rear bow pushed all the way to the rear whereas the chap in your first link pulls the bow forward and then pushes it back to tighten the top which would be easier.

Graham

 

[ckeithjordan]

I would not put up the bows all the way, attach the top all the way ‘round first, then pull the sides up, making sure my fingers were not in the way!

My TR6 is very different, though getting the cam-levers to find the holes in the top of the windscreen can be a bit of a challenge. I’m going to try a Surrey top this winter…