stretching tonneau

[airlifter]

Happy birthday America!!!!!!


I bought a 2nd hand tonneau. The cover is in very good shape but it is way too short. The cover has Triumph stamped on the hem. I don't know if this a OEM or aftermarket. I believe it is the right cover because it doesn't have the pockets for nthe headrests.

Does anyone know if the tonneau can be stretched back to the origional size? If so, how?

Thanks, Pete

 

[TR3driver]

Once they have shrunk, I think you're pretty much out of luck. You can try getting it good and tight then going over it with a hair dryer (the heat will soften the vinyl and temporarily allow it to expand), but I think it will go right back once the tension is taken off.

 

[YYCDave]

This worked for me, but over the winter.

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/topics/760841/Re_Stretch_a_Tonneau#Post760841

 

[DNK]

Stick it on your drive.
That will soften it up

 

[Dale]

Not familiar with the specifics, but is it possible that the seat backs must go forward, even with out the headrests. This is how the headrests are accomodated on the J-H tonneau.

 

[TR3TR6]

I have had some luck with stretching tops. If your having the heat wave we are having, about 100 degrees now, lay the tonneau on the driveway in the sun for about 20-30 minutes. I recommend you use gloves to handle it if it is black. Keeping it in the sun, see if you can stretch it onto the snaps on the car. You want to stretch it slowly, not just pull as hard as you can; otherwise you'll break the snaps. Good luck.

 

[myspitfire]

IDEA?...What about locating a leather tanner or equivilent,Tell them about your situation.Even if you have to use your free long distance capabilities with your cell phone to get the best professional advice.OR have a good leather specific leather stitcher break the seam @ a good place & insert a small length of equivilent black leather to LENGTHEN the cover THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM.
PS;maybe a good leather upholsterer
Good luck
Ken

 

[Geo Hahn]

I have used variations on these for many years to get original tonneaus (and the TR4 stick cover) to secure despite being a bit undersized:

Those were made using leather but I have also used ones made from black nylon webbing and even old inner tube rubber depending on the exact application.

I also made a replacement plate for the front snaps that positions the male snaps slightly rearward from original (this is on a TR4, do not know if there is a simlilar arrangement on the TR6 dash):

 

[mrv8q]

Geo, you are endlessly resourceful! Happy 4th! Were any of your cars in a parade today?

 

[Brosky]

With this heat wave, I'd try the driveway trick first.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...Happy 4th! Were any of your cars in a parade today?

Not this year but that is as well as it has been raining on & off all day. From a prior year's parade:

Happy Independence Day!