TR2/3/3A Tenax Fasteners

[smdichter]

Our first rain in Phoenix in 80 days motivated me to begin thinking about mounting my new convertible top. I last used the old one in the '80's sometime.

I have the lift-the-dot punch and know how to do those. However, when I removed the 10 Tenax fasteners that secures the top to the front edge of the windscreen, I saw the size of the holes that need to be cut or punched into the new top. Question is whether there is a standard punch or other nifty tool that can be used instead of worrying about screwing up with a scalpel, Exacto,or scissors to cut the 10 holes. I figure to us the old top as a pattern for locating the Tenax and lift-the-dot fasteners. Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I cannot recall what size hole the Tenax requires, but for small holes these are what I use:

https://www.kvsupply.com/leather-punch/&gclid=CI6h4c3R8rwCFdJbfgodfwsAnA

For larger holes I have a few of these:

https://www.widgetsupply.com/product/SFA3-790LP.html?gclid=CNKZvO3R8rwCFYVafgod7T4AjQ

Note - I know nothing about either of those vendors, just grabbed a couple of links to show the items I was mentioning.

 

[bob67bgt]

When I did my top I went to a Ace hardware store. They had a kit to do ringlets. Things to put holes in canvas then a 2 piece ring . The punch in the kit worked great for the Tenex holes. I think I saved the card that came in the kit. PM if you are having trouble finding it. I will see if I can dig it up. There were different sizes. Bob

 

[smdichter]

I will try them tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[charleyf]

Or if you have a Harbor Frieght store handy, you can buy a set of punches for very cheap and this will give you a variety from small to plenty big enough for what you need.

I would recommed that you work between looking at the old top and testing the new top on the windshield to determine the location of the holes. If you locate the two lift the dots at each side/ end of the windshield first then you can locate the ones in between from there. Also remember that the to needs to be warm and not cold, shrunken and stiff before you start.
Charley