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Tonneau questions

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TexasKnucklehead

Jedi Knight
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A new tonneau for my TR6 arrived yesterday, compliments my girl friend (and Santa). None of the snaps or lift-the-dots are installed, but are included in a bag. The documentation basically says to have it installed by a professional installer. Is this really necessary? Can anyone suggest tools or guidance?

Jer
 
Yes - call me! I just did this about a month ago for the TR4, go slow, work from the center line out, and best if you have an old cover as a starting template.

I have the punch tool for lift-the dots, and a cheap setting tool for putting the snaps on you can borrow (but don't forget last time you brought beer!). The setting tool is that basic one you can get in a craft store, it works but there are probably better options out there.

Didn't think TR6 had lift-the-dots. Do they?

Randy
 
What Randy said about installation. I would add only that you take your time doing it, preferably outside on a warm and sunny day, and you follow Norm Abram and Bob Vila's advice to "measure twice; cut (punch holes) once"!

And Randy, no, TR6s didn't have lift-the-dot fasteners, but that's what everyone seems to include on new tonneaus for the front fasteners atop the dashboard. Original tonneaus had simple "ring" eyelets there, but I suppose to install them might take a special tool. Lift-the-dot fasteners can be done with a punch and a pocket knife. :wink:
 
I don't have a tonneau cover to use as a sample. I checked the lift-the-dots included, and they snap onto the 4 points on the TR6 dash about as well as they do onto the TR3 windshield -except the studs on the TR6 are much longer. -Brass grommets would probably be easier to install, but I think the lift-the-dots would hold up much better.

Randy, I'll take you up on that offer. That means I have yet another TR project that is only waiting on me and the right warm sunny day. Bringing beer is no problem...
 
Or catch me at the next Saturday breakfast & I'll have it with me. Oh what the heck, bring the beer too.
 
Saturday breakfast? Is that one of those events that happens early in the morning on a Saturday? I try to avoid getting up that early when possible. I prefer breakfast with lunch... especially on Saturday.

But, I will try to make it to the 'Polar Bear' breakfast...
 
If for some reason the tool winds up being not available; it's not much more difficult to install them with just an X-acto knife and small piece of wood (although perhaps a bit more tedious). I use the bottom plate as a template while determining the exact location for the fastener (by stretching the tonneau/top into place over the stud and locating the plate over where the stud presses against the fabric). Then hold the plate in place while you poke the tip of the knife through each of the 4 locating slots. Install the prongs of the top piece through the 4 slits, install the bottom plate and crimp the 4 tabs. (I find that water pump pliers work well for crimping tabs, the groove in the jaws helps start them bending in the right direction.) Now turn the fabric over and use the X-acto to trim away the material visible in the center hole.

Probably took me longer to type this than to do it
grin.gif
 
I installed the top on my TR3 which was fairly easy and very similar to a tonneau. I had someone install the tonneau because of the rings. I didn't want to use lift a dots.
The gentleman who installed it had the job done in under 10 minutes, probably closer to 5. But he's done hundreds.
As mentioned before, the keys are to properly center it in a warm/hot sun. Don't over stretch it. It will be a bear to install when it's chilly. You want it taut, not tight. Look at another tonneau to get an idea of where the snaps are located in relation to the edging. You mainly want to just cover or run even to the bottom edge of the top. The front takes care of itself.
Two people makes it easier during the sizing and marking mode. Measure twice.
Obviously, when locating your snaps, keep the zipper closed.
Good luck!
 
TK,
Like some I just used a hole punch and a very sharp ice pick (great tool). Pressed the four prong piece to get an indent and punched away. More tedious but didn't feel like waiting for a tool.
Really take your time when lining up the T and I worked from the center outward.Once the first lift T dot was in place I'd snap it on pull tight and press the T over the next stud and mark w/majic marker (for the hole punch), remove and punch then press 4 prong, ice pick, replace the hole top and begin again.
Not hard but take your time.
 
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