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TR2/3/3A TR3 Soft top speed limit?

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J

JHaydon

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We're planning to take the TR3 to another cold early-morning car gathering tomorrow morning. But in order to get anywhere around here, we have to drive on roads with 70 mph speed limits.

I'd like to put the soft top on to block some buffeting but leave the side curtains at home. Will the (tight-fitting) top stay in place in the 70-75 mph breeze? Would 60 mph be too fast? 50 mph?
 
You should be fine at any of those speeds.
interestingly the previous owner of my car used to tour Europe a lot and fitted the sidescreens but not the top to stop buffeting.
 

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I hit 104 mph way back when I first got the car 45 years ago. Top was on and stayed there. I was more worried about dying
 
Thanks everyone for the info! I tried a "dry run" tonight (only up to 60) and it is definitely a different experience! Unfortunately I also realized that my tall wife won't be able to duck under the roof as easily as her short husband can. I don't think she'll want to get in and watch me struggle to get the top on around her :cautious:
 
I am on the tall side, and I go in head first with top on. The Robbins tops seem to hang lower than other brands.

For insurance to keep the top on the front snaps, you can get some of those (3) large office black paper clips like cloths pins about an inch and a half long and clip them from the inside to the top and windshield edge from inside the cab if they start to loosen.

Yes I have been over a 100mph I think 110. Once my buddy was driving and we went over the Narrows Bridge with the windshield off at over 100. young and very dumb.

Steve
 
Anyone know of a way to stop the drumming sound from the top on the front bow at speed 60+? The top is tight and a little difficult to get the frame to go over center as you raise it. I could try shortening the webbing between the first and second bow.

David
 
We tried the top Saturday morning. As David mentions, the span from the windshield to the front bow makes a very effective drum / sounding board. Fortunately we've learned the merits of wearing intercom headsets. Blocking out noise is one of those merits. Keeping your ears warm is another!

Oddly, my wife complained that she was getting hit much worse with cold air on the back of her neck with the top on. So we took it off for the ride home -- she was comfortable and I was miserable, with cold air hitting the back of my neck! I think it has something to do with me sitting so far forward and her sitting all the way back.

The cold snap is supposed to break this afternoon, but I think the next step as Neil and Hamish suggest is going to be using the sidescreens with no top. OTOH, when the really hot weather hits, she will appreciate the shade under the top -- not to mention the natural air conditioning!
 
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