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TR4/4A TR4 soft top???

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Alex_McMillin

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I just picked up a new top off of Ebay, and it does not have the hardward sewn into the front edge. This is what is supposed to hook under the leading edge of the windscreen. It this normal, or do I have an half completed top? I did specifically ask the seller if it was a TR4 or TR4a top and he indicated TR4.

..........Thanks, Alex
 
Alex,

Most of the new tops do not include these metal strips. They usually must be purchased separately.
 
Hi Alex, Kurtis is correct. Most TR4 tops came without the metal strips installed along the front edge. I'm not sure why this was done. Possibly to make shipping easier or safer, since the metal might have damaged tops during shipment or made them difficult to fold. Most top installation instructions suggested removing the strips from your old top, re-using them in the new top. However, if you don't have an old top or it's missing the strips, that's a problem. One solution I saw here recently and thought would work well, was to make strips from old hacksaw blades. Grind off the teeth to make the wide correct and cut to the riht length. Hacksaw blades come in a variety of lengths, so it might be possible to pick up something pretty close to the right length.

Happy holidays!
 
Yes, they unfortunately assume you already have a top and the stiffeners. They weren't sewn in, just slide into those pockets. The 2 short ones have holes in them which I was told was so they could be riveted in place but my original tops had no such rivet. Anyway, they are a snug fit just sliding in.

Replacements are available @ $49 per set. The one I got didn't seem as stiff as the original but I have used both and both work.
 
Thanks guys. I do have an old top. Now, does anyone know the procedure for installing this metal strip on a new top? How do you know the placement to install the strip? Is this something one does themselves, or professionally?

..........Cheers, Alex
 
Should just slide into pockets along the front edge of the top. Three pockets in all -- short-long-short -- with all pieces bowed forward. One end of the pocket should be open with a small slit. Nothing is needed to hold them in there, they are a snug fit.

The use of the two short sections allow the top to be folded at that point so the total folded top will fit into the boot.
 
Uh oh! The top I have does not have any pockets. It is an unfinished front section. No pockets, no hem, nothing. That means I'm breaking out the sewing machine. As a matter of fact this top has no hardware on it at all. Any help would be great.

.............Alex
 
What you are looking for is a flap across the front edge that is open so you can insert the metal stiffeners. Once reinforced with the metal slats this flap tucks under that lip on the trim piece that runs along to the top of the windscreen.

Did your top come with 16 lift-the-dot fasteners and a couple of snaps (TR4) or did it come with a bunch of snaps (TR4A)?

I doubt there is any way to make a TR4A top go on a TR4 so hopefully that is not what you have.
 
Alex, It appears you have the wrong top altogether, and should send it back asap.Dont try to modify it, the trouble involved would be too great. While you're waiting, refresh your top webs with seat belt material.Good luck
MD(mad dog)
 
The top came with absolutely no fasteners or snaps. No metal strip at the front edge or lift-the-dot fasteners. The front part of the top has nothing. It is simply a bare edge of the top material. I may be stuck trying to make this thing work. I have indicated my displeasure to the seller.

........Alex
 
If it is a top for a 4A you might be better off putting it on eBay and recouping at least some of your outlay. The buyer will need to obtain the additional hardware but most of that (hopefully all) is readily available & cheap (I'll confess I have never looked at how the leading edge of a 4A top mounts).

I agree that you should not bother to try to make it fit the 4... I'm not even sure that the bows are the same. On the webbing -- close to original material is available including the tan if you go to TRF. I'm sure seat belt material is stronger but the original lasted 40 years so I'll be 96 when the replacements give out.
 
Alex,

Do you have the eBay item number? Are there pictures posted on eBay? If so, give us the item number. It's possible someone here could look at the pictures and tell you for certain what you have.
 
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