TR4/4A TR4 Top Stiffeners??? Rivets???

[milemarker60]

Finally installing the early TR4 top and bows and have a question about the three stiffeners that go in the pocket up front at the windshield lip. Are these supposed to be riveted in place? If so, what type of rivets are used and do you rivet from the bottom up so you only pierce the underside of the vinyl pocket or do you rivet thru the entire pocket exposing the head on both sides? Hope this makes sense... It's been years since I've seen an assembled TR4 top and I don't recall ever visibly seeing a rivet head. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TR4nut]

Dave-

I'll recheck my top, but I don't think you need rivets. I do know the stiffeners have several holes implying the use of rivets, but I've never seen a top with them to my knowledge.

Randy

 

[TR4]

I did not rivet those in but I did sew the ends closed. I did not want them slipping out.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I too use no rivets. Once the top is on they aren't going anywhere and they don't move easily enough that they will drop out as you fold it away.

 

[RickyG]

I just bought a surrey top replacement in Fabric, it does not have the pocket to insert the stiffeners, it includes plastic stifenners instead but it doesnt hold the hood, I bought the metal stiffeners that have the holes in them, do I have to drill the holes as well in the plastic stiffener attached to the hood.... Im worry the rivets wont fit inthe slot..Please help if anyone has an image.