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TR6 TR6 Replacement Convertible Top

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delisaj

delisaj

Senior Member
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A potential winter project would be to replace my top. It's old, has a few huge rips, and it doesn't do the rest of the car justice. Any one care to share their experiences, or offer up where I could get a really good top??

Thanks as always..

John
 
John, I bought the Robbins Sunfast top from TRF. It is expensive but the best top I have ever owned. Always looks good when up, never sags. I installed it myself, but I have done several before. A little bit of a project but doable.
 
If your planning on replacing your soft top over the winter in Connecticut... I hope you have a heated garage. Temps preferably over 80 degrees (F) ease the installation and manipulation of the vinyl into place.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gifyou aint kiddin brother! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
Get a webbing kit, all of the necessary rivets, any and all weatherstrips that are worn/dried/cracked.

How is the stainless band on top of the windshield frame?

Are the top lock downs in good shape? TRF has parts for them if they are sloppy and worn.

Is the actual top frame in good condition? Perfect time to have it powder coated.

I'm sure that the TRF will be having a sale this month. They are having a great year and Charles will want to sell out a lot of inventory by Dec 31, so keep your eyes on their weekly email sales. If you don't currently get them, sign up now via their site.
 
[ QUOTE ]
3M yellow in the tube

[/ QUOTE ]

this stuff?
3madhesive.jpg


Is this good for both adhering the weather strip as well as the vinyl top over the header rail?

thanks again Bill, you've been helpful.
 
That's the stuff. It's just messy to work with. 3M makes an adhesive cleanup solution (red metal can with a nozzle) that works well for cleanup. I had mismeasured the top and glued it with too much slack. A few months after, I pulled the top off the header very, very slowly with constant pulling pressure and the glue gave way. Restretched and reglued and everything was good.


Now, what weather strip? Usually most will use the black version, which doesn't bond as well.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Now, what weather strip? Usually most will use the black version, which doesn't bond as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

this one, the main weather seal between your convertible top and windshield frame
4a_1_b.JPG

or does this part not require an adhesive/sealant?
 
I bought mine from the Little British Car Company. Not the most expensive but the top is hardly ever up anyways. Like Bill, I used the 3M adhevise. I didn't have any problems which was unusal but I ain't complaining. Definetly make sure you have a heated garage when installing it. Let it sit in the heated room for at least 24 hours. Then just take your time and you should be able to complete the job.
 
I'm using a used top that a fellow board member gave me. (Thanks Tom! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Its in excellent condition.

Can I count on it being somewhat stretched out to fit already? Obviously, it already has the creases in it where it was attached to the header rail.
 
It will still shrink/get tight in the cold and stretch/loosen up a bit when warmer. Its a physics thing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
It was 72 degrees F here today. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

Thanks for the tips. I'll post a pic of the result if its not botched too much. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]


this one, the main weather seal between your convertible top and windshield frame

or does this part not require an adhesive/sealant?

[/ QUOTE ]

Definitely no adhesive here. But, you will think it has adhesive on it already when you try to slide that little puppy on the three channels.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am getting some great advice, but be assured this car will never ever be driven in the rain. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Never say never.
 
Ask Tinster about having rain sneak up on you!

While we're on the subject of tops, I replaced the lock downs on my top today and can't believe the difference in how tight the car is as well as how much better they work. I didn't realize how badly the old ones were worn and how loose the top was to the front frame. Night and day difference.

While you're in there, check yours out. Also the side (door glass) weatherstrips.
 
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