TR6 TR6 tonneau snaps

[ichthos]

I finally have my 69 TR6 moving. I am down to the small stuff now. I know this is trivial, but I am stumped. I installed three black plastic snaps to each door and three to each rear fender. The current top has seven metal snaps along the top of the rear retainer bar. The problem? When I went to put the tonneau on for the first time, I found that it will snap along the doors and rear fenders but will not fit over the larger metal snaps. Moss shows the black plastic snaps (19) going all around the car including the retainer bar. This will clearly not work since the holes are too large in the retainer bar from the metal snaps. Can someone give me some help as to what it correct?
Thanks, Kevin

 

[DougF]

The snaps should all be the black plastic type. Your metal onesare not right.

 

[ichthos]

Thanks - does this mean that the retainer bar were probably drilled out at some point?

 

[Andrew Mace]

Quite possibly, yes. But a backing washer and a slightly longer rivet would take care of that problem.

 

[DougF]

It seems to me that the rivet you need is an odd size. I think it is a 5/32 or something like that. But you will have to go to a more specialized supplier. I once drilled out the snap and filed the head of the rivet by chucking it in a drill and trimming it so to fit inside the snap head.

 

[Guest]

Plan B, Kevin:


Don't use the black plastic snaps at all. I never was a fan of these as I feel that they are not sturdy enough to hold down things like canvas tops or tonneaus. All my snaps are the metal type, specifically Dot brand. I have used the black Dot snaps specifically. It really isn't all that difficult to change all your snaps, both male and female components, by drilling them all out. I have opted for the snug fit type Dot snaps as they hold even better than the regular. Never, never use hobby shop snaps, they will rust in short order. I use (till I mislaid the darn thing) an automatic snap setting tool that looks like a large Vice Grip plier. Worked wonders.

Just a thought.


Bill

 

[ichthos]

I don't know what you mean by Dot snaps. What are they and where do you get them, Bill? If they are metal, why would they not rust?
Thanks, Kevin

 

[Guest]

Keith,
Dot brand snaps are either nickle plated brass or stainless steel. They simply won't rust and are the best. Check out www.dotfastenersdirect.com for a complete descripiton of their product line. The old Lift-A-Dot fasteners are the ones on the older Triumph tops and tonneaus. You can but direct from them but they will require bulk purchases. Google other sources for pricing on small amounts. Most leather or hobby shops do not sell the better snaps and they will rust. A good quality marine canvas shop usually uses Dot because they are weather proof.
Google King Richard's Fasteners for their snap-setting tool. Great to have, pricey but worth it.

Bill