What the Heck ARE Those Things?

[Aldwyn]

Hey folks!

Trying to track down a part that I dont see listed on TRF or Moss, and it may just be because I dont know what they are really called.

On each inner rear quarter pannel, there is a little stud which holds the top cover down in the front. It's the peice that the flaps on the top covers strap to.

I *ahem* know of a 6 that is missing these parts, and if a guy wanted to replace them, he's having a hard time doing so.

Anyone know what the name of these studs are, and where on any of the online catalogs they can be found?

Thanks!
Aldwyn

 

[pa297pass]

Hi Aldwyn:

I am guessing here, but are you talking about the "male" portion of a snap? The convertible top boot on my TR6 snaps to the rear interior panels to hold the bottom of it in place. If so, TRF (for example) can sell you either metal or plastic versions. Here is a page out of their TR6 catalog with the plastic snaps.

https://www.zeni.net/trf/TR6-250GC/230.php

If this isn't what you are describing, maybe your car has "Lift-the-Dot" studs, which are longer than snaps and fit through a metal "hole" in the part you are trying to attach. TRF also sells these:

https://www.zeni.net/trf/specials7/7.php

Hope one of these is what you are looking for. Good luck.

Matt

 

[Banjo]

I believe those are some of the "lift-a-dot" studs (yes, that's the real name). I took a look in my Moss catalog, and I can't find them either.
Normally there are two types. a sheet metal screw base, or a machine screw base. try looking up the top fasteners for a TR3. the page with "carpet and interior hardware" shows them. #6 and #7
~edit~ "pa297" types faster than me /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pa297pass]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

Banjo ... and I was figuring someone would beat me to an answer while I was looking up the catalog pages. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Matt

 

[Geo Hahn]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe those are some of the "lift-a-dot" studs ...

[/ QUOTE ]

If that is indeed what you need... most ACE hardware stores carry them in both the sheet metal & machine screw flavors.

They'll be in that aisle that has all the smaller nuts & bolts in little cardboard drawers.

 

[Aldwyn]

Yes, the lift-a-dot may be what I am looking for.

Here is what I am talking about, though, just for reference:

https://www.zeni.net/trf/TR6-250GC/233.php

If you look at the pictures of the top boots, you see a tab with a hole in it, hanging down from the front.

It's what goes in these holes to hold the tab down (and therefore the boot) so that wind doesnt pick the boot up and flip it over.. is what I seek.

And I do believe the lift-a-dot may be the answer. Or, even a trip to the local hardware store if I can match the size.

Thanks, guys!

 

[Geo Hahn]

If this is a lift-the-dot application then it sounds like you need the female portion... a 2-piece affair that presses together with the vinyl sandwiched between. Don't think you'll find that at Ace but the usual sources (Moss, TRF) have them.

If this is what was there then there will be a small (3/16") hole in the tab surrounded by 4 tiny slits.

Here's what one looks like fastened over it's peg...

Almost anyone who has had a British car for a few years or ever restored one will have a few of these laying around so you might see if anyone local can help.

 

[Aldwyn]

Thanks Geo, good idea... I will check my local club!

 

[Guest]

Actually, they are called "Lift- the -Dot". I think that the tab that holds the top cover is not really a Lift-the-Dot but a regular Dot snap fastener, at least mine is.
In buying snap fasteners, always insist on Dot brand. They are either made of nickel plated brass or stainless. Either one is marine quality (ie, rust proof) and come both in regular and firm grip. I used all firm grip on my top install, regular grip snaps will come undone with speed. Also, beware of hardware store or hobby shop snaps. They look like Dot brand but are often cheap imitations, that is, made of steel and will rust . TRF sells Dot brand, marine stores carry them and most good upholstery shops do as well. I even got some long-throw Dot fasteners for extra thick canvas for my top.

If you can pick them up with a magnet, you don't want them.



Bill

 

[Aldwyn]

Thanks for the tips, Bill! I certinly dont want rust!

I'll have to check the cover to see if there are holes in the flaps already. Otherwise, I may need the snap install tool as well.

- Aldwyn

 

[DrEntropy]

Always went straight to the local marine supply houses for "Lift-the-Dot" and "Tenax". The latter are less readily available in the States, but I've found them in a marine supplier's place in Sarasota in the past.

 

[Aldwyn]

PO just handed me a box of parts including some snaps and stuff... I will have to dig through there and see if there is anything in there I can use for this application!

Sarasota? One of my favorite towns! Dad lives 20 minutes south in Venice.

 

[Geo Hahn]

[ QUOTE ]
Always went straight to the local marine supply houses...

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll remember that next time I need... oops, I'm in Tucson Arizona. The only Marine supply house we have is an Army-Navy surplus store.