> Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 12:26:33 -0800 (PST)
> From: John Cowan <jfcowan@sj.zNET.com>
> Subject: Questions about Installing TR-3 ragtop
>
> I bought a ragtop for my TR-3 from TRF, not realizing that it required
> installation; i.e., I got the top plus a bag full of dot to dot and Tenax
> fasteners (I know; I know, this is obvious in retrospect; chalk it up to
> brain overload). My mechanic's published recommendation for installation
> time is six hours, which is about one and a half times the cost of the top.
> Does this seem accurate? If so, this makes installing it myself seem like a
> better proposition.
> Anyone have experience installing a Robbins top on a TR-3? How much
> effort was required? What kind of tools would I need? Did the job turn out
>ok?
> Thanks.
> John Cowan
> John,
The ragtop is one of the easier things to install on a TR3. All you
need is a pair of pliers, a good sharp awl a flat screwdriver and some
good old fashined ingenuity.
Follow the these steps and you should have no problem fitting it in a
few hours.
1) Using 4 people (get your wife, kids and friends to help) stretch the
top over your erected roof frame and make sure exactly how much exceess
canvass you have along all the edges.
2) Starting with the front edge, tuck the hard rubber strip under the
canvas so that the bottom edge protrudes slightly (1/8-1/4") below the
top edge of the canvas.
3) Center the top along the window frame and starting from the center
and working toward each side, using a sharp awl, pierce the hard rubber
about 5/8" (this may vary depending on each top) in from the top edge in
line with each lift the dot stud. Go slow and make sure that you have 2
people streching the canvass from either side and that it is good and
taut. (best to leave the outside ones to the end to ensure a good fit)
As you pierce, place the hard rubber over each stud. Once the holes are
all made through the thick rubber, align the canvass and complete the
hole through the canvass top
4) Install the front tenex fastners which screw together through the
thick rubber and canvass.
5) Fasten them to the front windscreen
6) Using at least 4 people, strech the canvass over your topframe
(ensure that the 2 topframe ribs are in the proper seams in the
canvass. You may have to alter their position by adjusting the clamps
on the webbing)
7) I would suggest that you install 2 lift the dots at a time and retry
the fit each time to ensure that the top stays good and tight
8) When you are satisfied with the fit, (and have gathered up the
courage), commence piercing holes through the canvass exactly where the
lift the dots contact the canvass. Start at the center under the window
and work your way to either side. Again do it slowly and make sure that
the canvass is always stretched tight. (Probably good idea to mark your
holes tight to allow for some stretching of your canvass)
8) once you have located your holes, enlarge them to about 3/16-1/4"
diameter using a very sharp pair of sisors or utility knife. (I tried to
find a punch the correct size but the material is way to hard to
pierce.)
9) Place each male lift the dot centered over it's hole and squeeze it
against the material. (make sure that the lift the dot is facing the
right direction. You should be able to read it correctly from the
outside edge) This will leave 4 marks in the material which is exactly
where you will pierce 4 tiny holes through the canvass.
10) push your male lift the dots through the canvass and place a female
plate on the opposite side and clamp down each of the four tabs using a
pair of pliers or a flat screw driver.
11) repeat steps 8 through 10 until you have installed all the lift the
dots.
12) Voila, your top should be nicely fitted
Good luck,
Barry Shefner
50 TR3A
OTS 57675
jacad@cam.org
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