Dean,
Those front straps that you describe sound like they are for a TR4A. On
that model, those front straps are fitted with female lift-a-dot snaps and
snap on to their male counterparts that are attached to the inside corners
of the front crossbow (the main frame part that clams down on the top of the
windshield). The elastic hooks that hook on to the windshield frame on a
TR4 top were deleted for the TR4A top, since its operation is quite
different, and their purpose is now served by the aforementioned straps. You
also noted that those hooked straps are missing on your new top. For these
reasons, I think it entirely possible that your MG man ordered a TR4A top
for you. He admittedly knows little of TRs, and he would not be the first
to confuse a 4 with a 4A. For the money you have spent, you deserve the
satisfaction of receiving the proper top for your car.
I hope this information is useful, and good luck getting resolution.
--Chris, TR4A
"Middle aged guy in an Old Man's car" ;)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dean Mericas" <dmericas@limno.com>
To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 7:53 PM
Subject: TR4 top questions
> I just bought a convertible top for my TR4 from a U.S. vendor who sources
> from the UK. The top was special order, and cost more than a Robbins
> replacement, but I wanted a zippered rear window, and this was apparently
> the only available source.
>
> Well, I got the top last week, and there are several non-OEM design
features
> that concern me. Specifically:
>
> 1) There are no hooks provided for the leading corners of the top to
> attach it to the windshield frame corners. Don't these hooks keep the top
> tight across the door opening and ensure that the window seals correctly
> against the top flap? The initial response I got was the hooks are NLA.
> 2) There are no elastic straps fitted to the tops of the door openings.
> Same question as No. 1.
> 3) There are thin straps of sewn top material fitted vertically to the
> inside of either front corner of the top, with the top ends of these
strips
> unattached. I have no idea what these are for.
>
> The vendor tells me he's an MG guy, and doesn't know anything about
Triumph
> tops. He finally agreed to convey my questions back to the manufacturer,
> but between bank holidays and the vendor's travel schedule, I can't seem
to
> get any complete answers.
>
> I'd like to get the group's collective opinion on whether this sounds like
a
> reasonable variation on the OEM design, or should I be thinking that I've
> got a less than acceptable top on my hands. What the heck are the extra
> straps at the forward edges for?
>
> Thanks, as always.
>
> Dean Mericas
> 1965 TR4
> 1974 2000 GTV
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