Chris --
You did mention this before, and I found the same photos in my reference
books. The manufacturer acknowledges that the TR4A had the straps, but also
claims they work for the TR4, just twisted 90 degrees and attached to the
windscreen frame. Seems like a bodge to me, but he claims no one has ever
complained before, and is standing by the statement.
Personally, I think I've been sold an inferior top, and have suggested that
I simply return it for a refund. The response has been "It's white, and we
don't get many calls for white, so we probably can't take it back". I'm
getting pretty fed up with the attitude. I'm seeking the group's input to
make sure that I'm not off base on this.
Dean
1965 TR4
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Bohn [mailto:cbohn@sidepipe.com]
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 3:28 PM
To: Dean Mericas; triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: TR4 top question - revisited
Dean,
I think I sent this info to you before. Those straps are a dead-on
description of the straps that one finds on TR4A tops. The TR4A has a true
"convertible" top as opposed to the TR4 "roadster" top. They are quite
different. On the TR4A, those straps are fitted with female button snaps,
and the male snap counterparts are fitted to the inside corners of the TR4A
top crossbow piece. You snap the straps to those corners and it keeps
things right -- supposedly. In truth, it did not work that well and Triumph
redesigned some of the details with the TR5/250 (velcro, etc.), resulting in
the deletion of those straps and snaps. If you have a TR4A owner's manual,
or an official workshop manual for the TR4/4A, there is a photo in there of
how the TR4A top gets folded when in the down position. A keen eye will be
able to discern those very straps with snaps, snapped to the crossbow piece.
Chris
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dean Mericas" <dmericas@limno.com>
To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 7:02 AM
Subject: TR4 top question - revisited
> I'm still trying to sort out the top that I got recently for my TR4, and
I'm
> hoping you folks can help me gain some perspective.
>
> What the issue boils down to is a pair of mystery straps that are mounted
on
> the inner flaps at the corners where the top meets the windscreen frame.
> The original design has a hook installed on either leading corner, but
these
> hooks are absent. The elastic strap that normally runs long the top of the
> side windows is also absent.
>
> The mystery straps are sewn along the lower edge of the inner flaps, and
> oriented vertically. The vendor tells me he's an MG guy and doesn't know
> anything about TRs, and the manufacturer in the UK tells me this is the
way
> they are made, and I should twist the strap 90 degrees and attach it to
the
> inside of the windscreen frame. This doesn't seem right to me, in part
> because it will put a wrinkle/twist ion the flap.
>
> I'm starting to wonder if I'm being too anal about this. Has anyone else
> encountered this type of design and found a happy solution? FWIW, the
> manufacturer is Don's Hoods in the UK.
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