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Sorry everyone but I=E2=80=99m having a chuckle at the expense of those you h=
aving soft top fitting probs. Someone commented the original patterns should=
have been tested on the car the top was designed to fit, or words to that e=
ffect? =20
If it makes you feel any better, I have many memories of watching men on the=
line trying to fit tops, tonneaux and soft top covers to cars when they wer=
e new. They had major problems too and that part of the line was always a co=
ntinuous sound track of oaths and expletives of getting the damned things to=
fit when the mTerial was cold, unyielding, inflexible and just plain cussed=
.
Take heart. You=E2=80=99re not alone and you=E2=80=99re not the first by any=
means.
Jonmac
Vote for Guy Fawkes! The only man who entered Parliament with honest intenti=
ons.
> On 29 Dec 2020, at 17:58, David Friedlander <forzion7@gmail.com> wrote:
>=20
> I have had a Prestige Twilfast-canvas-type top for my TR6 for the last ten=
+ years. It still looks and fits great! I had it professionally installed a=
nd I've had zero regrets. Not sure how you can see the hoodstick through the=
window....
>=20
> Dave
>=20
>> On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 12:53 PM dave <dave@ranteer.com> wrote:
>> I have a prestige top on my tr6 and I hate it. it really is not the righ=
t size (too narrow) and the rear window is too large, so you can see the hoo=
dstick through it
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> And, just half a dozen years from having it installed, there are glued po=
rtions that have become unglued. Its really awful, and if my options weren=E2=
=80=99t so expensive I would replace it
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> From: Triumphs <triumphs-bounces@autox.team.net> On Behalf Of David Fried=
lander
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2020 11:01 AM
>> To: DAVID MASSEY <dave1massey@cs.com>
>> Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net; dave@mdmackay.ca
>> Subject: Re: [TR] New TR6 top
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> At least the vinyl top has a plasticizer in it. Sunfast tops are NOT goin=
g to stretch no matter what or when. When they're tight, they're tight. Not s=
ure I understand why the various manufacturers don't try out their patterns o=
n actual vehicles and adjust them, especially for when they use fabrics that=
don't stretch. I have a hoodstick cover from Prestige in the UK and have ha=
d a real challenge to get it to stretch to fit the lift-the-dot fasteners pr=
operly. The manufacturer has never actually fitted one to a real TR3 so I do=
n't know how they derive their patterns....
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Dave Friedlander
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Dave
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 11:51 AM DAVID MASSEY <dave1massey@cs.com> wrote:=
>>=20
>> The vinyl material used in tops is produced with a plasticizer which is a=
n additive that makes the vinyl soft, pliable and stretchable. The problem i=
s this product is volatile and will dissipate over time making the top less a=
nd less stretchable. If the top stretched whens installed (and installers d=
on't like wrinkles and the easiest way to remove wrinkles is the stretch the=
top to remove them) it will become more difficult to erect, especially when=
cold. When I rebuilt my TR6 in 1996 a friend gave me a top that was sittin=
g in his basement for 20-odd years (he bought it but his car was totaled bef=
ore he could get it installed). I had that top installed and it was a dream=
to erect and fold the whole time I had it. I attribute that to the fact th=
at it wasn't stretchable when installed.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> My advice is to get your top installed when the weather is cold and the m=
aterial is more resistant to stretching. The installer will pre-stretch the=
top less and it will work better in the long run.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Here's another anecdote: I bought a tonneau for the TR3 which was, in my o=
pinion, cut about 1 inch too short. I installed the Lift-A-Dot snaps as clo=
se to the edges as I could but still could only install it on a hot day in t=
he sun. Since this car lives mostly in the garage the tonneau is virtually p=
ermanently installed and over the years as the cover gets less stretchy it h=
as become easier to install. I think the plasticizer has dissipated and the=
top took a set in the stretched position. So, this raises a question: What=
would happen if one slit some garden hose and placed it over the bows and l=
eft the top up with a little extra stretch. After a while the top will take=
a set with extra slack, perhaps making it easier to put up.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Or buy your top years before you install it.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Dave
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Dave MacKay <dave@mdmackay.ca>
>> To: triumphs@autox.team.net
>> Sent: Mon, Dec 28, 2020 4:41 pm
>> Subject: Re: [TR] New TR6 top
>>=20
>> I, too, have had problems with the Robbins tops although my car is a TR3A=
, not a TR6.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Like Bob with his TR6, my tonneau (and also a convertible top) is so tigh=
t that I can only fit it with great effort even in warm sunny weather. The t=
onneau was installed by professional installers who complained about the fit=
. Robbins was responsive when I complained. I even sent my previous tonneau t=
o them so they could see what fit, but the replacement they sent me after th=
at was no better.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> The top hasn=E2=80=99t stretched or loosened over time. If anything, it m=
ay have shrunk because it seems as hard or harder than ever to put on.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> I would suggest having the top (tonneau or convertible) made by your inst=
aller so that you get a good fit. That would have been cheaper for me than b=
uying the Robbins tonneau and having to pay for two installations.
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> As always, particularly since you=E2=80=99re dealing with a TR6 not a TR3=
A, YMMV
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> Good luck,
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> =20
>>=20
>> ** triumphs@autox.team.net **
>>=20
>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs http://www.team.net/arch=
ive
>>=20
>> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/forzio=
n7@gmail.com
>>=20
>> ** triumphs@autox.team.net **
>>=20
>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs http://www.team.net/arch=
ive
>>=20
>> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/forzio=
n7@gmail.com
> ** triumphs@autox.team.net **
>=20
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs http://www.team.net/archi=
ve
>=20
> Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/triumphs/john.ma=
cartney@ukpips.org.uk
--Apple-Mail-9B749D5A-0498-43C4-A23C-469924C9F529
charset=utf-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<html><head><meta http-equiv=3D"content-type" content=3D"text/html; charset=3D=
utf-8"></head><body dir=3D"auto">Sorry everyone but I=E2=80=99m having a chu=
ckle at the expense of those you having soft top fitting probs. Someone comm=
ented the original patterns should have been tested on the car the top was d=
esigned to fit, or words to that effect? <div><br></div><div>If it mak=
es you feel any better, I have many memories of watching men on the line try=
ing to fit tops, tonneaux and soft top covers to cars when they were new. Th=
ey had major problems too and that part of the line was always a continuous s=
ound track of oaths and expletives of getting the damned things to fit when t=
he mTerial was cold, unyielding, inflexible and just plain cussed.</div><div=
><br></div><div>Take heart. You=E2=80=99re not alone and you=E2=80=99re not t=
he first by any means.</div><div><br></div><div>Jonmac<br><br><div id=3D"App=
leMailSignature" dir=3D"ltr">Vote for Guy Fawkes! The only man who entered P=
arliament with honest intentions.</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><br>On 29 Dec 2020, a=
t 17:58, David Friedlander <<a href=3D"mailto:forzion7@gmail.com";>forzion=
7@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type=3D"cite"><div dir=3D=
"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"font-family:com=
ic sans ms,sans-serif;font-size:large;color:#000099">I have had a Prestige T=
wilfast-canvas-type top for my TR6 for the last ten + years. It still l=
ooks and fits great! I had it professionally installed and I've had zero reg=
rets. Not sure how you can see the hoodstick through the window....</div><di=
v class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"font-family:comic sans ms,sans-serif;font=
-size:large;color:#000099"><br></div><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"f=
ont-family:comic sans ms,sans-serif;font-size:large;color:#000099">Dave</div=
></div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">=
On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 12:53 PM dave <<a href=3D"mailto:dave@ranteer.com=
">dave@ranteer.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote"=
style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);pa=
dding-left:1ex"><div lang=3D"EN-US" style=3D"overflow-wrap: break-word;"><di=
v class=3D"gmail-m_3077276246423130986WordSection1"><p class=3D"MsoNormal">I=
have a prestige top on my tr6 and I hate it. it really is not the rig=
ht size (too narrow) and the rear window is too large, so you can see the ho=
odstick through it<u></u><u></u></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><u></u> <u><=
/u></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal">And, just half a dozen years from having it in=
stalled, there are glued portions that have become unglued. Its really=
awful, and if my options weren=E2=80=99t so expensive I would replace it<u>=
</u><u></u></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><div style=3D"=
border-right:none;border-bottom:none;border-left:none;border-top:1pt solid r=
gb(225,225,225);padding:3pt 0in 0in"><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Tri=
umphs <<a href=3D"mailto:triumphs-bounces@autox.team.net"; target=3D"_blan=
k">triumphs-bounces@autox.team.net</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>David Friedla=
nder<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, December 29, 2020 11:01 AM<br><b>To:</b> DAVID=
MASSEY <<a href=3D"mailto:dave1massey@cs.com"; target=3D"_blank">dave1mas=
sey@cs.com</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href=3D"mailto:triumphs@autox.team.net"; t=
arget=3D"_blank">triumphs@autox.team.net</a>; <a href=3D"mailto:dave@mdmacka=
y.ca" target=3D"_blank">dave@mdmackay.ca</a><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [TR] New=
TR6 top<u></u><u></u></p></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u><=
/p><div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:18pt;font-famil=
y:"Comic Sans MS";color:rgb(0,0,153)">At least the vinyl top has a=
plasticizer in it. Sunfast tops are NOT going to stretch no matter what or w=
hen. When they're tight, they're tight. Not sure I understand why the variou=
s manufacturers don't try out their patterns on actual vehicles and adjust t=
hem, especially for when they use fabrics that don't stretch. I have a hoods=
tick cover from Prestige in the UK and have had a real challenge to get it t=
o stretch to fit the lift-the-dot fasteners properly. The manufacturer has n=
ever actually fitted one to a real TR3 so I don't know how they derive their=
patterns....<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><spa=
n style=3D"font-size:18pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:rgb(0,=
0,153)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><sp=
an style=3D"font-size:18pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:rgb(0=
,0,153)">Dave Friedlander<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"Mso=
Normal"><span style=3D"font-size:18pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";=
color:rgb(0,0,153)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"Ms=
oNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:18pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"=
;color:rgb(0,0,153)">Dave<u></u><u></u></span></p></div></div><p class=3D"Ms=
oNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal">On Tue, De=
c 29, 2020 at 11:51 AM DAVID MASSEY <<a href=3D"mailto:dave1massey@cs.com=
" target=3D"_blank">dave1massey@cs.com</a>> wrote:<u></u><u></u></p></div=
><blockquote style=3D"border-top:none;border-right:none;border-bottom:none;b=
order-left:1pt solid rgb(204,204,204);padding:0in 0in 0in 6pt;margin-left:4.=
8pt;margin-right:0in"><div><div><div id=3D"gmail-m_3077276246423130986gmail-=
m_-4886593744213825898yiv8638386929"><div><div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><=
span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The v=
inyl material used in tops is produced with a plasticizer which is an additi=
ve that makes the vinyl soft, pliable and stretchable. The problem is t=
his product is volatile and will dissipate over time making the top less and=
less stretchable. If the top stretched whens installed (and installer=
s don't like wrinkles and the easiest way to remove wrinkles is the stretch t=
he top to remove them) it will become more difficult to erect, especially wh=
en cold. When I rebuilt my TR6 in 1996 a friend gave me a top that was=
sitting in his basement for 20-odd years (he bought it but his car was tota=
led before he could get it installed). I had that top installed and it=
was a dream to erect and fold the whole time I had it. I attribute th=
at to the fact that it wasn't stretchable when installed.<u></u><u></u></spa=
n></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-f=
amily:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><di=
v><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,san=
s-serif;color:black">My advice is to get your top installed when the weather=
is cold and the material is more resistant to stretching. The install=
er will pre-stretch the top less and it will work better in the long run.<u>=
</u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-=
size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></sp=
an></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-=
family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Here's another anecdote: I bought a ton=
neau for the TR3 which was, in my opinion, cut about 1 inch too short. =
I installed the Lift-A-Dot snaps as close to the edges as I could but still=
could only install it on a hot day in the sun. Since this car lives m=
ostly in the garage the tonneau is virtually permanently installed and over t=
he years as the cover gets less stretchy it has become easier to install.&nb=
sp; I think the plasticizer has dissipated and the top took a set in the str=
etched position. So, this raises a question: What would happen if one s=
lit some garden hose and placed it over the bows and left the top up with a l=
ittle extra stretch. After a while the top will take a set with extra s=
lack, perhaps making it easier to put up.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div=
><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans=
-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"Ms=
oNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:bl=
ack">Or buy your top years before you install it.<u></u><u></u></span></p></=
div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Ar=
ial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p cla=
ss=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"margin-bottom:12pt"><span style=3D"font-size:13.5p=
t;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Dave </span><span style=3D"font-=
size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p=
></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family=
:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p c=
lass=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-seri=
f;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div id=3D"gmail-m_30772=
76246423130986gmail-m_-4886593744213825898yiv8638386929yqtfd03937"><div><p c=
lass=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"margin-bottom:12pt"><span style=3D"font-size:10p=
t;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">-----Original Message-----<br>From:=
Dave MacKay <<a href=3D"mailto:dave@mdmackay.ca"; target=3D"_blank">dave@=
mdmackay.ca</a>><br>To: <a href=3D"mailto:triumphs@autox.team.net"; target=
=3D"_blank">triumphs@autox.team.net</a><br>Sent: Mon, Dec 28, 2020 4:41 pm<b=
r>Subject: Re: [TR] New TR6 top<u></u><u></u></span></p><div id=3D"gmail-m_3=
077276246423130986gmail-m_-4886593744213825898yiv8638386929"><div><div><div>=
<p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-=
serif;color:black">I, too, have had problems with the Robbins tops although m=
y car is a TR3A, not a TR6.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"M=
soNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:b=
lack"> <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span=
style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Like Bob w=
ith his TR6, my tonneau (and also a convertible top) is so tight that I can o=
nly fit it with great effort even in warm sunny weather. The tonneau was ins=
talled by professional installers who complained about the fit. Robbins was r=
esponsive when I complained. I even sent my previous tonneau to them so they=
could see what fit, but the replacement they sent me after that was no bett=
er.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D=
"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> <u></u><u></=
u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt=
;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The top hasn=E2=80=99t stretched o=
r loosened over time. If anything, it may have shrunk because it seems as ha=
rd or harder than ever to put on.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p clas=
s=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;c=
olor:black"> <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"=
><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">I w=
ould suggest having the top (tonneau or convertible) made by your installer s=
o that you get a good fit. That would have been cheaper for me than buying t=
he Robbins tonneau and having to pay for two installations.<u></u><u></u></s=
pan></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font=
-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><=
div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,s=
ans-serif;color:black">As always, particularly since you=E2=80=99re dealing w=
ith a TR6 not a TR3A, YMMV<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"Ms=
oNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:bl=
ack"> <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span s=
tyle=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Good luck,<=
u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"fon=
t-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"> <u></u><u></u></=
span></p></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-fam=
ily:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div></div=
></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p class=3D"MsoNormal">** <=
a href=3D"mailto:triumphs@autox.team.net"; target=3D"_blank">triumphs@autox.t=
eam.net</a> **<br><br>Donate: <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html"; ta=
rget=3D"_blank">http://www.team.net/donate.html</a><br>Archive: <a href=3D"h=
ttp://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs" target=3D"_blank">http://www.team.net=
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.com</a><u></u><u></u></p></blockquote></div></div></div>** <a href=3D"mailt=
o:triumphs@autox.team.net" target=3D"_blank">triumphs@autox.team.net</a> **<=
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t=3D"_blank">http://www.team.net/donate.html</a><br>
Archive: <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/pipermail/triumphs"; rel=3D"noreferre=
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</blockquote></div>
</div></blockquote><blockquote type=3D"cite"><div dir=3D"ltr"><span>** <a hr=
ef=3D"mailto:triumphs@autox.team.net";>triumphs@autox.team.net</a> **</span><=
br><span></span><br><span>Donate: <a href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html=
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