1973 Triumph TR6 Restoration - part 36 - Soft top

The soft top is something that I wasn't looking forward to, because I haven't taken it apart and I have no idea how to put it back together. Luckily the 74 TR6 still has the top partially attached so I could check how it is done and get some confidence. Let's see what is going to happen.

[@davidfidler1174]

The extra holes on the B post are for a hardtop installation. The front rail was supposed to be loose to allow some flex when folding and clamping the top down. Don’t forget the foam wedge at the front of the frame under the Velcro. These stop wind from whistling where the window seals (also stops water coming in. Another tip is to put some furry side. Velcro along the tops of the frame hoops, it stops them wearing into the vinyl. I’ve installed several soft tops over the years, if you’re unsure about anything please don’t hesitate to ask.

[@davidfidler1174]

The webbing at the front attaches to the header rail by going wrapping around over the top of the little keeper plate bracket first, this hides the rivets and keeps the webbing against the soft top so it doesn’t flap in the wind. Also, when you glue the front of the top down it goes underneath the channels that hold the rubber header seal in place. There’s usually a chalk line on the top, ignore it, it’s only for alignment. To get lots of tightness in the top, I put a couple of 6” pieces of timber on top of the windshield frame and then wrap the vinyl around the header so it’s taught. This way, when you clamp the top down it pulls everything’ really tight. It’s hard to explain. I have photos of you need reference. I also wrote articles in 6-PACK and Ragtop magazines on how to do this. I can’t post photos here, perhaps you could IM me your email address?

[@RustyBeauties]

Thanks David, I get exactly what you mean about the 6" pieces of lumber. I've done that before on a Citroen DS21 and used the exact same technique. The webbing wrapped around the keeper makes sense, you are right, but it is too late now, I cut the extra webbing already, but I think it will be fine. Thanks again!

[@markrobinson8539]

I had a soft top fitted to my hardtop model TR6 in 1980. I ordered all the parts for the fitter. I seem to recall that different shorter rivets were called out to attach the webbing to the front rail. They had a different part number to the other rivets in the sort top assembly. I supplied the drawings to the fitter but they didn't follow them. The result was that the webbing rivets on the front rail could be seen pressing from below into the vinyl. They made small raised marks that could be seen from outside.

[@mikerla60]

@@markrobinson8539 Mark do you remember what length the shorter rivets were?

[@markrobinson8539]

@@mikerla60 I replied to you with details but my post was removed

[@markrobinson8539]

The part number is 568515 Rivet, Imex (Pop rivet), securing channels to header rail

[@josephingarra649]

What was your remedy for the window alignment. My window doesn't seal well when all the way up. Thanks

[@ericgeisen4090]

What a horrible job......but you managed well!!

[@ralphcap2476]

Great job Elin can't wait for the finished project.

[@johnhartley3596]

Nice.

[@sylvainbecam4342]

Bonjour J’adore vos vidéo. Celle-ci m’a bien aidé pour réfléchir au montage de ma capote qui se prépare. Je possède un TR6 de 73. Auriez-vous une vidéo qui montre le montage électrique des feux de recul mais aussi de l’éclairage du coffre ? Merci beaucoup Cordialement Sylvain

[@cutworm59]

Wow Elin, that's lots more work than the tops on our Spitfires. Zowie!

[@RustyBeauties]

Yeah, but then it is so much easier to put it up and down. I had times with the spit when it started raining and by the time I put the top up the sun was back up again LOL

[@markdrukenbrod9475]

Simple for you, Elin. You lost me when you picked up the scissors!

[@RustyBeauties]

LOL, that is actually what I went to school for. I was in the textile industry for over 20 years

[@cheftush]

Looking good.

[@kge420]

Always been one of my favorite soft tops with the reflective strips.

[@RustyBeauties]

Yeah? I like it too. Hope all is well, Keith!

[@kge420]

All good my friend. Slow and steady, this bone growing business takes time. The TR6 looks beautiful.

[@49dodgeguy]

Looks like a sticky situation ! Now I have an idea of how to install my top,,,, Many thanks Elin

[@RustyBeauties]

I hope I will finally see yours done :) What are you going to do in the winter without it :)