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Triumph TR3 - Min Cost-Max time side curtains

I am in the process of restoring the side curtains on my 59 TR3A-Min cost-max time-DIY. It seems to me that the only way to put the new sliding window into the frame is to cut the frame and insert the window in the channel and then to weld the frame back together. Could there be an easier way by heating the sliding window and bending it until it fits in the channel? Or some other way? The fixed window is not a problem as it can be flexed to install in the channel and then sewed in place by the local upholsterer.
hjr
hjr

The sliding window can be flexed enough to get it in.

I hear you on the time factor. Maybe if you did them all the time it would get easier. I always crack the thin front windows when I'm drilling holes for the thread in the front. Maybe I'm using the wrong stuff, I think they just sewed through the originals.
Tom

The thicker sliding part can be inserted by flexintit a bit. If it's too rigid, try warming it in hot water, then flexing it and slip it in.
Don Elliott

Thanks gentlemen, I will try the warm water method. Also I have noticed that the two windows(LH and RH from TRF) I have have slightly different heights. If I trim(grind) the taller one to the height of the other it should be a little easier to install and probably easier to slide too.
hjr
hjr

Sounds like a plan. I've found that a regular metal file works just fine for a minor adjustment there. Leaves a fairly smooth surface. Maybe round the edges a bit. I've never done it, but you could sand at least the bottom edge a little smoother, too.

You may have the window in and out a few times, I always have. Plexi is pretty strong, I've bent them a long ways without cracking. But I've always just cut my own, never bent the handle into them like the originals. That would make it harder to flex on that side. I superglue a little rectangle of plexi to get a grip in the lower corner.
Tom

HOw do you know what pattern to sew?
chris

If you don't have a respectable one to look at as you go, it's pretty near impossible. But if you have one with covers that are still there, but tatty, you can take them apart and use the pieces for a pattern. A bunch of pics of good ones could make it clear how they're supposed to look, though.

There are 3 different kinds that I know of. Some early ones have a flap that you can lift (to get in the car without door handles, or get a breeze. Later ones don't have a floppy bottom. Aftermarket ones have a rubber seal all the way around the top, and have aluminum frames. Both windows move in them, too.
Tom

Trial fitted both the LH and RH sliding windows in the channel on both side curtains. Using maximum twisting motion from both wrists and major effort the .1 inch thick plastic of sliding windows from TRF went in and out just fine without any breakage or crazing. The shop is about 90 degrees F this time of year so did not put the windows in hot water. Also I removed about .25 inch of plastic across the top of both windows as supplied by TRF before installing them. Did some rounding along the bottom edge of the RH window also. It had a different edge than the LH one and I made them about the same.

Have cut out what I think is the proper sizes of convertible topping from Rochford supply for both side curtains. Will take to upholsterer to sew together soon.
Had to guess the size of the flaps that help seal the inside surface but just used the shape of the frame to and added about a half inch for sewing at the edge all around the outline of the side curtains. Will let you know how that works out.

Would like to have used the same material that the bonnet is made of but could not find a source for about 2 yards of the original design material. Does anyone know if there is a source for Robbins or original convertible topping for use on side screens? Need to practice with the cheap Rochford material anyway.

hjr
hjr

hjr-Contact TRF. They should be able to supply some Robins material. At one time all of the side curtain components were available, including pre-sewn covers.
Berry Price
used to be TR3 owner, but defected to the TR6 ranks.
BTP Price

Practice? After you get through with the first set, you'll not want to do it again soon..

But the second set will be better, I assure you. It's one of those things that you do at the end of a restoration, so that's saying a lot. It's a long road to that point, then in a few years you do it again, smarter and more bent over. Has anyone done a car 3 times?
Tom

Pre-sewn covers? That would be great! So would getting windows from TRF! I have a set of metal frames that need it all. Since Moss doesn't have the side curtains in honey tan, I got the black ones. If the right material came up, and an upholsterer could sew up a set just by looking at the new ones................
You people are great!
chris

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2006 and 16/07/2006

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