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Got my stepson moved just before the rain came so now its back to business on the TD. Wanted to put the snaps on the body but rain has again forced me indoors. So…I have never dealt with convertible tops before and am wondering what is the best tool to use for the snaps. Putting the snap on the body seems to be a no brainer. But getting the snap into the top , side curtain, and tonneau material is something that I have never tackled. MG Magic makes a tool kit for that but I haven’t a clue what it looks like and don’t know if that’s good enough to get the job done.
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackAllen, I am unsure which snaps you are talking about. I assume that you are talking about installing the small round snaps in the canvas of the top?? If so, I would recommend going to a boating supply store where you can hold the tool in your hand and you will know which is junk. And there are a lot of junky snap tools out there, – I have 3 or 4. Try West Marine.
Allen, Lowes Home Improvement and True Value Hardware stores carry the snaps and the tool to install them. Sometimes they are sold as a kit. The tool is a small cup with the sides shaped to hold the button part of the snap while you use a special punch ,also included in the kit to brad the end of the button inside the piece that snaps over the part you attach to the car with a screw.
These may be the junky type that Roy referred to,but they are cheap. I have found that it helps to set the cup on a solid piece of wood like a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 . Be careful ,they are real finger mashers.There is probably a more expensive tool , but these will do the job if you are careful. It ‘s the kind of thing you may never need again once the snaps are installed.I did my entire car with the tool Larry describes, $4.49 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/30pc-Screw-In-Snap-Replacement-Tools/dp/B005Z4EF8O
You can also use a vise-grip type, like this, for about $50
http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/installation
PMOSSBERG2013-01-06 17:55:55
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
$50! Wow, I gotta go to the bank tomorrow and put my old (very old) snap pliers in my safe deposit box.
Tomorow during lunch I’ll swing by the boat shop and see what they have ans at what price. Might also find something like that at Fastenal which is on the next street over from my house. Thanks for all the help.
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackOne last question. This is about the snaps. How do the snaps hold up? I’m not going to be replacing them constantly am I?
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackAllen, if I was to do it again I would do lift the dot like was on MGB with latches at the back. just thinking. Dan R
I agree with Dan about lift-a-dot snaps being better. I would use them at the corners. Or the toggle style at the corners. I’m going to put one of these types on the top of the windscreen and also on the front bottom of the side curtain.
First installed in 1983. Still fine.
About ten years ago, had one male snap pull loose from the fiberglass. I krazy-glued a wall board screw holder into the fiberglass, screwed the snap back in…and all’s well.
Use one of these to remove the top instead of just pulling on the vinyl:
http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/IP-0081.JPG
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
I also use one of those snap/unsnap tools that Paul shows. They cost way more than they should but they work as advertised. I should say that I towed my MiGi over 1500 miles last year and I did not hesitate to tow at 70mph. This is probably part of the reason that I said to put lift-a-dots along the leading edge of the side curtains and on the ends where the top attaches to the tub.
Went to the local noat shop today. They have the same snap tool that Paul showed but want 19.98 for it. So I ordered the tool on Amazon. Thanks Paul.
Still have the lift-a-dots in the back of my head. Might get a set of those as well.Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackHint for your sticky hard to fasten/unfasten snaps.. put a little bar soap on them or candle wax. No more tuggin and pullin. I’ve never had one come loose in the wind so it dosen’t effect the holding power. Works on levis too.
As long as we are on the subject of snaps i need to replace a few of mine originally i planned on replacing my top and boot but i havent been able to sell a building i have for sale so i might have fix instesd. the problem is mine seemed to have torn out leaving a larger hole is there a canvas reinforcer you can buy
Greg,
Maybe one of these might work, if you put it in the underside, punch new holes through it and set new female snaps. All three have way more material than you need. But I haven’t found anything smaller. Stopping by a boat shop might turn up alternatives.
http://www.go2marine.com/product/97152F/boat-cover-repair-kit.htmlhttp://www.go2marine.com/product/91275F/taylor-made-boat-cover-reinforcement-material.html
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
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