Feeling hopeful there will be no rain for Carlisle next weekend, I want to go there topless. Any strategies/tips on installing the snaps onto the tonneau?
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Feeling hopeful there will be no rain for Carlisle next weekend, I want to go there topless. Any strategies/tips on installing the snaps onto the tonneau?
Vince says "Show us your rack (luggage that is)"
Same guidance as installing top - leave tonneau in sun for couple hours and do it on a hot sunny day so material is pliable. Easier to do with a third hand (and no beer). Vinyl doesn't shrink up much but stayfast can.
Same guidance as installing top - leave tonneau in sun for couple hours and do it on a hot sunny day so material is pliable. Easier to do with a third hand (and no beer). Vinyl doesn't shrink up much but stayfast can.
Is there a special tool for installing the snaps?
Go to a boat shop or aa awning shop. The quality of the snaps I got from the boat shop were good, all brass. He also had the tool which uses a hammer to crimp the snaps. I think it was $13 for all of it.
There is a special tool that looks like a big C clamp for installing snaps, BUT you can get a DIY version that you hit with a hammer (like Danny mentioned).
There are also snap tops with sharp points on them. They fit over the snap base in the body and you use them to "pin" the boot where you want it. This allows you to stretch it tight and make adjustments before you install any snap tops into the boot.
There are also snap tops with sharp points on them. They fit over the snap base in the body and you use them to "pin" the boot where you want it. This allows you to stretch it tight and make adjustments before you install any snap tops into the boot.
I got a tool at Home Depot that I used a large pair of channel-lock pliers to set the snaps. Is your top installed?
~WB
~WB
I use a inexpensive snap pliers (blue handles)available at "Karens's Curtains" and other fabric/sewing stores...under $10. ~Alan
Picked up the tool tonight. Bill, yes my top is already installed. Perhaps I could use it as a template, or is it just best to lay it out on the car and line it up?
Fold the quarter boot in half mark the center and install a snap the same margin in from the boot edge as you have on the top. Snap it onto the body then do one L then one R snap being careful not to stretch the boot cover.
I must have a similar snap-setting tool as Bill, as it is a couple of pieces that fit onto the jaws of a size S10 pair of vise grips.
WAY superior to that Hammer-set thingie I used to use. In fact, I got another set for the SC garage, too. The snap heads tend to pull apart at the rivet flare, so I replace one or two a year and, with this tool you really can't over or under crimp them once the spacing is set correctly. I've found, though, that lubricating the snaps seasonally with spray-silicone lube works wonders for keeping the snap hats intact (and it doesn't stain).
I also believe that the snaps available from a really good boat or car upholstery shop are superior to anything you'll get from a DIY store like Home Depot.
gn
WAY superior to that Hammer-set thingie I used to use. In fact, I got another set for the SC garage, too. The snap heads tend to pull apart at the rivet flare, so I replace one or two a year and, with this tool you really can't over or under crimp them once the spacing is set correctly. I've found, though, that lubricating the snaps seasonally with spray-silicone lube works wonders for keeping the snap hats intact (and it doesn't stain).
I also believe that the snaps available from a really good boat or car upholstery shop are superior to anything you'll get from a DIY store like Home Depot.
gn
I second that last, Gordon.
I have the blue-handle snap pliers Alan referes to, they seem to work the best for me.