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Tips on changing regular to Tenax snaps

Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
On original and Vintage tops behind the driver's window there are Murphy snaps. On a Beck, there is Velcro, which, quite frankly, doesn't work very well. On the highway, it pulls open leaving a gap that you can put your fist through. Unfortunately, you can't retrofit Murphy snaps without removing the top. The Beck top is glued on. Therefore, I installed regular snaps on the top and the tonneau. This not only improved the top, but also improved the tonneau retention and made a nicer line when the tonneau is open. Unfortunately, I fitted the snaps in the summer without the side curtains installed AND I added material to them, ala Jack Crosby. This additional pressure causes these snaps to open. Now, I'm planning on replacing them with Tenax. I considered Lift-a-Dot, but decided that those would even be more difficult. I only drive with the top up on long trips or when caught out in the rain. I plan to come to the Smokies this fall, so I only have about 5 months to sort this out :-). Any tips for removing the old and installing the new would be appreciated.

Tom Blankinship

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Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
On original and Vintage tops behind the driver's window there are Murphy snaps. On a Beck, there is Velcro, which, quite frankly, doesn't work very well. On the highway, it pulls open leaving a gap that you can put your fist through. Unfortunately, you can't retrofit Murphy snaps without removing the top. The Beck top is glued on. Therefore, I installed regular snaps on the top and the tonneau. This not only improved the top, but also improved the tonneau retention and made a nicer line when the tonneau is open. Unfortunately, I fitted the snaps in the summer without the side curtains installed AND I added material to them, ala Jack Crosby. This additional pressure causes these snaps to open. Now, I'm planning on replacing them with Tenax. I considered Lift-a-Dot, but decided that those would even be more difficult. I only drive with the top up on long trips or when caught out in the rain. I plan to come to the Smokies this fall, so I only have about 5 months to sort this out :-). Any tips for removing the old and installing the new would be appreciated.
FM Former Member
Tenax snaps need a bigger hole in the canvas. I had to change a couple on my tonneau when I added the top(Spyder). The tonneau were regular and the top uses Tenax. The two snaps just behind the door had to be changed. Tenax snaps thread together.

The studs that thread into the body are kind of fragile. Make sure the holes are big enough! I broke one of the studs and had to drill it out. Use stainless flat washers under the studs so they don't dig into the paint.
I Inter911
I think my Tenax bases were the wood screw kind instead of the screw and nut kind. Some of the holes were a bit too big for the screws so I got 2 part epoxy, the kind that comes in a stick and you cut off a chunk and knead it. I then put pieces of the kneaded epoxy onto the screw behind the bodywork after the base was installed and let it cure. Worked well.
IfrinnIfrinn
Tom,
Tenax fasteners are available with studs and the wood screw type fastenings. Merlot's Tenax fasteners have both. I don't recommend steel washers under the heads. I use nylon washers...rusting then is not a problem. Be sure to get the spanner for tightening the snap pieces through the canvas. I recommend starting in the middle and working to the outside (left and right alternately). I didn't "punch holes, instead I cut X slashes just long enough to let the snap thread to be forced through. Tenax fasteners are readily available on line. They can be purchased in pieces or complete assemblies. A word of Caution...Carey uses the ones manufactured in England. The German ones will not interchange. The male portion and female snaps won't work together. WWII all over again!

Here's the link...http://eagleday.com/tenaxfasteners.html

Call me and I'll help more.

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Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Hi Aaron. I seem to be on the right track. I already received the Tenax fasteners from England. Carey is sending me a couple of nylon washers that will match the ones on the front. I'm only changing the ones that I added to the top behind the windows and the corresponding ones that I added to the tonneau. I don't feel the need to change the ones on the back. I'm still looking for a punch thst's big enough. If I don't find it after one more store, I'll take your approach. Oh, yeah, I also bought the little wrench.
Michael McKelveyMichael McKelveyAnn Arbor Supporting Member
I used a 5/16" pliers type paper punch to make holes for the tenax fasteners. You are welcome to borrow it.

It seems like with a round hole you are less likely to have a tear start from the fastener site. Also, you don't have to worry if your X cuts are to big or too little - the right size hole every time.

I pressed the tonneau over the stud and rubbed a white pencil on the bump. Then I centered the hole in the paper punch over the white mark.
FM Former Member
FYI, I used stainless steel washers and they haven't rusted, last time I checked they don't rust, do they? The snaps have been on for two years in all kinds of weather. I like the punch idea, I have a set of pliers with different sizes on a wheel. Works very nice on leather, vinyl, and canvass. Less chance of a rip with a round hole.

I also figured that Tom's Beck would have the same fasteners that Carey would send him. Aaron is right, there are German and British snaps and they are NOT compatible.
Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Just tried Michael's hole punch. The Stayfast material is way to thick, plus there's a backing layer of velcro. I cut slits with an exacto knife on one side of the top and pushed it through only to find out that I should have ordered the thick material locking nuts. I now have 4 regular UK Tenax locking nuts if anyone wants them.
Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Just to close this out, I'm posting the after pictures. The temps have dipped down here again. Yesterday was sunny, but cold, so a perfect day to test my top snaps with the enhanced side curtains installed at highway speed. Everything worked perfectly. If you look closely on the top photo, you will see the velcro peaking out. It is riveted to the body. I'm done tinkering for this season, but I've made plans with Carey to repaint my car over the winter and remove this velcro, among a few other things.

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