Convertible Soft Top Hood

By the time Triumph had started the mass production of the TR6 cars in the very late 1960s – they had refined and updated the Convertible Soft Top Hood over a number of years – resulting in the TR5/TR250 design being subsequently widely considered as one of the most functional and well-designed Hood of this era. Due to this impressive initial design – TR6 cars used the same template as the TR5/TR250 – with only one major change – and this was the inclusion of a zip-out central Window panel. Barring this, and the addition of a reflective silver strip around the rear and outside edges of the Hood, for all USA exported cars – all other aspects of the Soft Top remained the same as the TR5/250.  The metal stick framework – around the area above the top of the door glass – included metal “U” channels containing rubber seals and velcro. The rubber seals were used to direct the flow of running water, whilst the velcro attached to the associated velcro on the material Hood.  The front edge of the Hood remained an unsewn edge with excess material allowing it to be wrapped around the header rail, with the three-piece metal channel and rubber seal then being attached to the hood frame metalwork – with two levers/handles used for securing and releasing to and from the header rail. Again, the rear edge of the Hood featured some excess material on the underside which was wrapped around a metal assembly bar which was then bolted to the rear deck bodywork of the car – with plastic press studs used around the rear section for attaching the Hood Frame or Tonneau Cover. As with all of the previous designs from the TR4 onwards – the Soft Top Hood also included the 3 rear window set up; with the left and right quarter windows HF/RF welded into position – but the main centre window was sewn in with a zipper on all edges barring the rear edge – allowing it to be “opened” to allow air to flow into the cabin area. As with previous models – an additional left to right flap was sewn in the middle of the underside of the Soft Top with studs inserted – which was used to wrap around the horizontal Hood Frame rod above the drivers head, and secure in place.

The majority of Triumph TRs left the factory with PVC Hooding – this is effectively a pvc vinyl plastic material with a waterproof membrane, and featuring a grain in the surface of the material to imitate vinyl/leather. The actual material used was Everflex (known as “British Everflex”) – which was an ICI trade name for PVC Hooding (think “sticky tape” and “sellotape”!). Some special-order models may have left with Deluxe Mohair Canvas. The clear plastic windows at the back were made in a Vybak plastic. The TR4 to TR6 Soft Tops all seem to have been available in either White, possibly Off-White, or Black Everflex from the factory production line.

Here at John Skinners, we have patterns and templates for the Triumph TR6 Soft Top Hood, all designed using the factory designs and donor cars – of which John has owned a few himself. These same patterns and manufacturing processes have all been used consistently for 40 years – to good effect with our kits winning many awards the world over. However, please be under no illusions – the Weather Equipment elements (Soft Top Hood and Tonneau Covers) are tricky to fit, even for an experienced trimmer. We strongly urge you and your professional trimmer to contact us for directions on the best methods for fitting these items, as some fitment processes are irreversible. These parts are not meant to be easy to fit – that’s why when they are done correctly, the material is as tightly pulled and tort as a drum. Remember that a well-made kit still requires skill and attention to detail in order to fit it successfully, but a badly made kit will never yield good results. Don’t leave this to chance – use a John Skinner kits, and ensure you fully understand the process of fitting before you start.

We can offer these kits in the original PVC “Everflex” Hooding, or in the more premium Deluxe Mohair Canvas material, in a variety of colours to suit both the “as original” enthusiasts, or those after a more custom finish to their restoration.

You may wish to consider our Tonneau Cover and Hood Frame “Envelope” Cover to complete the external “Weather Equipment” set.

DETAILS

• Available in automotive-grade PVC Hooding (Everflex) or Deluxe Mohair Canvas.
• Three plastic “Vybak” windows, supplied with the zip-out rear central window.
• Edged with the traditional “e” cross-section binding edge finish – where the material edge trim material tucks round on itself meaning no raw material backing is exposed.
• Velcro is sewn to left and right channel edges to match up with the velcro on the metal framework.
• Includes excess material on the front edge for re-trimming of header rail during the fitment process, and excess material on the rear edge underside for covering the rear deck assembly bar.
• All “Female” Stud fixings are included. These are supplied loose, not pre-inserted – see FAQs for more information.

Why JSM?

• Made in England, only 50 miles away from the original production line.
• We source only the highest quality raw materials to manufacture our products – demonstrated by using on the premium versions of both the PVC and Mohair Hooding ranges. In both of these materials, there are cheaper alternatives available which many other suppliers opt to use. Please see the FAQs for more information on this.
• John Skinners offer the widest range of colour options on the market – including all the correct original colour combinations, as well as many more custom shades.
• Worldwide material and colour samples service is available upon request, to ensure you get the look and finish your car deserves.
• Our kits are manufactured using the same methods and templates that we have used to great success for 40+ years. Rest assured, we know they fit!
• JSM has contributed to various notable Triumph restorations including TS01, and the much-publicised Triumph TR2 “Jabbeke“ MVC575 restoration project. We also worked closely with Mark Macy of Macy’s Garage (USA) on his wife’s TR4 – becoming the only Triumph TR to ever score the perfect 100-point score in the TRA Concours D’Elegance – back in 2018. Mark Macys own TR4 came in second place, at the same show – also with JSM trimmed fitted.
• Access to help and advice when it comes time to fit these weather equipment parts – we have been making and fitting these same parts for a long time – we know all the tricks, and we are more than happy to assist you or your trimmer should you get stuck.