Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

[928cdu]

Hi there,
I'm just about to have the rigid sidescreens in my Triumph based Roadster recovered. At 35 years old, they don't owe me anything !

The originals have a rather agricultural but functional cabinet latch (see picture IMG_2396.JPG)

In a way they work nicely as they keep the screen in place, lifting it slightly against the wooden door top. But they look a bit naff !

Any suggestions what I could use as an alternative ? I guess lotus-7 like straps could be one answer, but there must be others ..

Anyway, would appreciate hearing about alternatives before I get down to B&Q & find some modern equivalents to the originals !

BTW I would love to know why the Marina based cars never appeared to have rigid sidescreens like these, they make the car so much more usable with the roof down ?

All the best .. Richard

[b_caswell]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Hi Richard,
None of the original Triumph or Marina roadsters had rigid side screens supplied by Marlin some people made their own, very late in YKC production an after market
side screen was produced but didn't seem to be that popular.

I must admit I prefer the vinyl side screens that will fit behind the seats when not required.

You could look at the system Morgan use that mounts into the top of the door.

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Thanks Ben, you learn something new every day !

I found these on Woolies site... they look the best bet for a more professional look, other than the B&Q route !

1158.jpg & 1159.jpg

Once I get the new ones made-up, I will post some pictures and give a plug to the person that is making them ...

[michael47]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

G'Day Richard
I am one of those Marina based kit owners without top or side curtains and being in Canada I do not have any Marlins to copy can you post some photos of your side curtains as I am trying to design something that I can build.
Thanks
Michael

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Hi Michael, Take a look at these .. these are currently being re-covered for me. They are similar to the lotus-7 design. wire frame (in shape of outer perimiter) followed by a another strengthening wire at the bottom of the window frame & then a small plate welded between the two to hold some type of latch/catch. let me know if you have any more questions. I will be happy to post photos of the new versions ! These are of a 1981 vintage !!!!

IMG_2385.JPG
IMG_2386.JPG
IMG_2387.JPG

[michael47]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

G'Day Richard
That is just what I was looking for if and when you have them apart I would like to see what the frames look like.34 years same car! that is fantastic . I won't own mine that long I am 70 but it will be mine until I can not drive any more and even then it probably will just be retired to the garage .Any pictures of the latch system and how it attaches to the top of the doors would be great.I like the way they attach to the windshield (wind screen ) quite simple and easy duplicate Thank you very much, those photos have changed my mind I had decided that side screens were going to too difficult to build but as soon as i finish this note I will start looking for suitable wire I have already have found a fellow who repairs convertible tops to do the vinyl parts.
Michael

Hi Michael, Take a look at these .. these are currently being re-covered for me. They are similar to the lotus-7 design. wire frame (in shape of outer perimiter) followed by a another strengthening wire at the bottom of the window frame & then a small plate welded between the two to hold some type of latch/catch. let me know if you have any more questions. I will be happy to post photos of the new versions ! These are of a 1981 vintage !!!!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8267[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]8268[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]8269[/ATTACH]

[michael47]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

One more quick question What is the diameter of the wire ,it looks to be about 5/16"
Thanks

Hi there,
I'm just about to have the rigid sidescreens in my Triumph based Roadster recovered. At 35 years old, they don't owe me anything !

The originals have a rather agricultural but functional cabinet latch (see picture [ATTACH]8230[/ATTACH])

In a way they work nicely as they keep the screen in place, lifting it slightly against the wooden door top. But they look a bit naff !

Any suggestions what I could use as an alternative ? I guess lotus-7 like straps could be one answer, but there must be others ..

Anyway, would appreciate hearing about alternatives before I get down to B&Q & find some modern equivalents to the originals !

BTW I would love to know why the Marina based cars never appeared to have rigid sidescreens like these, they make the car so much more usable with the roof down ?

All the best .. Richard

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Hi Michael, I will try to answer that (wire gauge) when I get the screens back, they are currently being recovered.

You also asked if I could photograph them without vinyl etc. sorry can't do that as they are already recovered, but if you read my earlier description that will be a good starting point. I will re-photo the 'new' ones for you too, probably next weekend, as I'm away at the mo'. Cheers ..Richard

[Blue Marlin]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

I had this type of side screen on my Dutton Phaeton back in the 80's. I really liked the fact that you keep them on but still run top down. The biggest problem I had was that as the Dutton has no running boards I used to get a bit damp as the spray off the front wheels would get under the bottom edge, usually at the back corner.
The roof attachment to the windscreen was simplify itself. It had a small pocket stitched under the front edge of the hood into which you inserted two hacksaw blades after removing the teeth. This tucked into a gap at the top of the outside of the windscreen where no sealant had been applied.
I am thinking of using this idea if / when I get a roof made from scratch.

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

A length of that flexible yet semi-rigid 15mm plumbing hose (the grey stuff) threaded through the top of the side-screen and routed into the hole for the hood stick (in the rear tub) can work well (at moderate speeds..!)...assuming the sidescreen is clipped to the windscreen upright and the door.
Admittedly not very aesthetic (or practical, for those who like doors & windows to open simultaneously)...but a cheap & cheerful solution

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Hi,
Finally pictures of recovered rigid side screens and reconditioned hood (new window and splits repaired)..
Very happy with the result. Best it's looked since around 1983 !

This work was done by a lovely lady called Tina based near Dudley. She can be contacted on the following email address. [email protected], she specialises in kit car side screen and hood repairs..

IMG_2463.JPG
IMG_2468.JPG
IMG_2461.JPG
IMG_2466.JPG

Let me know if you have any questions

[Cameron F]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

looks fab - and thanks for the link Im sure there will be many making a note of that email address!
C

[michael47]

Re: Triumph Roadster Sidescreens .. there's a catch ...

Hi,
Finally pictures of recovered rigid side screens and reconditioned hood (new window and splits repaired)..
Very happy with the result. Best it's looked since around 1983 !

This work was done by a lovely lady called Tina based near Dudley. She can be contacted on the following email address. [email protected], she specialises in kit car side screen and hood repairs..

[ATTACH]8316[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]8317[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]8318[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]8319[/ATTACH]

Let me know if you have any questions

They look great