It is often said that the best time to fit a soft top is during a mild spring or autumn day. If fitted in midsummer, the material stretches too easily and will sag loosely once the cold season arrives. In winter, the fabric becomes stiff and must be thoroughly warmed before it can be stretched neatly into place.
Here in Tateshina, the window of warm daytime sunlight is short during autumn. We place the hood in the sun to soften it thoroughly, then fit it in one go during the warmer afternoon. The TR3A top requires a bit of technique, but after many installations, the process feels natural.
Once again, the tension and snap alignment came together perfectly, resulting in a taut and elegant profile—just as a proper British roadster should have. We’ll keep it fitted for a while to allow the material to settle naturally.