Have read Q&A on installing tack strips. Still not clear.
I purchased tack strip kit, two long pieces plus short pieces.
There is three cross members as I see requiring tack strips.
What am I missing?
Help
Thanks
Max

 

Curious of the answer as well but can add that I think the tack strips are only for the front crossmember, not all three.

 

What are you doing? The only tack strips I am familiar with are part of the convertible top installation.

 

Bonding strips

 

That is exactly what I am talking about. The soft top frame.
There are three cross members, each having a grove to accommodate a tack strip. The third crossmember, counting from front to back, has a different appearance, construction, then the two front members. It is much sturdier than the other two.
I am contacting Willcox to get the facts.
I will post the results.
Plus what is the method to press the tack strips in place.
Thanks
Max

 

Response from Willcox
Support these guys if you can.
Very helpful and responsive.

Hi Max-

The tach strip, long with the pointed or tapered ends is for the header bottom. Held in place by tabs made on the header bow.

The tach strip, long with squared ends is for the number 2 bow. from end to end.

There are six short sections
Two go on the end of the header upper, two go on the end area of the third and forth bows. On the third and forth bow between the edge tach strips was a felt, it was inserted in the bow to keep the top from rubbing and offer support.

How do you install them.. We use tool we made here, but I suppose you could use something like a socket extension just under the width of the groove for the strip, and then just tap them in place.

It sounds easy... it's not. It's a lot of work putting a top on.. I've done tops for years and I don't like doing them either. I've documented the last three we've done on our facebook page but none of them were 68-75 tops. So until I do get something done, my advice is for you to:

A) follow the instructions that came with the to a T... and

B) Go read this article... http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/33283/ I agree with most of what is in this article, funny too we use plug wires to hold the rear top in place while the weatherstrip is being installed...

If you have two tops.. you must install the hardtop first and fit the door glass to the hardtop. Once you do this you then fit the soft top frame to the door glass with the weatherstrips installed on the sides and two towels wrapped around the header (to act like a weatherstrip) and a couple around the rear bow (same reason, except you are also preventing a scratch to the rear deck). Once you have the soft top frame adjusted then you remove the side weatherstrips and the rear bow. Next you install the rear of the soft top and the rear bow weatherstrip to the rear bow and then the straps. Next install the pads to the soft top frame... Then install the rear bow.. Then you start installing the top on the frame..