Convertible top tack strip installation question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Convertible top tack strip installation question
I ordered a new top along with new tack strips. The tack strips are plastic and will not fit down into the frame channels because they are to wide. Is this normal? Do they have to be trimmed? :confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 947
Likes: 46
From: Saint Cloud Florida
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (68rdstr)
Having seen the plastic type , I could not see how the rear strip would fit well in the channel. So I chose to buy the original fiber type from Ecklers. It fit properly and worked great. Ecklers goes on to say the rubber strips won't hold tacks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (gtr1999)
You can force the plastic/rubber tack strips into the channels. You might have to do some trimming, but you want them tight. In some places, I used double thicknesses of the tack strip. Where I used a double thickness, I glued, and then stapled the strips on top of eachother. Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (Chuck Gongloff)
I used the hard rubber strips and used a pair of those body type flat Vise-Grips to press them into the grooves. It took awhile, but they fit VERY tight and worked great. I did spend a while cleaning out the groves and used 3M adhesive in the groove (very little) for insurance. My front header was rusted a bit, and the tabs that hold the front tack strip were gone. I had to rivet it, but will replace the header and re-do the front.
Hans
Hans
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 947
Likes: 46
From: Saint Cloud Florida
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (gtr1999)
Actually there is not much need for tacks, maybe in the rear strip. most of the installation is done with staples, 3/8 in most areas except the front 1/4 and 3/8 there. Stainless steel staples are a good idea.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,991
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (gkvetteuno)
Thanks for the correction, I meant Staples instead of Tacks. I just picked up a pneumatic stapler from Harbor freight for $25 it should work good for this job. I have to find out who sells the ss staples though.
Gary
Gary
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (68rdstr)
Thanks guys for all the replies. Sorry I couldn't get back sooner but I'm working the swing shift. I shoulda known it wasn't going to be easy.
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (68rdstr)
Thanks guys for all the replies. Sorry I couldn't get back sooner but I'm working the swing shift. I shoulda known it wasn't going to be easy.
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (Alwyn678)
Thanks guys for all the replies. Sorry I couldn't get back sooner but I'm working the swing shift. I shoulda known it wasn't going to be easy.
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
How much...........?? Guy is charging me 300 bucks :eek:
I have located a local guy that has experience with convertible tops. He even makes house calls.
How much...........?? Guy is charging me 300 bucks :eek:
I'll post it when I find out.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (Alwyn678)
Alwyn678,
I talked to the guy this morning about coming over and doing the top install. I put on the tack strips, furnish the air compressor and he'll bring all the other tools/supplies needed. Price $150.00. The fellow that I gaveme his number says he does good work and has done his 66, his sons 65 another 68. After my new weatherstripping arrives and I get the tack strips installed I'll give him a call and set up a time.
I talked to the guy this morning about coming over and doing the top install. I put on the tack strips, furnish the air compressor and he'll bring all the other tools/supplies needed. Price $150.00. The fellow that I gaveme his number says he does good work and has done his 66, his sons 65 another 68. After my new weatherstripping arrives and I get the tack strips installed I'll give him a call and set up a time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (68rdstr)
Alwyn678,
I talked to the guy this morning about coming over and doing the top install. I put on the tack strips, furnish the air compressor and he'll bring all the other tools/supplies needed. Price $150.00. The fellow that I gaveme his number says he does good work and has done his 66, his sons 65 another 68. After my new weatherstripping arrives and I get the tack strips installed I'll give him a call and set up a time.
I talked to the guy this morning about coming over and doing the top install. I put on the tack strips, furnish the air compressor and he'll bring all the other tools/supplies needed. Price $150.00. The fellow that I gaveme his number says he does good work and has done his 66, his sons 65 another 68. After my new weatherstripping arrives and I get the tack strips installed I'll give him a call and set up a time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Convertible top tack strip installation question (68rdstr)
The Last Detail. Also, That's a beautiful paint job!
[Modified by 68rdstr, 9:29 AM 9/19/2002]
[Modified by 68rdstr, 9:29 AM 9/19/2002]
