Saw old threads on here about original tops, and some Guys had questions about the Original Tack strips, and Roof Trim. So did but couldn’t find alot, so I thought I would share, as I discover what’s Under it all! My Pop Re did the the top back in the 80’s, so it lasted along time, so now its my turn! Luckily It have a bunch of the Cobra Grain Vinyl left So Im good on that! Enjoy Rick!
Todays Progress: Everything came off nice, no issues except for one bolt on the very last crossbow broke off in the Factory Nut-insert which is normally not a big deal, but since I’m keeping my tack strip in place you can’t get to it so I came up with a little idea, and drilled a tiny hole to put break-loose penetrant. and used a cut off wheel to expose some of the threads, so I could get a good pair of vise grips on it, and work it back-and-forth, back-and-forth almost ran out of material on the Bolt, But finally got it out without drilling, yay! Also, I’m going to fix all the cross bows, re-glue them and I think I can fix the dome light board, I know there’s aftermarket people that build wood but it’s expensive and the wait time is months, and also who knows how accurate it is, nothing better than the original. Plus I’m broke! Enjoy! Thanks Rick
Does anyone have a good solution for a tack strip where the soft material in gone? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Couple more pics for the day I’m Done. Vacation is over Back to Work tomorrow! Bummer! Gotta Pay the bills! Taped up the edge of the chicken wire, so it doesn’t poke holes in the black mat I’m going to put first, on the bows, then the wire, then the cotton then the new vinyl. I don’t want to see the chicken wire from the inside who knows when I’ll have a headliner if ever!
Show your repairs to the wood bows, and dome light, please. I will need to do similar repairs to my 34 Victoria project. Your car looks like a sound body to work with.
here's a link to "jesse's" coupe top that used to be here, but disappeared, and i stumbled onto it at speedway. they used layers of plastic for tac strip, but i think you can buy it thicker. popular with the model T guys for wood tac strip replacement, flexible and you can drive a nail into it. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-toolbox/soft-top-roof-insert-on-a-33-5-window/29156
Thanks RV I saw this ad when I was looking for information before, and it’s cool, except for the after market snap-rail stuff. It reminds me of the Juliano’s top kit, which works for people who have nothing I understand, I’m just thankful and glad I have the original top trim. ( I have been offered $2500 for that trim, but I said no way!!) I think my car is the only one that has chrome. my dad had it plated 35 years ago, and still is decent. I like the low level flush look instead of sticking up. I was thinking you could put that same type of matting in the original tack strip, or roof channel if you still have it, and then still use your original top trim if you have that. My tack strip is still is there, but it’s kind of flaky and has a few divots here and there, so I’m gonna fill it level with some roof/crack sealer that we use at work called Sikaflex. It hardens pretty nice, but still pliable enough to hold staples I think. we shall see??
Great job and even better documentation! I know it's what they did back then, but I wonder how the radio reception was by using the "chicken wire" as the antenna?
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