I’ve got reproduction (aluminum) 32 ford top I steer tack strips, they are straight. Does anyone have any recommendations or know of any available info on how to form them to the correct curvature without kinking or distorting them badly in the process? I need to get the top insert on my 32 sedan done as soon as I can. Thanks in advance for any help/advice. -Brian
I did them for the top of my ‘32 Tudor but it was about 15 years ago. As I recall I made some flexible plastic strips that fit snugly in the center slot to keep it from closing or distorting then formed the curves very gradually, using a small hammer and a backup to keep the flanges from kinking or buckling as I went. I may have used a little bit of heat, I’m not sure. It was not easy or fun but they came out pretty nice. I’m pretty sure I ordered an extra stick of material and may have used it to figure out the process. Sorry, no pictures except for the finished product.
Friend of mine did a set for his deuce tudor and he made a set of hardwood dies to bend the corners. He also bought an extra strip which he needed as went thru the learning curve.
Even if you manage to build a forming tool to make the bend, the next trick is to start the form in the right place, because you won't be able to move it afterwards. And to make building a forming tool difficult, the front and the rear radius are different.
5w. Then UPAC has some straight pieces of the material. You fit the coupe front and rear piece then cut the straight pieces. Works great, Son did his fordor. I did my 5 W.
I use this kind, form as you go. Yes, it sux, but the results are stunning when done right. Seal the top material, seal the top nails, seal the nails in the channel before it folds over. I smooth filed and brush painted this one, an all original Packard. Hope this helps. 1 trick, for nails stay just above the nail head with a small dia drift vs resting on it. More force faster when you tap em in.
theHIGHLANDER was working on a Packard, not a ‘32 Ford. The Ford roof has distinctive contours that may not be compatible with the trim he was using. I have used the straight aluminum strips (see my post above) on my sedan and the UPAC trim on my 5 window. I wasn’t aware that UPAC sold straight pieces but if their front and rear trim pieces for either the 3W or 5W fit the sedan they would be easier than bending the aluminum. They’re not inexpensive though.
The trim I used on that Packard, and others before it, came from Snyders in OH. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ It is NOT Packard specific. It is in fact aluminum wireon and fits it the valley of most top inserts around the roof of closed early 30s cars. This: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=978325&cat=41754
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