1962 tack strip replacement

[Kenneth F.]

How difficult is it to replace the tack strip that holds the T-nuts on a 1962 convertible top windshield header? The vendor for the new tack strip said it slides into the dovetail channel. Has anyone had success with this? The old tack strip is not damaged, just old.

Thanks, Ken

[Don H.]

Re: 1962 tack strip replacement

Ken,
I replaced all the tack strips in my '60 over 25 years ago so my memory is faint but I do remember it was not easy. Possibly it was my method as I had never done it before and did not have any advice on how to do it.
Good luck, Don H.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1962 tack strip replacement

Ken, the front hardtop weatherstrip slides (not easily) into a dove tail channel.
I believe the tack strips on a convertible are put into the channel's with a hammer.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 tack strip replacement

Bruce, The new tack strip that holds the T-nuts has the sides cut to an angle that looks similar to the dovetailed channel in the windshield header. If the new tack strip was hammered in, the dovetailed channel would not appear to be needed. If the new one cannot be slid in, I think I should leave the original alone. I just want to be sure, before destroying the old tack strip, and finding that installing a new one was not the best plan.

Ken

[Don H.]

Re: 1962 tack strip replacement

I think there is something that can be put on old tack strips to fill in the holes to avoid replacing but I'm not sure what that substance is. Don H.

[Kenneth F.]

Re: 1962 tack strip replacement

Don, I used 3M, 08011 black weatherstrip adhesive for the new tack strips in the bow forward of the window and two that hold the pads. I found that this adhesive holds well with the fiberboard and was surprised how it soaks into the fiberboard. I ended up putting a thin coat on top of the fiberboard. It dries completely and might keep moisture out. This adhesive should fill in staple holes.
I will probably do a little more research before deciding about trying to install a new tack strip that holds the T-nuts.

Thanks, Ken