1956-1960 Rear bow

[Al E.]

I have purchased a bow from Vette parts of Michigan. The bow was not aluminum and it had a hard rubber tack strip. is this correct? Or should it have the harden cardboard for a tack strip in rear bow (that lays on the deck lid)

Does anyone have a photo of the correct part?.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

The bow is steel and the original tack strip was hard fiberboard. The standard replacement tack strip is hard plastic, but you can order the original type of tack strip if you want it. Speaking from experience, you will need to use an air compressor-driven staple gun. A hand held staple gun that works on a spring will not force the staples in deep enough. Be sure you get the correct length staples or when you insert them, the ends will hit the back of the steel bow and not go in deep enough. I can't remember what the correct length is.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

I have purchased a bow from Vette parts of Michigan. The bow was not aluminum and it had a hard rubber tack strip. is this correct? Or should it have the harden cardboard for a tack strip in rear bow (that lays on the deck lid)

Does anyone have a photo of the correct part?.

Al-----


I think the hard rubber tack strip is superior to the original fiberboard type. Who is ever going to see the tack strip?

[Al E.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

Joe you are right. I will try to install it this week. . I need to sand blast the rest of the frame then paint it. I will use an air gun to put the staples in the tack.. I know I wont be able to get it with my hand stapler.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

Just to reiterate, use the correct length so the staples go all the way into the tack strip, but do not hit the steel bow. I wish I had known this info when I tackled the soft top on my 1960 a few years ago. Good Luck

[Al E.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

Joe,

how did your top turn out? I have try it on my64 Impala and a 67 Camaro..All did not go so good.. but my confidence level was high as hell, just not the quality of the work.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956-1960 Rear bow

Joe,

how did your top turn out? I have try it on my64 Impala and a 67 Camaro..All did not go so good.. but my confidence level was high as hell, just not the quality of the work.

Al-----


Installing a convertible top is really not a job for an amateur. At least, it's not a job for an amateur if the amateur expects the top to come out looking like a professional did it.