Window felt staples

[David R.]

I am in the process of replacing the window felt to the stainless steel window molding on a 61 corvette. Is there an easy way to line up the felt and install the new staples in the existing holes? What is the best method or tool to punch the holes in the rubber the felt is attached to? Any help would be appreciated.

[Bob R.]

Re: Window felt staples

I think the staples are similar to ones used on the fan shroud. Line up with the old holes in the stainless and use a 1/16" drill bit for the rubber. Hand push in and use a pair of pliers to fold over.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Window felt staples

David,

I recently did this on my 58. I decided that it would be easier to not use the original holes in the stainless. What I did was locate the felt along the stainless and hold it to the stainless with some long nose vise grip pliers. Then drill the holes on either side of the needle nose pliers using a 1/16" sharp drill bit. The vise grips keep the felt from moving while drilling. Once the holes were drilled I removed the pliers and installed the staple. I then used the needle nose vise grips to hold the staple in place while bending the staple to secure it. I might have a picture or two I'll post when I get home.

Tom