Topic: Nails to secure vinyl top?

[mtinkham]

I am working on a 67 Coupe, NJ, July 67 build that came with a factory vinyl top.  There are two nails in the windshield frame on both sides of the car.  One right in the corner and the second about 4" in from the pillar (see arrows in photo).  Were these nails used to secure the vinyl top during installation?  These nails have a larger head than the trim clip nails.  Thanks Mark.

[67gtasanjose]

Yes, these would pin the top down and assisted to stretch the material in these tight corners. You should also likely find a few under the front fender edge, down the windshield pillar on each side. I have found much the same thing on my example. (earlier San Jose built) I asked about these in another thread about a year or so ago.

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=8032.msg55437#msg55437

Previous post was about other applications though there are images and brief discussion about the rivet/nails.
I would try another search because I thought I remembered Jeff mentioning something about reproducing the nails. Maybe it was in there, but in a quick read through I didn't see it.

[J_Speegle]

Don't recall any "reproduction" nails/brads but I would take a trip to the local hardware store as I believe their (found them in the past) sitting on those shelves

May have to tap back the original holes so that the new brads hold tight

[mtinkham]

I was able to get a couple of these nails out of the steel.  Does this look like it could be an original for a July 67 NJ Coupe?

[JKWilson]

I was able to get a couple of these nails out of the steel.  Does this look like it could be an original for a July 67 NJ Coupe?

Those are identical to the ones I removed from my vinyl top on a '68 SJ coupe I previously owned as well as the '66 Dearborn coupe I currently own. You may or may not also find the nails at the lower edge of the A pillar below the fender line. The '66 coupe also had numerous heavy staples down the sides and across the top of the rear window opening.

[J_Speegle]

I was able to get a couple of these nails out of the steel.  Does this look like it could be an original for a July 67 NJ Coupe?

Yes that looks like what I typically find on the lower A pillar of factory vinyl top cars. Look just like the brads you may be able to find at the local hardware store

[KevinK]

I found nails at the bottom of the a pillar.  They looked original but I had to search and find this post which confirmed it.  Only seemed to be on the drivers side.  I also noticed a couple of quick slash cuts into the paint.  No strips in the drip rail though and no holes. 67 San Jose Car.

[J_Speegle]

I found nails at the bottom of the a pillar.  They looked original but I had to search and find this post which confirmed it.  Only seemed to be on the drivers side.  I also noticed a couple of quick slash cuts into the paint.  No strips in the drip rail though and no holes. 67 San Jose Car.

Normally find a single one on each side but thanks for sharing. Thought there was another thread where I posted pictures of other San Jose 67-68 examples I had

[67gtasanjose]

I wished to add information on "where to buy" these vinyl roof nails. Finish of these replacement nails is black, like paint but I assume not paint but instead similar to the black found on the 65-7 seat track shim plates.

Restoration Specialties & Supply Inc.
www.restorationspecialties.com
814-467-9842

[midlife]

I wished to add information on "where to buy" these vinyl roof nails. Finish of these replacement nails is black, like paint but I assume not paint but instead similar to the black found on the 65-7 seat track shim plates.

Restoration Specialties & Supply Inc.
www.restorationspecialties.com
814-467-9842

I've been to their factory/store and met the owners, who gave me a very thorough tour of their facility.  They specialize in a variety of rubber-like materials (think weatherstrip) that they reverse engineer off of samples provided by customers.  They have a very precise 3D laser measuring system.  Very impressive group!

Not a lot of Mustang stuff that they carry, though.