Topic: 1968 Fastback Fold Down w/o rear chrome

[Kascus]

I have the late 68 FB with the fold down seat that does not have the rear chrome trim where the trap door latch goes. From the factory, it was glued and stapled along the rear edge instead of having the chrome piece the early models had. When replacing the carpet, will the glue  hold or do I need to somehow try and get staples in also? I am not sure how to get staples through the metal except push through the original holes by hand.

[J_Speegle]

Replace the staples and glue would be the correct and original method. You can make your own staples and yes insert and crimp them by hand.

Pretty much just like the radiator support seals on some of our Mustangs and Shelby's

Often no easy button to restoring or being original but it will pay off in the long run 

 

[Kascus]

Thanks, trying to make this one as close to concours as possible.

[jwc66k]

If you have any of the old staples, measure the diameter. I've found that either 0.025 or 0.030 inch diameter safety wire can be used as a replacement. Cut the wire to length, then bend the ends to a "U" shape to fit the existing hole spacing, install, crimp (and don't tell anyone what you did).
Jim

[Kascus]

My old staples did not survive the removal and I no longer have them. I was able to use 5/16 staples and crimp them with needle nose vise grips. The hardest part is finding the tiny holes and lining up a staple. I found a flashlight shinning from the backside really helped out the process.

[J_Speegle]

For others the ends were originally a bit longer and were curled on the back side by the machine just like the ones used on the radiator support seals at Dearborn