Topic: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips

[aaatp]

I'm in the process of restoring the convertible top frame for my Dearborn built 66 convertible.  I just received the tack strips for the front bow
and the number 4 bow.  I received 4 strips in all. Two 60 inch ones that go on top of bow #4, one 54 inch one that goes on the bottom of the header bow, and I also received a 39 inch one that I'm not sure where it goes. I think it may go on the #4 bow before the 60 inch ones go on,
to beef up the center portion of the tack strip area, to be flush with the top of the bow channel, but am not sure. Some advise would be appreciated.

Also, The #2 and #3 bows have 1/ 2 inch by 3/8 inch pieces of 8 inch long felt attached to the ends, on the top, running toward the center of each bow. I can't find these in any catalog, anyone know where I might find some relacements.

Thanks: John

[Oz390]

Not sure about the collection of strips, have only seen the thin 54" NPD sells for the header.

On the felt, never seen it reproduced, interestingly I was just measuring some up a few days ago and was going to go hutning about locally this weekend to see if I could find something similar to fabricate some new ones...

[bryancobb]

I think McMaster Carr has the chunks of felt.

[Oz390]

Yep, found it and tried to order. Wanted some music wire too.... Refuse to ship overseas due to "complex customs regulations..."....   

[bryancobb]

Richard,
You've done a lot for me.  I'd be willing to order it and ship it to you.  Just let me know.

Bryan

[Oz390]

Bryan sent me some felt, bought an inexpensive leather working punch set and the felt works quite well.  The color is off, but going to look for some black dye and see how that goes.

Some photos of the results here..

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h180/dalorzof/68%20SJ%20S%20code%20convertible/

[bryancobb]

I think the dye will blacken it fine.  That's what I'm going to do with mine.
Your results look great!

That latch bracket was H E A V Y !  3x as heavy as my original.  I don't get it?  Someone MUST have melted metal and cast a single in a silicone mold from an original or something.

The metal is soft and very shiny like aluminum, but unless the OEM ones are lightweight magnesium, it doesn't make sense.  It feels heavy enough to be carbon steel but it is wayyyy too soft?

[Oz390]

Yeah, I was not sure about that part.  NPD lists their repros as zinc for 65-66 so I am unsure if there was some changover in material in 67.... that came off a '67.  The markings are odd too, Ford Numbers but almost look hand scratched in a mold... 

[bryancobb]

Everything about that one is saying "homemade" to me?
Whoever did it really did a good job though, but the latch it was used with had other obvious "binding" issues.

THANK YOU AGAIN VERY MUCH FOR SENDING IT

[Oz390]

Yeah, I considered that but it just looked like a lot of work... complex part to cast, but really wasn't sure.  I did mention it was a bit "odd" and showed you pics before sending...

(and the price was right!)