Author Topic: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips  (Read 4584 times)

Offline aaatp

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1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« on: January 07, 2012, 04:07:52 PM »
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

Offline Oz390

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2012, 01:30:10 AM »
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...
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline bryancobb

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2012, 06:30:24 AM »
I think McMaster Carr has the chunks of felt.
66 Metuch Conv
Nightmist, Std Blu Int
6T08C223904    76A       K         22       15c     21      6        6
                      BODY  COLOR   TRIM    DATE   DSO   AXLE  XMSN
   C/O  785                                   (rotation #)
   16    C14   6T08C223904        (weld bay 16, bucked MAR 14)

Offline Oz390

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2012, 12:04:57 AM »
Yep, found it and tried to order. Wanted some music wire too.... Refuse to ship overseas due to "complex customs regulations..."....  :-\ 
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline bryancobb

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2012, 07:03:32 AM »
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
66 Metuch Conv
Nightmist, Std Blu Int
6T08C223904    76A       K         22       15c     21      6        6
                      BODY  COLOR   TRIM    DATE   DSO   AXLE  XMSN
   C/O  785                                   (rotation #)
   16    C14   6T08C223904        (weld bay 16, bucked MAR 14)

Offline Oz390

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2012, 05:48:28 PM »
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/
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline bryancobb

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2012, 09:26:49 AM »
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?
66 Metuch Conv
Nightmist, Std Blu Int
6T08C223904    76A       K         22       15c     21      6        6
                      BODY  COLOR   TRIM    DATE   DSO   AXLE  XMSN
   C/O  785                                   (rotation #)
   16    C14   6T08C223904        (weld bay 16, bucked MAR 14)

Offline Oz390

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2012, 09:10:58 PM »
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... 
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute

Offline bryancobb

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  • 2009 Ridn' Around
Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2012, 09:20:57 AM »
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
66 Metuch Conv
Nightmist, Std Blu Int
6T08C223904    76A       K         22       15c     21      6        6
                      BODY  COLOR   TRIM    DATE   DSO   AXLE  XMSN
   C/O  785                                   (rotation #)
   16    C14   6T08C223904        (weld bay 16, bucked MAR 14)

Offline Oz390

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Re: 1966 convertible top bow tack strips
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2012, 07:05:11 AM »
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!)  ;) 
8R03S : 76A I 2A 15M 72 5 U
8R01S : 65A B 2A 28M 72 7 5 - Factory GT
8R01C : 65A M 2A 01E 72 2 W - Cal Special
8F01X : 65A I 2A 2G 20E 24 1 U - EXP500 repli-bute