Recommendations Installing Top Wire On Welting

[30-Coupe]

Found out today that my top wood his harder than nails. In addition, since the
Black Roof material has already been installed, finding the little holes in the metal channel (using an ice pick) is really a challenge.

We are about to start drilling holes and then sink brads in each to secure the welt.

What do you guys think, Is there a different approach?

Thanks

 

[jdupay]

Found out today that my top wood his harder than nails. In addition, since the
Black Roof material has already been installed, finding the little holes in the metal channel (using an ice pick) is really a challenge.

We are about to start drilling holes and then sink brads in each to secure the welt.

What do you guys think, Is there a different approach?

Thanks

I am a little confused. So you are installing a new top? The black roof material you are talking about is the long grain vinyl? That had to be tacked on. How did you attach it?

 

[30-Coupe]

I am a little confused. So you are installing a new top? The black roof material you are talking about is the long grain vinyl? That had to be tacked on. How did you attach it?

Yes, it's the long grain black material and was attached 15 years ago using tacks. Now, we are trying to tack some black wired welting into the same channel that was used to secure the top material.
We were thinking that it might be easier to pull each tack and use the same take hole to secure the welting just make the new tack longer. That way we will not need to poke and prod our way looking for a gap in the channel where the wood is underneath.

Or is there a better way, that we haven't thought of yet. ?? We would welcome just about anyone who has installed a hydem or wire welt and how they did it.

Thanks.

 

[jdupay]

Got it. Thanks for the clarification. Obviously, pulling the tacks risks damage and you can only do a couple at a time to avoid losing tension on the top. I guess pre-drilling holes would be the way I would go. I don't have immediate access to take measurements, but maybe someone can tell you how the holes are spaced in the rear. You may be able to estimate location by going between the vinyl tacks as I doubt there is one in every hole. The one other thought I have is if you have access to an air brad nailer, maybe the will drive them into the wood???