Tack Strip Solution

Vic Piano

Vic Piano

Well-known member
I posted this on the original FordBarn but I thought it might be a good idea to post it again. The convertible top tack strip retainer on our ’39 Zephyr was rotted all across the bottom so there was no way that it would hold a new tack strip. I looked all over to see if I could find one, have one made, or make one myself. I ended up fabricating what I think will work just fine. I took a piece of composite board (stuff we’re using on the house we are building), asked the trim carpenter to rip it down to a quarter inch wide and just under an inch high. It was long enough to span the entire length of the original three piece tack strip retainer. I drilled out the original brass rivets, drilled pilot holes in the composite strip and pop riveted the strip to the body. I used a heat gun to make the strip pliable so I could form it to the body contours and riveted it in place. The shop I use to install tops told me that the composite strip will hold the top tacks and staples just fine. Now I’m working on the top bows…:eek:
ZephyrTacStrip2.jpg

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ZephyrTacStrip4.jpg
 
Dak Rat said:
What the heck is "composite board"? Looks like some kind of plastic--educate me, please.
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Inquiring minds what to know more about that "composite board." I am wondering about that also. It looks more like "Starboard" - the plastic they use on boats.It's a snow white color and very smooth. It cuts just like wood and nothing will stick to it. When I hear composite board I think of particle board or MDF. More info plez.
 
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Maybe I'm using the wrong name for it; it is a plastic like material similar to the Trecks Deck boards made from recycled plastic bottles. It comes in various sizes like 1x6 inch x8ft, 4x8 ft sections, etc. It is easy to use and will conform to compound curves when you apply a little heat to it.
 
I was told, by the shop that I use to install tops, that the stuff I used will hold tacks and staples as well as any modern tack strip material. I've still got some work to do on the top irons, etc. before I put a top on the car.
 
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