Windlace clips

[Spk99]

Hi everyone, how do you secure your new windlace clips?
once in the hole they need opening at the back so they don’t fall out but there’s no way to get to the back?
such a simple job turning into a nightmare.
has anyone put new clips in?

[p38fighter]

These are different from the originals. They are a pain and you will ruin a few before you get it right. Use a good pair of needle nose and squeeze hard after you insert the tangs in the hole. Then simply fold over the catch onto your windlace. If this doesn't help come back to me. Chris

[Dakota Boy]

I just used some thin wire thru the holes and thru the windlace. nobody sees these clips anyways.

[Spk99]

Thanks Chris - a little embarrassed I didn't work that out myself!! Worked a treat.

[Dan Leavens]

Steve no need to be embarrassed as these guys/ gals are good and that's why this is the best TBird site on the planet

[del]

Hi Steve I'm wondering about your (presumably? ) new windlace...When I replaced mine several years ago, what I got was pretty far from matching the original in both construction and design. The outer fabric was some sort of polyester and frayed on contact. Worse was the profile of the foam inner core. The original had a tail that gives those clips something to bite into. The replacement had a simple circular core. First pic is a shot of the original in place with the clips, second is side-by-side comparison with the original on the right.

[p38fighter]

Don, Two years ago I got "new" fabric covered ones also. Mine were very delicate and very easy to snag.

I'm going to change them out for vinyl covered which I can source or have my upholstery guy make up. Chris

[simplyconnected]

...I'm going to change them out for vinyl covered which I can source or have my upholstery guy make up. Chris

That's right. I've sewn a lot of windlace using different size rod (inner core) and different marine vinyls. The end result is really nice with either a contrasting color, co-ordinated color or simply using the same seat and door panel vinyl. Making piping is the same but much smaller in size. - Dave

[Spk99]

Hi Del, Yes the new windlace I have got looks like the photo of the new one you have. The core is just round with no tail. However, I assumed that was the only option. Is there an alternative available anywhere?