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1962 Convertible Top Fabric Re-Attachment & Repair

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  • kbuhagiar
    Newbie
    • May 28 2020
    • 20

    1962 Convertible Top Fabric Re-Attachment & Repair

    Hello Folks,

    The corners on my 1962 Tbird convertible top fabric are pulling away from the body.
    Fortunately, the package tray and tack strip are pristine and the problem is just the staples have pulled out from the tack strip at both corners.

    My first question is, why did this happen? Were the staples too short? Was the fabric stretched too much (or not enough)? I want to have it repaired, but before I do, I want to determine - or fix - why this happened. (Any thoughts out there? Pictures are attached.)

    Going forward, I'm experienced in upholstery work and I have the correct tool (Arrow T50ACD stapler), and I think I can repair this myself. The 1962 Thunderbird body manual specifies 7/16" staples to attach the top to the tack strip, but the closest sizes T50 staples (in stainless steel) I can find are 3/8" or 1/2".

    Does anyone know if T50 7/16" SS staples are available? If not, would it be OK to use the 1/2" staples?

    My gut feeling is that the top pulled off because the staples used were too short.

    I would love to hear from anyone who is experienced in convertible top repair, and perhaps comment on my situation, i.e. why this happened and how to avoid it happening again.

    All comments, observations, insights & advice are greatly appreciated!

    20240708_182059.jpg 20240708_182103.jpg 20240708_182554.jpg

    Cheers, Ken
  • jopizz
    Super-Experienced


    • Nov 23 2009
    • 8648

    #2
    I never use staples. I always use tacks. I make sure they are long enough so that when they are hammered in that the tip bends back and gets locked behind the strip. The strip that was used on your car is not factory. There was originally a metal bracket that the strip fit into. That appears to be missing. The strip that they used is much thicker than was originally used but it should be ok although I don't know if it will hold staples very well. The fact that they pulled out is not a good sign. I would try tacks.

    John
    John Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator

    Thunderbird Registry #36223
    jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695

    https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm

    Comment

    • kbuhagiar
      Newbie
      • May 28 2020
      • 20

      #3
      Originally posted by jopizz
      I never use staples. I always use tacks. I make sure they are long enough so that when they are hammered in that the tip bends back and gets locked behind the strip. The strip that was used on your car is not factory. There was originally a metal bracket that the strip fit into. That appears to be missing. The strip that they used is much thicker than was originally used but it should be ok although I don't know if it will hold staples very well. The fact that they pulled out is not a good sign. I would try tacks.

      John
      Hello John, thanks for the information. Always good to hear from someone with experience.

      I'm still learning about how the fabric attaches to the body and frame. The raised strip that runs under the window and conceals the staples (or tacks), is that called the moulding? It appears to just 'unfold' along its length, is it as simple as opening that 'molding', removing the pulled staples, and applying new staples (or tacks)? And what is the best method for stretching that section into place before stapling/tackling?

      And, in lieu of pestering you with these questions, can you recommend any books/publications for a novice like me?

      Thank in advance for your time and trouble.

      Comment

      • jopizz
        Super-Experienced


        • Nov 23 2009
        • 8648

        #4
        It's called welt or wire on. It just opens up so you should be able to remove the old staples or tacks and reuse it. If it doesn't want to stay closed then you may have to replace it but it should be fine. For the corner area just unhook the top to take the strain off and retack it as best you can without any wrinkles. It looks like the staples used were just too short and didn't go completely through the strip and bend back over to lock them. I don't know of any particular books but you should be able to find some Youtube videos that are helpful.

        John
        John Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator

        Thunderbird Registry #36223
        jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695

        https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm

        Comment

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