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!
Cheers, Ken
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!
Cheers, Ken
Comment