VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1941 Chevrolet Convertible

The original tack strip at the rear of the body has a metal channel that the old tack material (heavy duty paper like substance) fitted in. My metal channel (it fits to the recessed area of the body) is deteriorated (read just about rusted away) to the point I need to replace it.

a. Where can I get a new one or a substitute?
b. With the new hard rubber taking strip, is this metal channel even needed?

If you have any information or thoughts on this, I sure would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Charlie

charlie,could you show apicture,i,ve put a lot of tops on,over 2000,been doing it since i was 14.but for some reason,im drawing a blank.maybe age?i can probably give you good advice if i see the problem.

<a href="http://s753.photobucket.com/albums/xx180/CharlesMHill/?action=view&current=DSCN0180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx180/CharlesMHill/DSCN0180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Jack, here tis.
Charlie

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My 2 cents worth from a '52 convertible experience - I wouldn't say those retainers aren't usable, from what I see, probably better than mine were. You do need them to keep the tack strip ridgid. There's a lot of tension on that strip and the "hard rubber" ones won't hold up by themselves. I was unable to find a total replacement piece after a long search. I found a variety of widths and thicknesses of the rubber material at a local upholstery supply and came up with one I could adapt.

It would be a lot easier to work with on the car. Otherwise you have to deal with mounting it with the strip in it. I spread the retainer open enough to slide the strip in and then tightened it back to hold. A slow process but the only way I could come up with and it worked great.

Thanks,
I was wondering if anyone makes these things.
Charlie

i agree,those look usable.and the rubber stuff works,but i don't like it much,it tends to move and give,never found a suitable glue or sealant to keet solid.i have made many replacements using wood.i like oak or mahogany,but have used softer woods.if they need bent,i use steam,but if you don't have accses,cuttin in sections and contouring woks well.whatever you choose ,be sure it is fastened tight to the rail so that it can't pull out.if you have other ? just ask.but i don,t visit here except early am and later pm,good luck,jack harris ne or.