Tack Strip material

[in2infinity]

I'm replacing a convertible top on my 1998 mustang and the tack strips on the front frame have almost completely fallen apart. This is the strip on the underside of the front rail which the front of the top is tacked onto and covered by that metal facia piece. There are also two strips of the same material that are in the front corners right above the release latches. Those peices are held in by three rivets and the front end of the top webbing is stapled into them. The material measures .565" wide x .113" thick. What do you guys use to replace that? It seems much more rigid (almost like ABS plastic - but it could be hardened from age) than the standard tack strip most supply houses sell but I can't seem to find anyone that sells anything like this.

 

[GTamas]

I haven't done the front of the top yet, but it looks similar to this item I think:
Front and Rear Top Frame Bow Tack Strips
Dimensions: 5/8" X 3/16"

1994-2004 Ford Mustang & Cobra Convertible Tops and Convertible Top Parts

Ford Mustang Convertible Top Key Features: Quality: Made to original specs, 100% fit guarantee. Original Configuration: Two piece top: main top section

www.convertibletopguys.com

I bought a set of these, they are more rubber-like, not so hard like the ones on our cars. I was also wondering if they hardened due to age, or were always like this.

 

[GTamas]

I have also found these detailed instructions, maybe it's helpful to you.

How to Change Convertible Top on Ford Mustang

A shop will charge you $800 or more for this job. You can buy the top for $200, plus some tools for $100 (which you'll keep), and you can do it yourself to save $500. You can use the bucks you saved to go to Vegas ;) It took me 3 days to do. I hope with this article you'll do it faster.

itstillruns.com

I haven't touched the front of the top yet, so I can't verify how good the instructions are.

 

[in2infinity]

Thanks for the link to the tutorial .. looks like there's some good info in there. I'm doing the Kee AutoTops one peice with the plastic window. Almost all done with the exception of these tack strips. Everyone seemes to sell the 3/16" stuff, but the material on the car is 1/8" thick. I'm not sure if the extra 1/16" thickness would be an issue, probably not on the front lip but the two section on the top corners above the latches are in a recessed area. That recess seems borderline too shallow for 3/16" material. Fortunately, I did find a couple sources for 1/8" which is on the way. Overall, not a difficult process to replace the top so far. Looking forward to getting it finished.