Tack Strips for Bows

Q: Tack Strips for Bows

I have a few questions:

1. The top bows need new tack strips. APE and Year One sell universal tack strips that should fit some of the bows, but where do you find the ones that go in the last bow above the rear window and in the tack bars that attach underneath the rear well, holding the rear of the top to the body? They are different sizes…

2. Any hints on installing the top would be appreciated…I have the Fisher Body manual which has a detailed instruction set, but other useful comments would be great!

3. Should I flush the hydraulic fluid, or does it not go bad?

4. What is the correct color to repaint the bows?

A: I installed a new convertible top back in 1976 on my first 1969 Firebird. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, had NO manual, and just took my time, total was around 24-25 hours. I repainted the bows, probably wrong then. I think they get a satin finish, likely 30 percent gloss, but I need to find my color charts to see if it’s listed for the top frame.

For tack strips (this was before the hobby recognized these cars, and trim parts were mostly gone from the factory/dealer source), I went to an old Italian shoemaker and got scraps of the thick leather he used to make the heels and soles, and cut it into strips that fit, worked great!

You probably don’t need to worry about the fluid, though.

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