This may seem like a stupid question but where exactly does the convertible tack strip (3 pieces) screw on? Does the tack strip fit in the plastic rain gutter?
We have the gutter and just ordered the tack strip because we were told we would need it but having a hard time visualizing how it's installed. (our car didnt come with these parts)
I checked the old posts and the Fisher manual but didnt see anything that could answer our question.
Thanks,

Here is the only pic I have that shows the holes they go into.

The gutter uses small screws and go into the holed shown in the 'raised' areas shown in this pic.

The tack strip will attach to the larger holes along a line ~1" above those holes. The two smaller pieces go on the left and right sides of the car. Whoever installs the top will actually install them for you. The top is attached to the strip before they tighten it up on the car.


Hope this helps.

Yes, they bolt on inside the rain gutter. The original tack strips are galvinized metal with composition material for the staples. There are bolt holes in the strips that align with holes in the rain gutters. The side with the composition material goes against the body. The top material is between the body and the strips. Once you get the new strips, it should be easier to figure out how they install.The bolts, if you don't have those, are specialized. The ends are tapered, for easier alignment and have indented, washered heads. I am not sure of the length or thread size. Are you installing the top yourself?

Jeff

Thanks for the replies and picture!
Makes much more sense now.
I dont think we'll tackle installing the top ourselves. Although we have an air stapler, I think this might be a job for the professionals. We do need to gather all the parts first.
Didnt realize we needed special bolts for the tack strip... that will be the last pieces for the convetible top to buy.
Thanks,

I may have some of those bolts....I seem to recall having a second set....I will have a look.

I did the top myself as did Jim. It was really not that hard and turned out quite well.....and I saved myself 700 bucks. Took me about a day to get my act together and a day to actually do it.

David,
Thanks for checking. I take it these are not some bolts I can just run down to the hardware store and pick up..?
Our reluctance to install the top ourselves is due to the fact we have not seen one in person and didn’t have one to take off originally. So we lack a sense of reference

No, they are not run of the mill bolts...actually screws...I'll look tonight (just made a note).

I did not have an old top either...just the frame...but with careful prep it was pretty easy.

I like Dave did my top myself.(no top to go by)Not to bad to do and not to much lost if realy screwed up.

I may have some of those screws to I'll look.

Even if it had turned out with a ripple somewhere, I almost never drive the car with the top up, only if caught in some rain while on the road afar...plus the guys here wanted $700 bucks so I figured it was worth a chance!

The only issue I had was that the rear window was rolled up in the box with the top, and slightly squashed so that there are memory ridges vertically....but it seems to be slowly working its way out....

Thanks you guys. Maybe we will try to install ourselves. We like your words of encouragement. You're right, the shop wants $700 to install, so if we can do it we save enough to have our bumpers rechromed. Plus the satisfaction that we did it ourselves!
Appreciate the responses and if you find the screws let us know.
Thank you,

My wife and I did the conv. top on our 68 RS/SS Camaro. All in all not too bad of a job. We did remove the old so we had a reference. Patience, tools and all new parts & pieces is a must. Good luck!

I have what I believe to be 5-6 of the smaller diameter ones...if I recall there were two or 4 on mine that were a larger diameter....check your holes and let me know what you have and how many you need....I did not feel like crawling inside the trunk last nite

Those bolts holding the tack strips to the body really aren't that special. You can get galvanized lag screws and washers that will work. Thats what I did...

No...that would work. The originals have the integral washer with the 4 or so teeth on them. But they certainly aren't in plain view..infact you have to work to get at them from inside the trunk once the fabric is attached to the back seat frame.

David,
Are you saying it would or wouldnt work to use lag screws like Bronzebird mentioned?

There are 17 holes on the tack strips (13 on the long one and 2 on each of the short ones) so I assume that is how many we'll need.

WOW new pic looks good!!!

I have 5 of the correct screws, still have gold paint on them.

I will post a pic later today.

They worked on mine...go to your local Lowes or HD and get the correct diameter. I think it is 1/4". If they don't have it, call Fastenal and order them...

The smaller lags will work. I can meaure them if you want, but at the cost of lags, just buy some 3/16" and 1/4" and try them.

Here is a pic the screws. head size is 7/16.

Aha...good man Jim, saves me doin it tonight.....

Ah, Jim's picture jogged my brain into remembering I took a similar picture a while back with an original and a Lowe's replacement:

Perfect... we'll make a trip to Lowes.

Thanks you guys!

yo the man Tim! Good pic!