Convertible Top Install Question

[jikelly]

I finally got off my behind and out in the gurage to change the top on my 73 mustang. So far it's going pretty well. I only stabbed myself once with the screwdriver while prying the old staples out of the tack strips. Most of those tack strips are still in ok condition. The one big main one was like hosed, but I have replacements for that. Looks like none of them were changed when the last top was installed in 94 they were just covered with some sort of adhesive.

That brings me to my question. What kind of glue do I need to get for the top? Can I use the gorilla glue I have (really stout stuff) or is there something I need that's specific to this application?

I've got to tell you that so far this whole top install thing doesn't seem like it's really that hard. Course all I've done is pull the old top off. We'll see how my tune changes going back the other way.

Peace!

 

[Pakrat]

I am getting ready to tackle this myself this fall and I have a list made up of what I need from a reference book like all the different size brads and staples and what not and I think I remember it being a regular contact cement that they used. Let me see if I can find it and reference it again.

 

[johnsstang04]

Any fabric adhesive cement should work fine. It only needs to be glued in a few spots (the front header being the most critical) and the glue doesn't take any stress, the staples do. Be sure to use decent glue for the weather stripping or the top will leak.

I installed the top on my '69 in one day and it looks perfect. The most important thing you can do is to take your time and start over if necessary. Don't load the top up with staples until you're sure it's aligned. Also, don't reuse the old padding. Either buy EXACT duplicates of the originals or make your own (the latter being the cheaper and more durable route). If you use the junk most of these repo places sell you'll be replacing your top in a year.

 

[jikelly]

I found another forum in which the same question was asked and the people on there said to use the 3M Super Weather Stripping adhesive. I bought some of that and it looks like what was on the tack strips before.

I had a really bad migraine yesterday so I only installed the new tack strips. I hope to start the fun part after work today.