64-66 convertible top rear tack strip channel

[Gary Fields]

I own a 1965 Thunderbird convertible. The rear tack strip channel is rusted and badly needs to be replaced. Are these available anywhere or does one need to be constructed? Or are there universal channels that can be used?

[jtschug]

Mine was rusted badly and they repaired it because they are unique and not reproduced

[Gary Fields]

Thank you for responding. I have since posting found a universal tack strip channel, aluminum, at Blue Oval Classics that needs to be modified for the particular Birds 1958 through 1966. I have ask for additional info but as yet have not received a reply. Will post what I find out.

[arby1256]

Gary, I find myself in the same place as you. I bought a 66 vert with no top and what remains of part of a rear tack strip channel. How did you make out with the universal channel? Seems like a steep price for something that needs modification ($280).

[BBlendo]

I found myself in the same position but after talking to a premier auto upholstery shop in Pontiac Michigan named Pauls Customs and has been in business since 1953 They recomended using a 1/2" tack strip and rivoted with aluminum rivots to package tray has worked great for over a year now and looks great and held up with no issues.

[apines]

The old ones can be pretty far gone and still serviceable. Mine have holes rusted through and I took them off, ground off as much rust as I could with a wire wheel and sand paper, painted them with rust converting spray paint, and re-attached them. They look terrible but they're completely covered by the tack strip and the top so no one's the wiser and they're still holding strong.

[jtschug]

I found myself in the same position but after talking to a premier auto upholstery shop in Pontiac Michigan named Pauls Customs and has been in business since 1953 They recomended using a 1/2" tack strip and rivoted with aluminum rivots to package tray has worked great for over a year now and looks great and held up with no issues.

Oh wow! My top was done not far from there by the Shelby Trim shop on Van Dyke in Warren. They are the folks that brought my strips back from the dead. I honestly thought they were junk, but they managed to make them work. They have been on there for more than 10 years now with not issues.