C1 59: Window felt replacement

[Rob M.]

Hi,

As you might heave read below I'm working on the window felt replacement. Before I start I have to more questions:

1) How do I crimp the two rivits (simpley by hammering them or is there another trick) ?

2) Should there be felt also in the rear window guides ?

greetings,
Rob Musquetier ?




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 59: Window felt replacement

The rivets are very soft aluminum. I just hammer them. I have a square handled punch which happens to fit perfectly on the felt side which I use as a bucking bar. I then hammer from the front side.

There is a "felt" for the rear channel. The material currently supplied by the catalog houses is too thick and causes the window to be stiff. I have found that scrap convertible top material works well, with the vinyl side glued to the metal and the cloth side out toward the glass. It must be installed absolutely wrinkle free. I use the same square punch to smooth the material as it's being glued.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Window felt replacement

Ed,

Thanks for replying on my queries. Any idee where I would be able to get the needed bits of soft top material ?

greetings,
Rob
The Netherlands.




Please also visit the C1 Corvette Registry !!!

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 59: Window felt replacement

I have always had a bit lying around from old tops. I suspect any upholstry shop that does tops would give you a few scraps. You don't need a very large piece.