Masticated rubber and staples.

[Terry F.]

Hi, can anyone give some suggestion on replacing the staples that hold some of the masticated rubber pieces on my 68 vette. I have some that are missing that I would like to replace. I notice that they are made from very hard steel wire. Has anyone heard of a source that can closely match this type of material. I have used some stuff from a corvette supplier in the past but found that it was much softer, no where near as hard as the original staples. Thanks in advance, Terry

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

Go to a hardware store and ask for piano wire. You may not find it at Home Depot or Lowes.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

If you got stuff that was as hard as the original, you probably wouldnt be able to bend it over on the back. My question is, What difference does it make, as long as it holds the rubber on after installation? The factory used a spring steel wire staple. It needed to be that tough in order to punch through the fiberglass panel. It didnt need to be that strong just to hold the rubber.

[Terry F.]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

Good point. I was just thinking about that when I got your post. I will see what I can dig up at the hardware store. Thanks, Terry

[John H.]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

I make staples from 16-ga. galvanized steel wire (hardware store item).

[Brian McHale]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

I made my staples per John's advice. Worked out great. Thanks John

[Terry F.]

Re: Masticated rubber and staples.

I searched around. I felt that 17 ga was the closest I could find to actual size of my wire. I bought some but actually ended up using something else. I new I had something similar hanging around the house. What I found was the hardened steel wire that is used to hold the vinyl seat covers to my seat frames. I had a bunch of then that I never used. I used duck bill pliers and bent them to fit the original holes. In some cases, I drill some holes where the staple didn't go through but sort of cureled up under the rubber. I was able to bend the wires enough to secure them in place and then used an anvil and punch to pinch them down the rest of the way. Came out real nice and you can't tell them from the other staples. One more thing out of the way. Later, Terry