57 soft top -- 2 more questions

[TLSmith]

1) When dis-assembling my early (jan.) 57 soft top frame the front bow was attached to each front side rail by 3 pan head machine screws 2 attach to the rear of the header and 1 from the bottom. I've been told that the two screws that attach to the rear are supposed hex head, I have no reason so far to believe the pan head are not original but am not 100% sure. does any one know if both were used (early - late) or is one or the other correct??

2) The tack strips appear to be a press fit into the frame and there was no readily appearant evidence of glue upon removal of the old ones. Are the tack strips a press fit only or should I be adding some glue??

[James F.]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Tom,
My '56 front header was originally attached to the side frames with chromed Phillips round head bolts, three each side (just had them out today). Can't say about the tack strip, would think a little contact cement couldn't hurt. Regards,

[James F.]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Tom,
My '56 front header was originally attached to the side frames with chromed Phillips round head bolts, three each side (just had them out today). Can't say about the tack strip, would think a little contact cement couldn't hurt. Regards,

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Thanks Jim! Mine were round head philips also but had been painted black. After removing the paint it looks as if they may have been chromed originally. I've been told "originally these frames were assembled then the hole thing was sprayed black". Seems like earlier this month there was post stating that all but the header were dipped, with header being sprayed resulting in a higher gloss on header. Seem consistant with what I've witnessed. What do you think?

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Thanks Jim! Mine were round head philips also but had been painted black. After removing the paint it looks as if they may have been chromed originally. I've been told "originally these frames were assembled then the hole thing was sprayed black". Seems like earlier this month there was post stating that all but the header were dipped, with header being sprayed resulting in a higher gloss on header. Seem consistant with what I've witnessed. What do you think?

[Richard P.]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Tom'
Regarding the tack strips they were not pressed in. They have a dovetail cross section and are inserted from the end. Not an easy task.
Regards, Rick

[Richard P.]

Re: 57 soft top -- 2 more questions

Tom'
Regarding the tack strips they were not pressed in. They have a dovetail cross section and are inserted from the end. Not an easy task.
Regards, Rick