69 convertible rear bow rack strip installation

[Kris 90]

What have you guys with convertibles done to attach a new tack strip to the rear convertible frame bow? My tack strip was basically dust so it had to be replaced. I know it was originally stapled. I have heavy duty staples and an air stapler. The staples either bend or brake and don’t penetrate the metal like the originals were. I’m considering drilling and using countersunk rivets but wanted to see what others have done first. 

[69RavenConv 305]

I still use the OEM which is soft and accepts staples readily. I would expect the replacement to be soft and accept staples like the original, certainly not metal. The front strip was toast on my car and I used a length of plastic body side molding that they sell at any auto parts store and it works well. I see West Coast Cougars sells something similar for the back, you may want to look into a section that? I would assume it's a good size to fit in the rear bow and it's cheap.

https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/p/13541-Convertible-Rear-Bow-Tack-Strip-BY-THE-FOOT-Repro-1969-1973-Mercury-Cougar-1967-1973-Ford-Mustang.html?srsltid=AfmBOorJr3zqFjs0TQOo6nIBbKcf1dUDXWACH_508LDzTinWagj1aGk1SYU

[Kris 90]

The strip itself is rubber and I have it. The strip itself was originally stapled to the metal bow it sits in to hold it in place. Then the convertible top is stapled to the rubber strip.  

[69RavenConv 305]

Ok, I misunderstood. I will look at my factory original bow tomorrow. I would assume the strip was glued into the bow but I'm probably wrong.

[Ridge Runner 1,153]

We used rubber side molding ,an aftermarket side trim we got at our local paint shop ,we glued it in the channel with E6000 ,staples held nicely 

[Sulphur2 2]

I used a piece of the same thickness conveyor belt rubber. Glued strip into channel & staples held good

[Rsanter 158]

Glue into the channel.

if you want to replicate factory staples I use safety wire and just put it in the original hold and bend it over