1935/36 roof tack strip
 

I need to replace the soft top in my 36 Ford and need the tack strip that goes around the opening and my understanding is that it does not come with the kit?I did a search but did not find any information about a tack strip. The original looks like a piece of twisted rope. Does anybody know where to get a replacement?Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. Walt

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Hi Walt,
My painter had a sheet of material that he uses for door card. I cut it into strips and sanded them to fit into the original steel molding. My upholsterer has not done the op yet so the end result is unknown.
Hope this helps, Bruce

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

I don't recall removing a tack strip when I removed the soft top from my '36 about 10-years ago. As I recall, the top material is just held in place by the rubber gasket. Haven't got to installing the top yet, as I just painted it a while ago. My memory may be wrong and if so, I apologize.
Here's a diagram I got from Don Rogers, here on Ford Barn. Sorry it's so small, but that's the way it was when I downloaded it, Been looking for a larger copy, but no luck.
-Bob
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f212d27a_m.jpgtop seal 03 by TagMan, on Flickr

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

There seems to be some confusion about what body style you are talking about.....open or closed car??

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Sorry about the confusion, 1936 3 window coupe

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Don Rogers, any chance of you posting a picture of the top seal diagram above, in a larger format ?

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

I just finished the top on my 36 3 window. The diagram above is almost complete. Inboard from the larger L shaped channel is a smaller channel groove that is about 3/16" wide. I think that groove would accept some fabric that had been stretched over the wood bows giving a base for the padding and wire mesh to rest on.The rubber welting used for window screen wire hold down would work well. That's what I used. Then on to the padding. I used 1/4" poly-fill in layers and 1 layer of foil covered closed cell foam like I had used in the body for insulation. The amount of layers used is up to the owner. I got my marine grade vinyl topper from Albrights Supply in Mississippi. (good prices and quick shipper) I used a Carpenter seal, there was enough to cut some shortys to press everything into place and then go for the final PUSH. Keep some slippery dish soap in a sprayer to help. It is really hard on arthritic finger joints but I got it done. after all the big piece was installed I used an Exacto knife and ran it around under the vinyl and above the metal of the roof cutting the excess off against the fat part of the seal strip. Take care not to scratch your paint masking tape would help. I put the joint in the middle in the back which necessitated sitting on the catwalk to get everything tight and perfect. My paint was so slippery that even with a non slip carpet pad and extra padding I still slid off and landed on my head. No damage. If I did it again I would probably set up a scaffold of some kind. The seal strip requires a good bit of direct downward pressure to find it's final place and it is, quite frankly, a BITCH of a job to do. I used a large rubber mallet, a 1" wooden dowel to tamp with, assorted small tapered metal pieces to pry and lift with, SHARP Exacto knife for trimming, the dish soap, lotsa cursing and copious amounts of Aleve upon completion. My hands still hurt.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

The original stuff on my coupe looked like twisted paper rope stuff that the first layer of fabric was tacked down on. Of course most of it was gone.

I ripped some strips out of "plastic" wood trim moldings, riveted it in the narrow channel, and then stapled the back-up fabric in place.

I attached a another copy of the picture; maybe it is bigger.

But it does not show the innermost channel and tack strip in this discussion.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Here are some images of my top insert installation on my 35 panel delivery. The process is the same for a sedan or coupe except chicken wire is used on the coupe/sedan instead of masonite on the panel delivery. The new rubber weather strip was a little difficult to insert, so I made a series of 1" plugs from the old weather strip and secured the masonite/chickenwire, padding and black grained vinyl in place, stretching and smoothing as needed. I then gradually removed one plug at a time inserting the new continuous weather strip until complete. I then carefully trimmed the excess vinyl. See images. I have also included original instructions from Fords service bulletin. Please note that the chicken wire is tacked in place but all other materials are held in place by the rubber weather strip

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Is there any difference in the structure of the sheet metal, around the open area where the soft top is mounted, between the body of a '35 3w coupe vs. the body of a '36 3w coupe, or would they be totally identical?

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Inner channel on my '35.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

JM 35 Sedan...John, I'm not aware of any differences.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Mac sells a tack strip for the door jamb B pillar and it might work. It's made of a hard rubber material and comes in two sizes and you tell them how long it needs to be and it's sold by the foot . If you can dig out a small piece and measure it for comparison you might be able to find the right size . The twisted paper rope which was soaked in tar was used back then and as far as I can tell no body makes the original stuff any more unless you used a piece of Hemp rope and soak it in hot tar that might work.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Great pic of how the roof soft top goes together .

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

John, I've put soft tops in both the 3 window and 5 window and the structure is the same in both.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Great informaion, gentlemen ! I will refer to it many times as I install the top in my 3w, I'm sure. Thank y'all.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Thanks to all that replied, lots of good information. Walt

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Thanks guys....for follow-up on my question relative to the construction of the sheet metal around the opening for the soft top.

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

I have another question about the roof material that was used for 35/36 closed cars, does any body know what the original mil thickness was also where to get the long grained material? Thanks for any help or suggestions. Walt

Re: 1935/36 roof tack strip
 

Try Restoration Supply in Windber, PA. 814-467-9842