Top Question
 

Can someone tell me how the convert top attaches to this groove?

Re: Top Question
 

It is called a "tack strip" for example:

https://www.topsdown.com/home.php?cat=6

Please list your car year and model when you post.

Re: Top Question
 

Top is attached to the tack strip by various methods via staples, tacks, snap fasteners, etc.
Look here.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=how+do...ANAB01&PC=HCTS

Re: Top Question
 

Re: Top Question
 

Looks to me like the filler material had been removed leaving painted metal.
You will need to insert some kind of filler that tacks and staples will stick in to. Original Ford used some kind or twisted fiber with some sort of asphalt binding, not available anywhere. Replacements that are often used are polyethylene strips or tempered hardboard strips (Masonite).

Re: Top Question
 

Bob Drake in the past has offered various different styles of tack strip material for early Ford convertibles. I don't know if they're still available?

Re: Top Question
 

Any reputable trim shop should be able to supply tack strip.

Re: Top Question
 

OK thanks for the info on tack strips. After reading the reply's, I guess the top staples or is tacked to the strip. How is the strip held in the groove?

Re: Top Question
 

I just checked Bob Drake and he has several different styles of tack strip in stock. I'll bet one of them will fit your application.

Re: Top Question
 

The tacking material is held in by the rolled edges retainer channel top and bottom.

Re: Top Question
 

If you cannot get it to fit into the grooves of the metal you can use pop rivets to hold it to the metal strip.

Re: Top Question
 

OK thanks. Pop rivets I can do

al