Tips for Attaching the Rubber Surround on the Vinyl Top 35 Ford

[Henry Ford IV]

I am having trouble pushing the rubber trim that holds the vinyl top on in the channel. Any tips? I got about 12 inches in and it took about 1 1/2 hours. Going really slow. Now, I am kinda stuck. 1935 Ford.

[325w]

A trim stick and dawn soap got mine done 20 yrs ago. Hang the rubber for awhile in a warm place. Stretching it helps get it in there track. But as you go along push it back. If you stretch it it will shrink and leave it cut short.your hands will ache for sometime

[Henry Ford IV]

LOL. My hands are aching now. Will try the soap tomorrow.

[rich b]

I stretched the topping and inserted short pieces of the rubber retainer around the perimeter and then worked the strip into place removing the short pieces as I went.

I think it went pretty smoothly as I didn't have to hold & stretch the material and insert the rubber retainer at the same time.

Used a putty knife with rounded and smoothed edges as the main tool.

No lubricant.

[Terry,OH]

The top is attached with nails or screws to the underlayment tack strip. Then the metal surround is attached with tacks or screws to the same tack strip, finally the rubber filler is placed in the metal surround.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by rich b

I stretched the topping and inserted short pieces of the rubber retainer around the perimeter and then worked the strip into place removing the short pieces as I went.

I think it went pretty smoothly as I didn't have to hold & stretch the material and insert the rubber retainer at the same time.

Used a putty knife with rounded and smoothed edges as the main tool.

No lubricant.

[Henry Ford IV]

Looks great! I am going to tackle mine soon, today. Two great tips. Thanks!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by rich b

I stretched the topping and inserted short pieces of the rubber retainer around the perimeter and then worked the strip into place removing the short pieces as I went.

I think it went pretty smoothly as I didn't have to hold & stretch the material and insert the rubber retainer at the same time.

Used a putty knife with rounded and smoothed edges as the main tool.

No lubricant.

I'd installed a few of these but learned something useful from you if I ever do another.
Those temporary short pieces... great idea indeed. Thanks.

[Henry Ford IV]

Going a lot better. Almost half done. I got into a rhythm of soaping, pushing low with the putty knife and banging with a rubber hammer. It was going so nice that I took a break.