31 Roadster Tack Strip

[fundytides]

Just starting to install the wood in my roadster restoration project. There is a slight rise in the center of the body where the tack strip fits. What is the best way to "encourage" the wood to match the curve of the body? Can I just soak the wood and then just gradually tighten the bolts or is there a better way? Do I even need to soak it. Can I just gradually tighten the bolts or will the wood crack?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Steaming the wood is the best way to make it take shape.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by fundytides

Just starting to install the wood in my roadster restoration project. There is a slight rise in the center of the body where the tack strip fits. What is the best way to "encourage" the wood to match the curve of the body? Can I just soak the wood and then just gradually tighten the bolts or is there a better way? Do I even need to soak it. Can I just gradually tighten the bolts or will the wood crack?

In the early seventies, I bought a top kit including the tack strip for my 31 Roadster from LeBarron Bonney. The instructions said that the strip would form to the curvature when attaching it starting from the center to the sides. It did. Very nice fit.

No "steaming" was required. That was back in the 70s when LB had a great reputation.

[dpson]

The attachment screws should easily pull it in place. That wood is pretty tough, it shouldn't crack. Also check how it matches up with the wood side pieces. The ones I bought had a fair amount of different in height (thickness) and I used a wood plane and sand paper to shape them to match, otherwise when the rear upholstery is pulled over the wood there will be a bump. One other hint, use all stainless steel fasteners, this area is bound to get exposed to moisture and they won't rust, also don't use tacks, use stainless staples to tack the upholstery to the wood.

[fundytides]

Great information! Thanks guys.

[fundytides]

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Larry/dpson, I installed the center strip today as suggested . No problem. I will fit and install the side pieces tomorrow. Dosen't look like a problem. Thanks again.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by fundytides

Larry/dpson, I installed the center strip today as suggested . No problem. I will fit and install the side pieces tomorrow. Dosen't look like a problem. Thanks again.

Glad to be part of your concerns. Where did you get your tack strip wood?

[fundytides]

Larry, I obtained the new tack strip as part of a package deal at Hershey last fall. I needed a set of rumble seat cushions and had talked to a guy who had an almost complete interior from a 1930-31 Deluxe roadster along with a few misc. pieces including the tack strip. He brought it all to Hershey and we did a parking lot transfer. I will probably end up selling or trading some of the upholstery items as mine is a Standard rather than a Deluxe. All I really needed was the rumble cushions.