B-body convertible question

[Chad Hilburn]

Hey gentlemen.
Youve all been so helpful on the convert specific questions that i wanted to throw something at you guys. So most top makers will tell you that on a b body top frame only the front and rear bows get tack strips. This doesnt make sense to me for two reasons. One, the factory parts catolog shows and states that tack strips go on the center two bows. The other is, if they werent meant to be tacked they why do the center two bows have nothing to pull them forward as the top goes up. What say you guys on this? I've seen some that have like felt runners sitting in the two center bows, but according to the factory book, that's not correct... What have you guys scene and done with the different tops that are available out there?

 

[Fran Blacker]

My guess if they put tack strips in the two bows you would have two lines by not putting in the strips.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

The only “tack strips” are at the back bow (just above the rear glass) and where the top attaches to the body. The top is glued/clamped by trim on the header (bow at windshield). Everything else is connected to the top mechanism (metal frame) and moves together. If you added extra tacking strips, your top would tear going up/down