51 Pacemaker Convertible Top Progress

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited March 2013 in HUDSON
I've been working everyday for the last 2 months or so trying to get the top bows and sidearms restored. I have received the hydraulic pump and rams from Hydroelectric, and the Gray top is due tomorrow from Aro2000. I tried to buy the top from Bob Rosol but he couldn't get a light gray top from his source. The only place I could find one was Aro2000 and it is in the vinyl material. I would have preferred a Stayfast Canvas one ,but they weren't available in the color I wanted. I still have plenty to do but hopefully it will be done in another month. I realized that the stainless trim that goes on the front header needs to be installed before the top can be put on so I also need to polish the stainless. I finally broke down and bought a good Baldor buffer from TP tools. I tried finding a cheaper one but I couldn't find any.
Here are a bunch of photos of some of the progess so far. Rob

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Two or three questions:

    1. What year is this for?

    2. Please let us know how the ARO2000 top works out (that's Putt Georgi, right?) I have a generally good feeling about them but firsthand recommendations are always preferable.

    3. Did you research the precise color of the top frame, and if so can you pass that along (for the benefit of anyone about to restore their top)?

    4. You're speaking of the stainless trim that goes into the outside of the header, over the windshield? I helped do a top for a '54, and I had thought that this was installed after the top fabric went on! Live and learn....
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Rob-

    What did you use for the nailing strip in the bows? (the red stuff)

    Jon-

    There are five stainless pieces that go on the header. Some go on before, some after.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    edited March 2013
    Jon,
    The top is for my 51 pacemaker. (I'll change the title of the thread so people will know). No Jon, the color is the same color I chose for the accent on the dash. I thought for a long time on what colors to paint the convertible and finally decided on light gray and red. It is not a gray that Hudson used as far as I know.
    Yes Aro2000 is Putt Georgi according to their web site.
    As far as the stainless on the header goes, I think that there is one piece (Actually 2 pieces that form one strip), that goes on after the top material is stapled down. It covers the staples. The other 4 pieces go on before the top material goes on. Maybe you could put some of these pieces on after the top material, but it looks easier to put it on before. My car didn't have any top material on it when I got it so I don't know for sure.

    Russell, the guy who is going to install my top told me this trick. He said he learned years ago that Bondo makes a great tacking strip. He did warn me not to use the Bondo that has fiberglass in it as, the staples won't penetrate it. I painted the Bondoed areas red to make it easier for the installer to tell where he can staple.

    If you guys have any tips or suggestions I'd like to hear them. Thanks. Rob
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    You mention the tacking strip, and -- for sure -- if Bondo works, by all means use it. But, you were aware (were you not?) that one can purchase new tacking strip in various widths and thicknesses? The material is tough enough to hold staples or tacks and strong enough to stay rigid between the bolts that hold it to the body (yet flexible to take the curves of the top bow or car deck). Here is but one place that sells it: http://www.ezsofttops.com/p-2381-convertible-top-tack-strip.aspx
  • PAULARGETYPE
    PAULARGETYPE Senior Contributor
    ROB
    I USED FAN BELTS FOR MY TACKING STRIPS IT'S WHAT MY TOP GUY WANTED TO USE IT'S CHEAP AND IT WAS EASY TO GET THE RIGHT WITH AND IT WORKED GREAT

    HUDSONLY
    PAULARGETYPE
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I was planning on using the correct tacking strips originally, but my installer wants to use bondo, so thats what I'll use. Thanks for the ideas. Rob
  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    I wish we could click from one picture to the next! Aside from that, the top looks fantastic! Keep the updates coming. :)
  • ESSX28-1
    ESSX28-1 Senior Contributor
    Bent, try a right mouse click on each photo & choose "open in a new tab" option. This allows you to open all the photos at the same time (the large size is a bonus) & it's easy to move from one photo & another & back again if you wish.
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