Dumb Top Replacement Question

[Flatline1121]

So i searched around for a bit and didn't get a real answer for this question. just the same answers over and over.

Im in the process of replacing the rear curtain/window on my vert but ran into the issue of not having a decent staple gun available. I was told by a buddy that he used hammer in staples for his parents leBaron and that worked for him. another buddy suggested using small self-tapping screws and washers.

im just a little hesitant to try anything else because i dont want to mess anything up beyond repair.

just wondering if anyone has any experience or ideas on this.

thanks

[Hijacker]

I wouldn't do any kind of hammer in staples. The tack strip is pretty flimsy as ASC used a thin aluminum to make the frame of the strip. As for screws, that COULD work, but I would shy from that as they really don't have much to bite into. The tack strip material would probably fall apart once they really started to take hold in it.

In my write up, I mentioned not using the hand held staplers as they tend to not have enough umph to them, but if that's your only option, you can try it and see what it will do. Last option is seeing if anyone rents out an air stapler in your area.

[Flatline1121]

thats what i was afraid of. if i tried using screws it would be a fine thread. Im not gonna try and use any stapler unless it's at least a decent electric. the one i tried didn't work. Im on the lookout calling in favors for a pneumatic stapler. work has a compressor i could use.

does the type of staple matter either? i've seen staples that have more of a point to them than others. i bought stainless but they seemed a little dull.

[GoinTopless240]

I did what Hijacker's write up said, but the wife and I were doing some cabinet moulding the other day and found an electric stapler that used a staple that would work. We bought it at Northern Tool for about $30.00 plus $2.00 for a box of staples. While you are there buy 2 inexpensive sets of picks (you will about ruin one set with all the damn staples you have to remove) The amount you should use to put new top on will turn your forearms into Popeye's forearms if you use a manual one. Best advise would be to be patient and don't rush anything. It is not an overly difficult job as a whole, but definetly not one I will rush out and do again (more tedious than difficult). Good luck.

[Flatline1121]

thanks. i haven;t even gotten around to trying again. i borrowed a cheap staple gun from a family member and it didn't do it. it may have been the staples though because they seemed like they weren't exactly great for going through metal.

either way, i've been concentrating on getting her running mostly. im moving this weekend and my goal is to drive her to the new house. from there ill have more time because ill have a garage to store her in at night.

im gonna go to the tool store and see what i can find though.

[music24]

buy the staples that wont rust, they are quite a bit more $$ but they will not rust out in one year.

[Flatline1121]

yeah, i already picked up stainless staples. im just not sure if they're the right tip design for my application.