67-69 Dart Convertible - Foam Seal Between Rear Tack Strip and Body

[Dana67Dart]

Hi All,

(Please don't reply with "why didn't you just use XYZ and make your own" etc. I was planning on going down that road if I could not find a kit that was reasonably priced)

I am hot bashing Detroit Muscle or Classic Ind, i'm just pointing out the differences to OEM so others don't make the same mistake I did.

I am in the process of replacing my 67 Dart Top. When I removed the rear glass panel of the top (Dutchman? Curtain? Don't know the official name) I discovered black foam strips and white foam squares made for a very low density foam of some kind.

I did some Googling and found this kit AXX6769VK01 detroitmuscletechnologies.com
( https://www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com/mopar-a-body-67-69-convertible-top-foam-gasket-set/ )

And this kit MA820170 at Classic Ind. ( at the time classic's kit was out of stock)
( 1967-1969 All Makes All Models Parts | MA820170 | 1967-69 Mopar A-Body Convertible Top Seal Set | Classic Industries )

I ordered the one from Detroit Muscle, BUT... (and this is my fault) I did not compare the photos of their kit to the OE parts I removed.

The day came to install the foam, (and again this is my fault) I started in applying the adhesive and applying the foam. That's when I noticed I was a few foam squares short of a full load.

I figured I could make some from stuff I had and proceed to install the 2 hole pieces but the holes did not line up correctly. I figured OK I'll use them on the sides.

I then went to install the long rear strip only to find the outer two holes on each side did not line up to the factory holes in the body.

Now I know something is way wrong. I must have installed it wrong or in the wrong place etc.

I had kept all the foam parts I took off so I got them and laid them out. I compared them to the photo of the kit and to my dismay there were obvious discrepancies. (Again this was my fault for not checking BEFORE I tried to install the new parts)


1. The kit only comes with 9 white squares

a. OE uses 12 squares​

2. The long white strip has 9 holes

a. OE has 7 holes, but is about the same length. The hole spacing on the center 5 holes is spot on. The outer two holes on both ends do not line up with any factory holes​

3. The 2 hole pieces were not correct

a. The hole spacing is not correct and does not fit where the factory intended
​

I wasn't all that concerned of the color differences (black vs white)

Today I looked at the kit Classic is offering (back in stock) their kit shows 10 Squares and unfortunately the long strip is coiled up with presumably the 2-2 hole pieces so I can not tell if it is closer to OE.

I know that Classic resels other companies kits but with the 9 square vs 10 squares shown and a different foam tape in classics' kit perhaps it is a different manufacturer.


Detroit Muscle

Classic Ind

OEM

Sorry for the long wind...


Now for my questions

1. Can anyone positively confirm that the 67, 68 and 69 use the same mounting holes for the bolt on tack strips that go around the trunk / quarter area for the top?
2. does anyone have photos of the OE foam tape placement on a 68 and/or 69 ? I have photos for the 67.
3. Has anyone used some other source for the foam tape that was accurate? (not looking for make your own... I have the covered if push comes to shove)

Thanks and take care.

 

[toplscuda]

I wonder if the Barracuda and the dart are different? Contact Jim at DMT. Let him know about the issues you found. I have found he is very interested in getting things correct and I would bet if you were to send him the originals to use as a template he would kick them out and send you a set. I sent him some for the foam strips I found on the A pillars and that is what he did

 

[Dana67Dart]

Contact Jim at DMT

I did and he is super nice. It seems that the set he sells is based off 67 Barracuda. It would appear that they are not the same as Dart.
He even offered to refund my money which I refused.

I measured up my foam and tack strips and sent the dimensions to him.

He offered to buy my OEM foam but I want to keep it for now.

Really a good guy!

 

[KosmicKuda]

I did and he is super nice. It seems that the set he sells is based off 67 Barracuda. It would appear that they are not the same as Dart.
He even offered to refund my money which I refused.

I measured up my foam and tack strips and sent the dimensions to him.

He offered to buy my OEM foam but I want to keep it for now.

Really a good guy!

I second all the positive things said about DMT and Mike. Not surprised at all.
I'm in Ohio and he is always at the Mopar shows. One time I had pre-arranged to pick up a /6 bell housing from Brewers at the show. I needed the rubber bellows/seal that fits around the clutch firk and he had them. I told him I'd buy one and check the fit on the BH I had in my trunk. He wouldn't take any money up front. He said go try it snd come back.
It fit and was a LOT better quality than the thin one I had bought from another vendor for my 3 speed BH that lasted all of 100 miles. It had gotten sucked inside and got shredded by the spinning clutch inside.

Talking to him several times I know he is committed to producing the best parts he can.

 

[Dana67Dart]

UPDATE...

I ordered the classic ind kit. Turns out they are selling the Detroit Muscle kit even though the photos on their web site look different.

If you find yourself in the need of the foam kit for a dart. Order 2 kits and you will have all the squares you need. Punch two holes in the long strip. And cut the other foam strip to become the 2 - 2 hole sections. And your good to go.

I am sure James at Detroit muscle will make a corrected 67 to 69 dart kit but untill then buy two.

 

[Dana67Dart]

UPDATE
Mopar A Body 67-69 Dart Convertible Top Foam Gasket Set

DTM is now selling an updated 67-69 Dart kit. Looking at the photos it looks spot on.