Topless '66 Barracuda

I bought a 1966 Barracuda in pieces last December & am trying to put it together now. I have another '66 to help me figure out what goes where EXCEPT the one I'm putting together came with a factory vinyl top. I'm trying to figure out how the vinyl top attached across the top front (around the windshield). There are staples all the way across the top & down the A-pillar just behind the windshield seal (picture), but no indication that they were to hold the vinyl top in place. If they're not for the vinyl top, what is their purpose?Any vinyl top '66 guys out there who can give me some clues (pictures?) as to what it looked like in that area?....and, if you have installed a top, where you got the material?....and what you used to keep the rear strip that goes across the top from leaking?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Pretty sure the staples were for the top. Later cars rely on the adhesive, windshield gasket, and windshield trim to hold the front edge. I would just trim it so it is cut off at the flange where the window seal seats and make sure the adhesive it good quality (3M) and applied properly. That being said- I have not done one on this body style so if you can find one that has I’d give them a listen.

moper said:

Pretty sure the staples were for the top. Later cars rely on the adhesive, windshield gasket, and windshield trim to hold the front edge. I would just trim it so it is cut off at the flange where the window seal seats and make sure the adhesive it good quality (3M) and applied properly. That being said- I have not done one on this body style so if you can find one that has I’d give them a listen.

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I agree with you - and will be following your advice. I was just hoping there was someone out there who had dealt with this before to confirm my (our) suspicion. It's strange there is not even a hint of old vinyl top material anywhere under the staples. You'd thing there'd be a little bit somewhere. There's not even ROOM. The staples are flush into the roof/A-pillar. This is one of those times that having a rare/oddball option makes things a bit more complicated.