67-69 Dart Convertible - Foam Seal Between Rear Tack Strip and Body
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
- 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?
- does anyone have photos of the OE foam tape placement on a 68 and/or 69 ? I have photos for the 67.
- 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.