Original pad tack strip after plate has been removed.
Note that the groove has an angle. The new tack strip is rectangular.
Chamfer the edge that goes to the front of the bow.
Install toward the front first and work it in slowly.
Put a small chamfer on the underside, see pic further down.
I used a piece of scrap oak.
The small chamfer in the right lower edge helps with installation when tapping the strip in.
This is the rear bow. It appears that the original tack strip was installed and the edges of the metal bent over to hold it in.
If you don't plug these holes adhesive will get into the threads. Install bolts flush with bottom of channel.
This is the pad tack strip. Notice that the replacement is thinner. This is why I used Liquid Nails in the channel.
It helps to have someone hold down the tack strip when going around the bend to ease installation.
This is the completed pad tack strip installed.
I used Liquid Nails to hold in the strip.
Since the replacement tack strip was thinner I used shorter staples (1/4") for the pads and longer ones for the rest of the top (3/8")
Only chamfer one lower edge to ease installation. No other chamfer is needed on any other side. I used Liquid Nails here also.
File or sand all high spots. These are caused by the staples. These high spots will prevent the tack strip from slipping in.
I used some spray silicone in the groove first. Then slowly slid the tack strip in adding the T nuts. No T nuts go into the end slots. No adhesive needed.
Don't hesitate to Email me with questions.
Use electrical tape to hold the center T nut before you install the top. Once you install the top it is very difficult to access this T nut.