[Mg-t] Installing a Hood

[Stuart C. Keen, Jr.]

In the process of installing a new hood (convertible top) on my TD, I've
reached an impasse as to getting a stapler to work. The removed hood
(installed around 1980) was secured with copper wire staples approx 0.5
inches long and 5/16 inch wide. Very thin. The closest I can find locally
are Arrow T20 staples (0.5 inch long and 5/16 inch wide). However they are
MUCH thicker (not wire thin) and with the manual gun from Home Depot, just
will not satisfactorily penetrate the front wood bow of the hood. It is very
hard, probably ash. Shorter T20 stapes were not available from Home Depot,
Lowes or ACE. I then tried the wider T50 Arrow staples (3/8" wide). Tried
lengths of 1/4, 3/8. 1/2 inches. Tried a manual and a heavy duty electric
gun, but noting seems to penetrate the ash without folding or sticking out
of the wood. The Arrow staples are just too thick to penetrate the wood.
What staples and staple gun is recommended, as used by others installing a
new hood? I think the old wire thin staples I pulled out probably penetrate
the wood easier, but I am unable to locate a similar product.

Thanks for advise and any suggestions.

Stu Keen
1951 MGTD Mark II