To install the rear inside cat whiskers on a 69 B-Body hardtop, Is everyone using the heavy duty staples, like the original ones? Does it take a special tool to install these? I'm not coming up with any method other than to drill through the new cat whiskers where the staples should go and peening the staples over on the back of the metal door panel. I don' t have a tool to apply such a heavy duty staple. Am I making this harder than it is.

Take the time to install the staples by "hand", it's not that difficult, do it like your doing, yes it's tedious, but soldier through it you'll be done before you know it, avoid the screws/pop rivets often supplied with the repro cat wiskers, as they will eventually scratch your glass as the whiskers take a set/wear

I used to program robots and design automotive industrial automation control systems. I programmed MANY robots just before I left that HELLISH industry (the pressure to get stuff done in UNREALISTIC timeframes increased every year - once all us 50+yo guys with experience are gone there is gonna be a PROBLEM).

ANYWAY, I programmed a bunch of robots that used rolls of 3M VHB (very high bond) double sided adhesive tapes to assemble stuff that used to be glued or even WELDED. Airplane control surfaces, refrigerators panels, large signs like the big Shell gas station signs, many automotive trim and panel applications. All took substantial environmental and/or temperature loads. Shocked no one has tested using some of these tapes. They aren't cheap but might be MUCH easier that installing staples that were factory installed with dedicated hydraulic staple guns. I get no less than 100 calls a month asking how to install these. Especially the the late 60's B bodies. Not sure why people would think I have any restoration knowledge on this. I dont even make them and if I did I wouldnt have an "installation" dept like a car stereo shop In all fairness I'm sure its hard to find restoration shops that have a dozen guys manning the "tech hotline" to offer FREE restoration advice.

PS IF someone decides to try the 3M VHB tape it'd be best to reach out to 3M tech support. Mention you are bonding EPDM (the rubber on the back of those cat whiskers metal strips) to steel. And you may need a "promoter"; a chemical that comes in a pen or cartridge that looks like a yellow office highlighter, that "promotes" adhesion. And some of these tapes get stronger with age. The are secure initially but achieve full strength after days.

Dayclona and 71Ta,

Great advice! Thank You. I think if I did restorations all the time, I would definitely pursue the bonding method. It has to work if metal can be bonded to metal. But since I am a back yard guy doing one resto in 10 years, I will continue with the staple method. Thanks to both of you.

Darn. Now I think I'M going to try this. I'll try bonding one to my steel hazardous liquids cabinet. I think I have a couple rolls of different VHB tapes. Just need to get some promoter. I'll see if my 3M supplier can send me some samples. I've been buying $1200 TANKS of high end 3M spray adhesives to assemble some of my products. I've been getting VERY familiar with their products.
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I'm getting ready to do this as well.....