Originally Posted by BluemanS2K' timestamp='1380003742' post='22793369

IMHO patching is the way to go. I've heard of some guys trying to sew up a tear in the top. But I think a proper patch is always going to be far superior. Usually you get a hole or tear in an area that is already weak, right? Sewing amounts to poking a lot of little holes through the already weakened area, and expecting that to hold the whole thing together ... not!

A patch properly cemented to the inside of the top reinforces the whole area around the tear. Add a little dab of silicone on the outside as Beho88 suggests, let it partially harden, then press some cloth of similar texture against it to give it some texture like the rest of the top. The result is virtually invisible, especially as in S2-ken's case where it is a very small hole.

I had two small holes (in the usual places) in my top when I got the car. I could probably have developed the skill to do a good job of patching it myself with some practice--but I just took it to a reputable shop and had them do it. Paid about 150 bucks, but it was done quickly, looks great, and I'm confident that it will last several years if I don't abuse the top.