Bummer, just noticed a small 1/2 cut in the right rear side panel. It might have been caused accidently as its awful small to be vandalism and its not near any of the known areas of wear. I picked up a kit by Permatex "Pro Style Vinyl & Leather repair kit" complete with a small soldering iron with disc tip for curing the repair professionally. Anyone have any experience with this kit? or any other do it yourself repairs on the top?
I could probably have my insurance cover it but it seems like overkill for such a small cut if it can be repaired.

 

Guess I have to answer my own question for the benefit of those who may need to do a top repair someday.
The kit I used works well. It doesn't make an invisible repair, but it is close depending on the size. The repair is strong and waterproof. For large cuts fabric is included to insert in the cut for further strength.
Basically you
1...clean the area
2...cut some fabric if needed.
3...apply a silicon cement like filler sealer.
4...color match if necessary, using 8 different vials of liquid vinyl. Not needed for a black top.
5...Let the filler sealer dry for 4 hours.
6. apply the liquid vinyl
7... Place one of supplied pieces of cardboard with closest matching grain pattern over liquid vinyl.
8...Heat with supplied heating tool twice for 30-40 seconds until cured

Stand back and enjoy the satisfaction of DIY!

 

thanks for the info!!!!!

This should be added to the FAQ's!!!!

 

Sounds like a good fix...... where were you able to purchase the kit?

 

I picked up the kit at the local auto parts store. Didn't have time to shop on-line as its been raining here in sunny cali. Permatex products are pretty common, famous for their "aviation" gasket cements if you work on cars, here's a link.

http://www.permatex.com/auto/autoint.asp?a...m&item_no=81781

 

Have been using their gasket cements for years but don't ever remember seeing the vinyl repair kit.

Thanks for the link ...... a number of the stores listed in the "where to buy" search are in my area....... will give me the excuse I needed to get out of the house tomorrow morning to avoid things on the "honey do" list.

 

I have a similar cut in my top except it is on the left rear panel. I took it to a few different places and all but one refused to even try to patch it. They said an iron patch would cause a welt that would be more visible than the cut. Based on that I am pleased to hear how your repair went. I still have not had it repaired; I was waiting to see if the cut (less than a 1/2 inch) would grow. So far it has not.

 

My top had a cut about 1.5" long in it, right near the crossbar in front of your head. I used a iron-on patch from Wal-Mart with some super glue to hold things together. Has been working great in the rain and snow this weekend. Helpful hint...use a body dolly to back the iron.