A couple of weeks ago when I removed my hardtop after the winter, I checked on the condition of the roof in the usual trouble spots, namely just over the passengers and drivers shoulders. The drivers side had developed two small scuffs and the passenger side had one. On closer inspection it seemed like the roof fabric is made up of two layers, a softer inner layer and a tougher outer layer. The scuffs had worn through this inner layer on either side. I think I caught it just in time as there was no sign of any real damage to the outer layer.

Ajs s2k kindly provided me with a nice big swatch of new roof fabric to patch the roof. I used a credit card as a template as this was the perfect size to cover the holes and protect the surrounding area. The consensus seems to be to use black silicone sealent to stick the patches, but I wasn't too keen on using it as I know what a pain it can be to clean up. I experimented with some off-cuts of material with some different types of glue on both sides of the material to see which would be the best to use.

I tried 2 different brands of super glues, but neither really proved suitable. They both dried too hard and didn't allow the material to flex. I had a tube of Copydex lying around and with nothing to loose tried this as well. This proved to be perfect, particularly when applied to both soft sides of the material.

Now I was happy with the choice of glue, it was a 5 minute job to actually patch the roof. I smeared a blob of the Copydex glue onto the patch's soft side and rubbed it in. The glue is quite runny and is very similar to carpenters glue. If any of the glue dries on your hands, don't worry it just peels off, although H & S would probably advocate the use of gloves. I lined up the patch between the 2 bars of the roof frame and pressed it firmly into place. You can support the roof from the outside with your other hand to apply a good even pressure on the patch. I used a damp cloth to clean up any excess, and left it for 48 hours to dry really well.

The patches have stuck very well to the roof, and are still nice and fexible. I have dropped the roof keeping a careful eye on both sides, and it has had no effect on the function of the roof. Time will tell if they continue to hold, but early signs are looking very good, and I am very happy with the outcome. I hope this might be of some help to you, and as it's such an easy job, it might be worth doing anyway to prevent any future problems.

A couple of pics..

 

Thanks for sharing, hopefully it will help some folk

 

I used black gaffa tape, although not as neat as yours it seemed to stop any further wear on my first roof before it was eventually replaced by Honda under warrenty last November. I have used gaffa tape again on my new roof as a preventative measure.........

 

I taped up the roof mechanism with some black electrical tape, seems to do the job

 

I used a bike tyre inner tube repair kit from Halfords and the largest patch which was about 30x40mm. This was about three weeks ago, it still seems okay and is also very flexible. time will tell.

 

I tried that on my old roof, it only lasted 2 to 3 month then started peeling off

 

There is special glue available for vinyl - can't remember the details now but I found it on google without too much trouble.
Copydex is pretty good though and should do the job

Surprised you still haven't covered the source of the wear though

I don't understand why everyone hasn't done the mod to stop this problem before it starts. Prevention is far better than this cure.
I did it four years ago = no wear.

 

I had slight wear on a new roof, i think the root of the problem is the roof not sitting square on the frame, but i believe also the arm doesnt help too if not square.

I adjusted mine and it doesnt wear anymore.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...&f=25&t=686754

 

good 411. def applying this in the future.