Whats going on everyone--

I recently picked up a 05 gpw/tan s2k and the top had a small tear. Im not about that hard top life, nor a $1000 install quote lol. After research and research i settled on repairing it as follows.

--OEM soft top fabric- $25
-- Strong Upholstery thread / needle ($8 both amazon)
-- Silicone RVT (Amazon $6)
-- Tape
-- Lizard Skins Chain Stay Large ($10 amazon)
-- 400 and 600 grit sand paper

Total time put in about 30-45mins with the wifey.

1. Stitched up the 3 inch tear.
2. Sand the Burrs ( i barely had any)
3. Cut the patch from oem material
4. Apply RVT with end of a fork to the patch. we slipped the patch through the bar and applied the end near the glass first, then the front of the bar.
5. Taped off the outside and applied RVT (says 24hours to allow to cure)
6. Threw the lizard skins chain stay on the curved part for extra measure.

Hopefully this will hold up for a while!!

Pics attached!












if there are any questions or suggestions post away!!

 

4 month review update--

Repair still looking like we just did it.

 

Very cool! Looks like the repair came out great. I will definitely be referencing this thread in the future!

 

What's the part number for the OEM soft top fabric?

 

86321-s2a-013

 

Start saving for a new roof. Even a wonderful repair as shown in this thread will bother you even if no one but you notices it. Patched roof makes the car look old and neglected. Only we know these cars are pushing 20 years old. Most folks seem shocked mine is 13 years old. Most folks don't know Honda ever built these either.

-- Chuck

 

I've got a spare roof ready to go and its in much better condition than my original one is now which really isn't that bad considering I have the OG AP1 S2K that's turning 20 years old in a few months.
I just figured I'd repair the tear it has now until I get the roof replaced with my spare.

 

I really appreciate you making this thread and keeping us updated on the durability of such a fix. I see no issue with sporting a scar, it shows character. If I saw this on the road, I'd see it as a sign that you know and care for the thing yourself which i respect a hell of alot more than the guy who just throws money at every repair. Last couple I came close to buying all had the tear and I told myself Id both patch and get a hard top. Likely I'd sport the patch for a year or two first and put money on redoing interior because that part of the experience is what's most important to me.

 

For Sure, The tear had gotten a little bit worse after I had the car and constantly putting the top up/down throughout the day. This fixed it for now but it seems to be holding up now for almost half a year since completed. 30 mins and $30 i feel like is a great option vs the ones that slapped together crazily. I ended up fixing this, upgrading the stereo components etc and an oem front lip for right around $1K compared to using that money toward a new top in the meantime. If there are any questions I can help out with, let me know and ill be glad to try!

 

Many talk and few do. It's good you caught it early. I find the method you used far superior to exterior patches. There's only one exterior patch job I found passable, checkout this job.

Not a fan of this guy's stitching either. I must ask, is yours simply a bead or is yours just a tighter stitch?