Well, recently the time has come for me. The time where I notice a hole in my top. I purchased the car in February and I guess whoever had the car prior to me just did not drop the top that often. I do. With that I have noticed wear from the inside on certain spots of the hardtop, more specifically where the folding joints rub against the inside canvas, and where the "pull back" bar contacts the inside of the canvas. It is here where I have my first "tear". It is more like a pinhole that has stretched just a pinhead larger with every week... Fortunately it has not caused any leaks. Regardless it was time for some action, and for those who are having similar issues, maybe this can help you guys as well.

(Before I start, I do have an extended warranty purchased with the vehicle, however, I have not bothered to take it in to the dealer. With all of the stories I have read on this forum, only those who have not yet wandered into the "extended" warranty period of their car has had any success in having the dealer replace or help pay to replace a top.)


-I started with attempting to find a material for a patch that I thought would stretch and be durable to stand the wear from moving metal parts. I perused through fabrics at Michaels and came across an approximately 4 inch x 10 inch patch of black suede. It is very thin, so ask to not exacerbate the stretching on the top from the bars, however is thick enough to be durable. Also, it is black, so it would blend in very well with the underside of the top, so as not to stand out to passengers or more importantly myself.

-I then had to find an adequate adhesive. There are numerous fabric adhesives available. Most all of them are flexible (very important), dry clear (also important), and are water proof (important as well). The choice is up to you. I picked one that was water based to reduce smells and lessen the danger of it eating the top.

-Next I cut 4 approximately 1 1/2' x 1 1/2' squares of the suede, and applied a small amount of glue on the edges and an x in the center so as not to get alot of excess glue forcing its way out when I press the patches on. I placed them in the areas the aforementioned areas and presto. Top fix.

I used the top today after giving the glue about 24 hours to set and it works like a charm! All suspect areas are protected and nowhere on the top is there added pressure from the extra material which I think is important. Too much stretching from added material I think would worsen the condition rather than help it.



So they have seen some good use now, as I have made it a point to put the top up and down frequently to test them out. The only issue I am having (if you can call it that) is that I clearly did not put the glue close enough to the edges. Once it stretches, the unglued edges don't sit flush with the top. Stuff like that annoys me so I plan on getting the edges glued down perfect. Nonetheless, from the picture you guys get the idea.

 

Subscribed, I have to try this myself :-(

 

I have updated the thread with pictures for your reference. Let me know what you guys think, or any input on anything else I or others having this issue can do to remedy the dreaded holey top.

 

My car came with patches similar to this and it only seemed to stretch the top canvas further, causing more of a tear..

I would watch it very closely. I have stiched mine up with heavy duty thread and that seems to be working much better than a patch.

 

The patch itself is very thin. I picked out a material that would be thin intentionally so as not to cause this. It is suede however so it is still durable enough to take the rubbing from the moving metal parts.

 

yeah, black duct tape only works until you put the top down again.

my tears have grown to over 2". I was quoted for a new top at a local upholstery shop for $1650.

good job though!

 

i have a roll of black duct tape in my secret compartment...

 

negatory! I only have slight wear on the two classic spots behind the windows where that sharp plastic piece rubs, and this super sticky black duct tape I have (it's the most difficult tape to peel off of the roll) lasts a long time

 

I would recommend using circle cuts of fabric. Then the edges won't peel up as there are none.

 

Do you guys think sewing it together with black fishing line would work. I have the rip already and it is about 1-1/2" long and you can see through it a bit...?