alright guys I always look for you for advice so here goes......
Today i realized that i had a minor rip in my soft top in the passenger side corner. Its maybe 1.5 inches long and it hasnt ripped totally through it is more like separated.
I went to my local atuo parts store to see if they had a patch and all they had was a vinyl path but it wasnt made specifically for soft tops it was for vinyl in general. It came with different color paints so you could make it match. I didnt buy it cuz its raining today in so-cal so i dont wanna take the chance of the glue not drying. Before i buy that do you guys have any advice on what to do?

 

I advise to fix the top. If you have the money, then the dealer can do it for about 2300.00 installed. If you want to save, then do what i did... I was able to find a robins top distributor here in california and found a local upholstery place that also does convertible tops. They charged me 400.00 for installation. After all was said and done, I now have a new top w/ heated glass window installed total cost under 1,000.00

 

i was hoping to not have to do that. The rip is very very very minor. can you just patch it for very cheap?

 

Try calling a specialist to see if they can take a look at it. Or an upholstery shop to see what they say. GL.

 

To keep the rip from spreading, I would suggest stitching it first then patching it.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...&#entry17826671

 

If you patch on the inside, make sure that the patch is smooth and the metal bar does not snag on it when the top goes down.

If it does, it'll stop right there and put pressure on the patched area when the top is down, eventually removing the patch and widening the rip.

Ideally, the patch material should be smooth and wide enough to cover the entire area that the metal bar moves across so it has nothing to catch on.

 

becareful if you stitch. make sure you leave good gaps btwn the stitch because it will leave another rip where you stitch.

 

Does it show through to the outside of the top at all or is it just freyed on the inside? If it is not showing on the outside then you can put a patch on the inside. First find what metal part of the top caused the tear and dremel or smooth it out in some way to prevent more damage.

I repared mine by going to a local automotive upolstrey shop and asked for a scrap piece of convertible top material. Then go to your local auto parts store or hardware store and purchase some Automotive Goop that is what it is called. They make several types the one I got said it was for convertible top repair and for floor mats and what not. It is a contact adhesive sealant so it stays pliable. Make sure when you apply it to the top to put it on a slightly bigger area than the piece you cut. Then you apply to the piece you cut let both stand for a bit then put your piece on and let it dry for at least 24 hours before you drop the top and preferably in the sun let it dry. Mine has been on for over a year now and has not lifted off.

Swiftoy

 

Thanks for the help guys. I am heading to an upholstery guy right now to get his opinion but i am not going to doing anything yet.