Hi Folks. I've been busy applying patches to my 2004 S2K roof where there are areas of wear (and tiny pinholes) where the roof frame rubs against the fabric. I applied identical patches to the passenger and driver sides of the roof, as a preventive measure against further wear and an expensive roof repair.

Here's my solution:
- Black 1000 denier Cordura fabric from Fabricana
- E6000 Industrial Flexible Adhesive, from Home Depot

Cordura fabric is a lot like ballistic nylon, cuts easily with sharp scissors, and has a smooth shiny side that seems to slide easily against the frame when the top is folding. It's the stuff soft-side luggage is made of, is very strong, and is relatively cheap.

E6000 adhesive is supposed to remain flexible, and from experience I can tell you it sticks to everything it touches ... wear rubber gloves when working with it!!

Cut patches to cover the wear areas on the inside of the roof, and be careful to round the corners to prevent accidental peeling. Clean the roof fabric with a bit of rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.

Apply the adhesive to the rough side of the Cordura, making sure it covers the patch completely, especially the edges. Carefully place the patch on the roof fabric. Press the patch against the roof to ensure an even bond. You *must* keep the roof closed for at least 24 hours (possibly longer in cool weather) while the adhesive bond strengthens.

I'll let you know how this works out over time, but the patches seem to be holding well so far. As you can see in the photos, I didn't do a very good job of removing the excess adhesive around the edges, but it dries clear so hopefully won't look too bad




I was surprised at how many places the soft top fabric can abrade against the metal frame every time the roof is opened/closed. These patches will hopefully prevent further wear.

UPDATE 2014-06-19: After almost 5 weeks of opening and closing the roof, the patches are holding really well.

UPDATE 2014-07-12: The patches show no signs of wear or peeling off.

2015-02-05 Still holding very nicely.

 

Good job! My friend used Gorilla Tape on his top.

 

Nice solution which I'll probably do. When I got my 2005 it looks like someone put some sort of fabric glue or something on the outside and inside of those spots. I put Lizard Skins Leather Chain Stay Protectors on the frame when I got the car to prevent wear from the inside but now on one side it's started cracking through the outside. It's not leaking yet but it will eventually.

 

^you also need to apply protectant to the exterior of your top. I use 303 Aerospace; it supposedly protects against the UV rays.

 

Oh definitely have done that. I think I have 303 Protectant, Cleaner, and a couple other products I bought when trying to figure out what the top was actually made of. Took me forever to figure out what our seats and tops actually were made of and coated with. It's only cracking where the weird glue or sealant stuff was applied because it made it hard while the rest of the top is much more flexible.

 

Interesting!

I see that 303 Aerospace should be available at Lordco. Is it easy to use? Do I need to mask off surfaces of the car that I don't want the spray to touch, such as the paint and glass?

Just curious.

 

I have the typical wear spots on each side, bought a patch of the soft top off someone on here. Can patch from the inside but the holes look like shit on the outside which bothers me...guess it's live with it or pony up for a replacement?

 

Just spray on and buff off. I don't mask anything off. You can spray it onto a cloth first, then wipe it on, I don't find it as effective this way.

 

Got a spray bottle of 303 at Lordco, and the results are really nice. The top looks almost new. It's easy to apply, odorless and not expensive. Windex works well for removing any overspray from the glass.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Glad it worked for you!