Small tear in soft top
My '57 soft top including the window is in very good shape except for a 2 inch tear on one side. It may have been caused by two of the bows pinching the top when lowered. I know I need a new top, but in the meantime, is there any way I can repair the vinyl so that it looks somewhat decent? I have already tried the vinyl repair kit made for upholstery. It does not adhere well to the top material.
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Re: Small tear in soft top
Art, this is what I would do.......
I would patch it on the inside. The inside of the top is a cotton fabric under the vinyl. You could make a patch using a scrap piece of top material, or some heavy muslin cloth used in upholstery, etc.
Make the patch at least 4" long by 2" wide. This will give you 1" extra material all around the tear. Apply some masking tape on the outside tear to keep it together. You could also mask the inside 4x2 patch area to keep the outer area clean. Use a high strength contact cement. Apply with a brush to both the 4x2 repair area and the patch. Let it dry for a bit as instructions state. Apply the patch while holding the tear together. You could apply pressure from both sides using 2 flat items while it sticks together.
I've repaired vinyl seat covers using this technique and it has worked well.
Rich -
Re: Small tear in soft top
Rich:
Thanks for the detailed instructions. I will give it a try.Comment
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Re: Small tear in soft top
If the top is otherwise in good condition, I would find a local automotive vinyl repair specialist first to see if he can repair it.
They can often work miracles, but if not I'd then give the interior patch a try.
PaulComment
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Re: Small tear in soft top
Art, I did what Rich suggested on my original black '57 soft top in two areas. In an area that flexed alot I used a 3M vinyl cement. Previous to that patch in an area on top that did not flex much I used a very thin strip of rubber, about the thickness of a bicycle inner tube, and attached it with rubber cement. Both lasted a couple of years until I replaced the top.
SteveComment
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Re: Small tear in soft top
The above sound good, but I would also try the old patch that we used to use on an old pair of jeans-the iron on type patch. Just be careful with the heat of the iron and use a board and piece of material to insulate the iron.Comment
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Re: Small tear in soft top
Art: I have used Plastic epoxy on my 65 torn top. I did this several years ago; and it is still holding. You can color the epoxy to match your top color with epoxy coloring from a marine supplier. Sincerely, MarkComment
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