Crack in soft-top

marcellarius · Post by **marcellarius** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 3:23 pm

So, on Saturday I noticed a crack in my soft-top. It must have happened in the last week or two. I avoid folding the top down when it is wet, but I guess it could have cracked from folding it when fairly cold.

Any suggestions for mending it?

It's an aftermarket E-Z ON top with glass window, for reference.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 3:27 pm

Duct tape will be a good temporary fix.

Vinyl wrap?

authentic · Post by **authentic** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 3:37 pm

I fixed a split in my headphone's cord with some Plastidip. Not sure if that'd work larger scale but its flexible and waterproof so with enough of it you'd be sweet

But with enough duct tape you can fix anything so there's always that

MrGrey · Post by **MrGrey** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 4:05 pm

on the underside I would use a small bead of silicon RTV directly on the crack and then pop some cloth tape or similar over it. I would leave the outside 'as is' so as to not affect the appearance of the cover.

warrior · Post by **warrior** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 4:43 pm

get if fixed correctly, car upholstery place?

Timmo · Post by **Timmo** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 4:44 pm

hmm I think I would go for something a bit more 'goopy' than RTV silicone....once it's dry it's probably not quite flexible/adhesive enough?

marcellarius · Post by **marcellarius** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 5:30 pm

I'm pretty sure the soft-top is lined on the inside with a different material, canvas fabric so getting to the underside of the crack would be difficult.

I'll give duct tape a try as a temporary measure, but yeah, maybe getting it done professionally might be a good move. Seeing as I'm in Hamilton, I guess I'll ask Don-from-Autoway if he has any recommendations for getting it repaired.

MrGrey · Post by **MrGrey** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 5:34 pm

I would expect a bit of red electrical tape would do in the meantime... it may need replacing weekly or fortnightly tho' depending on weather conditions.

fooesboy · Post by **fooesboy** » Wed Jul 03, 2013 6:49 pm

I sell a product where I work in Hamilton that would be perfect for this repair. Designed for canvas tents it remains nice and stretchy, it's clear, self adhesive and relatively cheep. I don't remember the name but will look tomorrow and post up details.

Chris

GRUVBB · Post by **GRUVBB** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:51 am

Your crack is diificult being red roof. You need to seal from outside ro keep water out. I used RTV on the folding crease of my roof which has worked a treat so far. If you seal underneath rhe water will still get in. You want to recreate the barrier to keep it out. Luckily my roof is black so was able to use black RTV. Dont think it comes in red. You could try clear RTV and apply from outside. Once its cured off you can rub it with your finger to remove excess. Hopefully it will still remain in the crevice of the crack. I posted pics of RTV under SoftTop Repairs. I was lucky that my repair was below the metal work when roof pulled up. I dont know how an uholsterer would repair as i never needed to seek their advice. Good luck. Please keep us all posted as this is an issue we all will face eventually with a soft top. Maybe best to see ulpholsterer first in case any of the tricks you try may be detrimental to the product or technique that the PROFESSIONALS use.

fooesboy · Post by **fooesboy** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 5:10 pm

The product is Tear-Aid, we sell it for $24.90

I am sure that this would be the best option for a home repair. We have some samples on the shelf where you can see how well it sticks and is almost invisiable.

Drop by Forlongs in Frankton, I'm in the hardware area.

Chris

GRUVBB · Post by **GRUVBB** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 6:46 am

This product looks good. Will be interesting to see how it lasts on the folding creases. Wll look for an outlet in Auckland.

Crack in soft-top

Crack in soft-top

Crack in soft top

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