Soft top starting to separate on bottom seam!

can't afford new top at this moment!
Anyone have any success with temporary fixes like silicone or gorilla glue etc...

delaminating soft top photo.JPG

 

This happened to me too. I ending up having to duct tape it until I was ready to have my top replaced. Another local guy simply had his reglued with a new plastic window for ~$400.

 

Any competent auto top/Upholstery shop should be able to repair a seam.

 

Or if not buy a hardtop and put the repair off until you can replace your top.

 

Did my own repair...
http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...window-repair/

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...window-repair/

 

Maybe this might help. Used this on a VW Superbeetle convertible I used ot own when I lived in So. California.
Get a small/medium fishing hook (no barb-or try to sand down the barb) and some clear monofilament fishing line. Sew up the seam and the windscreen then apply clear silicone over the "scar." If you do it right, it ill look like an operation scar (think old school knee operation, b4 laproscopes) and the slicone will remain flexible for some time and it doesn't look too bad, either.

 

Instead of a fishhook, use this sewing awl:



Also, if you go to a sewing machine store, you can get a sewing machine needle that will fit in the sewing awl, but has a thinner needle than the one that comes with the awl. The stock needle is too fat.

 

Frisbee91!
you have inspired me!
Even if the repair holds out for the rest of the driving season so that I don't worry about rain it will be great.
The grey top is very sun faded and has black marks on the sides where the hinges are rubbing so I will budget a new top for next year.
thanks for info (I printed it out from renntech)
Pete

 

Pete, Good luck with the repair. Be patient, it takes a while.

Also, I would skip the silicone caulk step. Instead, I'd use multiple heavy coats of Porsche Cabrio Top Protectant Spray or Raggtop Protectant Spray in/on the seam.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Barge cement will glue just about anything. It's used for shoe repairs pretty often, should be able to hold up on a convertible top.