How to Repair a Torn Convertible Soft Top
Car manufacturers build a convertible’s retractable soft top out of fabric, usually canvas or vinyl. When the fabric tears, the opening lets in moisture, rain, dirt and corrosives, all of which can damage the interior of the car. Wind can also pass through the ripped fabric, creating a noisy ride. The torn fabric detracts from the appearance and value of the convertible. Owners can fix tears up to 12 inches in length without having to replace the top; a replacement top can cost several thousand in parts and labor.
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Things You'll Need
- Upholstery thread
- Curved upholstery needle
- Thimble
- Scissors
- Fabric adhesive
- Marine canvas
- Duct tape or protective tape
- Seam sealer
Instructions
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Stitching the Tear
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1
Put the convertible soft top up and lock it into place. Locking the top in place will let you work on the without the top shifting around and possibly tearing further.
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2
Thread the upholstery needle. Tie thread into a knot around the eye of the needle and then remove any excess with a pair of scissors.
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3
Stitch the thread into the canvas several times about a quarter-inch from the base of the tear. This stitching will anchor the thread as you sew the tear shut. Stitch the tear together from the inside or outside of your car, depending on the site of the tear on the top and how well you can reach it from inside or outside the car.
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4
Make the first stitch across the tear. Pull it tight and then make the second stitch a quarter-inch up the tear from the first stitch. Continue to pull each stitch tight as you make the second, third and subsequent stitches.
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5
Stitch the tear together along its entire length. If the tear runs in a straight line, stitch along the line of the tear. For a jagged tear, make multiple stitches each time the tear changes direction.
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6
Anchor the finished end of the stitching by threading the needle through the fabric several times and then tying it tight. Cut any loose strand of thread with the scissors.
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7
Cut duct or protective adhesive tape to a length several inches long than the tear. Apply the tape to the length of the tear on the inside of the convertible top that faces the interior of your car.
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8
Glue the stitched seam together by applying fabric adhesive to the seam on the outside of the convertible top. Let the glue dry for several hours.
Covering the Stich
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9
Cut the canvas or vinyl into a rectangular section of fabric larger than the tear. Use canvas or vinyl, depending on the material of your convertible top.
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10
Place the canvas or vinyl section over the stitched tear on the outside of the convertible top. Tape it into place with duct or protective adhesive tape.
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11
Thread the upholstery needle and anchor the thread to the canvas or vinyl patch. Secure the patch to the soft top by stitching the thread around the entire length of the section. Make stitches at quarter-inch intervals and then anchor the finished end of the stitching and cut away any excess thread.
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12
Pull away the duct or adhesive tape. Waterproof the canvas or vinyl patch by applying seam sealer to the edges of the fabric section. Let the sealer dry.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use a colored upholstery thread that matches the color of the top as closely as possible.
This is meant to be a temporary fix. A destroyed soft top should always be replaced by a professional.
Even with copious amounts of sealant, any water sitting on low spots in your convertible soft top will leak into the cabin. Park indoors or under a tree if possible. If you are not driving the car at all, be sure to check for leaks and vacuum out any moisture.
References
Resources
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