I have a soft top that has a seam that looks like its coming apart. There is no stitching but it feels as if there was some kind of adhesive used. Any ideas as to what I can use to repair it?
I've got two images of the problem here:
At the very worst, some stitching or carefully placed industrial staples will work, but I'm sure someone will be able to come up with a good waterproof adhesive.
When I bought my 99 about 18 months ago, it looked identical to yours (on driver and passenger sides). I figured I'd give the repair a shot before I gave in and replaced it. It's still holding very well so, I'll describe the process in case you want to try it.
- Cleaned surfaces real good with alcohol.
- Applied black silicone sealant (the kind you use when you put your engine's head or valve cover back together). Method used; fairly thin layer worked into both surfaces nicely (mask off areas you don't want the stuff.
- applied pressure till dried
- On the outside, I masked off nice clean lines on either side of the seams and applied a bead there. Smoothed it with my trusty finger and pulled the tape up before anything started to set up.
Is yours a 99, I wonder if it was a mfr problem as it appears to be a less than well done heat weld or something of that nature.
Good luck, Chris
99BBB"I wonder if it was a mfr problem as it appears to be a less than well done heat weld or something of that nature" BINGO!
Did they ever admit to that one? I know sometimes Mazda comes clean and sometimes they deny, deny, deny in the face of clear evidence!
Chris 99BBB
They would have replaced the top for free if it was still under warrenty. Otherwise, guess who pays, and it ain't Mazda!
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