convertible top repair

Here is the solution to convertible top repairs. from a google search of the archives.

Message 2 in thread From: Bill S. ( snipped-for-privacy@optonline.net) Subject: Re: Convertible top repair?

View this article only Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.ford.mustang Date: 2003-06-16 22:57:35 PST

Simple, replace the top, as those vinyl repair kits will only make a temporary fix................

Bill S.

That's a fine and dandy solution if my checkbook was fatter. I have the same problem as Chief's, but the tear is about an 2". So I think the solutions Chief wrote were ok, except that sewing up the rip will look pretty fugly.

This weekend I will iron a patch from the underside with the idea of *just slowing down* the rip. (That solution has been posted here awhile back) Then as disposable funds are available, the *correct* solution will be applied. i.e. new top.

So what does a new top go for? (with install)

Marc L.

On my 86 ragtop, I had a smaller (about an inch) tear and I ironed on a black patch from the inside, and it lasted ~2 yrs till I sold the car. Cooincidentally though, I saw the car about 6 months later, and the whole back looked like samurai car detailer had his way with it :)

ANNNNYYYY WAY!

I took the car to an upholstry shop, hoping to get some answers from them. As I suspected, they pretty much shot down the idea of a hand stitch job (BTW, I agree it would be ugly, but.....) the options they gave me were

1. Remove the top, and machine sew in a repair panel on both sides, so it looks more factory-ish 0.00

1. Replace the whole top with a new one... 0.00

He said he would guarantee the patch for a year, which I thought was pretty good. My concern is that 6 months later if I get another rip, I'll be wishing I spent the $200.00 towards a new one.

I think I *might* cheap out and see if I can get any joy from an iron on, however it's right where the top flexes a lot, so I am skeptical as to whether it will last more than a week. Although since it's getting cooler, I won't be dropping the top for 6 more months or so, so maybe I could wait till spring.