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Soft Top Repair

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by IrishCJ6, Sep 29, 2019.

  1. Sep 29, 2019
    IrishCJ6

    IrishCJ6 Member

    Wicklow Ireland
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Messages:
    437
    Guys what are you using to repair small tears in a bestop soft top (black). I have a few from rubbing on trees etc.
     
  2. Sep 29, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2018
    Messages:
    398
    On the small tears I just throw some tape on the inside of it and call it a day. That’s the least professional solution
     
  3. Sep 29, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Isn't the fabric vinyl on the outside and cloth inside? I'd expect the outside would be easier and stronger surface for a patch.

    I have not repaired tops, but I have repaired seats. I used fabric-backed black vinyl from the fabric store, and black weatherstrip cement. Not the most attractive patch, but it's still on there and strong. The weatherstrip cement comes in tube - there are several brands, but they are all copies of the 3M product AFAIK 3M 08008 Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive, 5 fl oz 51135080085 | eBay
     
  4. Sep 29, 2019
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
  5. Sep 29, 2019
    billm006

    billm006 Member

    Honeye Falls, NY
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2019
    Messages:
    73
    I've had pretty good luck with black RTV gasket goop.
     
  6. Sep 30, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    An iron on blue jean patch on the inside works well not too hot on the iron.
     
  7. Sep 30, 2019
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    My wife has a cricut machine and uses some permanent iron on stuff to patch my jeans when I tear them. I would assume they would be great at fixing a small top repair. And the sheets of stuff come in 100's of color.
     
  8. Sep 30, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2008
    Messages:
    447
    I inherited one of those vinyl and leather repair kits. Going by what they recommend, if it a crack and there is still material underneath they use a vinyl glue to seal it then an iron-on color compound. If it's ripped through they provide a cloth backing you glue in then go through a similar routine. Get on of those kits if you think it will work.

    You could also use the vinyl glue with some patch material and just glue the patch over the tear. If there is allot of stress on the area I would sew on a patch then seal it with vinyl glue. I was able to sew on my top with a regular sewing machine but it doesn't work very well. I had to go this to reattach the velcro flaps above the doors on my BestTop.
     
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