TR6 Small tear in convertible top

[pdplot]

Some time ago I got a small 1" or so tear in my top where it goes over a bow. I've tried black tape inside and out but it falls off after a few days. What's the best way to patch the tear? The top is a bit tight but otherwise in fine shape although it's 19 years old but always garaged.

 

[tomshobby]

We purchased our TR6 9 years ago and the top had tears on both sides because of improper folding when it was lowered. A good friend was in the upholstery business for many years and recommended this. A product named "VIP". All these years and nearly 60,000 miles later and it still looks as good as the day the repair was done.

 

[Geo Hahn]

That looks like it is worth a try. I had been using a patch made from Gorilla Tape which holds well but looks more obvious.

BTW -- The name of the product is 'VLP':

https://www.amazon.com/Performix-075815100016-Leather-Vinyl-Repair/dp/B000PS6N4E

Success may depend on how much stress the torn area is subjected too - in my case it is a spot that gets pulled pretty tight.

PS - Looks like they may have it at The Home Depot.

 

[pdplot]

Thanks. I'll check out the Home Depot in Norwalk. Crowded place for sure. Tear was caused by my just flipping the top down without folding it properly. Critical spot - right on top of the bow near the rear window.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

This won't make a pretty repair, but it has always held up for me when I was a poor college student. I would stitch up the tear with thick thread. Nothing fancy, just a big whip stitch. Then smear RTV (I had a black top) over the sewn-up cut.

 

[dklawson]

I have used VLP and similar vinyl glues to repair tears in many vinyl parts... but not a top.

I agree with those above who show a patch applied to the inside applied with VLP. After the VLP has dried I have used a sewing awl to stitch the patch. Where moisture has been a concern I have smeared a thin film of VLP over the thread to waterproof the area.

 

[PeterK]

When it was time for a new top, I saved the old one and use it for more-invisible patches. VLP looks like the right stuff.