• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!

    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

TR2/3/3A How to Repair Small Holes in TR-3 Soft Top

I've had good luck with using dental floss to sew it back together, then goop on some black rtv. I've had rips and tears last for years that way.

I have not had good luck with tapes of any type.
 
I saved an old top just for this occasion. For a hole or large tear, I cut out a patch from the old top and contact cement it over the tear. The pattern in the vinyl matches and it less noticeable. Worked for a season or two, Now I have a new top.
 
This may seem obvious but if you want it to last, I recommend going to an automotive upholsterer that work with tops and the like. I payed $30 or so a number of years ago and still good.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions. I ordered some adhesive called StormSure after seeing some videos on YouTube. It looks like great stuff and a lot of folks seem to rave about it. Thanks again.

Art
 
foxtrapper said:
I've had good luck with using dental floss to sew it back together, then goop on some black rtv.

A small seam (2-3 inches) has ripped on my top boot cover. Dental floss sounds like a good idea - much stronger than cotton thread. Can you elaborate on "then goop on some black rtv". Also, the cover is red, so any suggestions on how to colour match the repair?
 
I had a three corner tear in my TR6 top 8 years ago.

Repaired it and it still looks as good as the day I did it.

I used a product called VIP. It is a contact cement used by professionals, I asked one and that is how I found out about it.

Then I found some material that was close in color. Went to an upholstery shop and they gave it to me.

Then I followed the directions and applied the glue to the underside of the top and the patch. Then placed a small board under it and one over it with some weight on to hold things in place while it set up. Last was after it had set I applied a small amount to make it look nicer on the outside.

The photos are as it is nearly 8 years and more than 30,000 miles later.
 
Back
Top