torn softtop...

[YGOHOME]

Since I couldn't go on the crown king run I went to table mesa Thursday evenning after work instead. I punctured the sidewall on my MTR... a tree branch came through the windshield, obliterating the passanger side of it... and tore up the softtop pretty good, got a couple fist sized tears in it.


Good news is that by Friday evening, the windshield had been replaced, and I picked up a new MTR from 4 wheelers just before they closed and I had discount mount and balance it. Then I got a little bit of fever so been in bed the last day and a half... but now I'm working on the softtop again... I posted this on the email list but mostly received smart *** remarks, lol. but some good ones too like using duct tape, or patching it with a kit.

I got the duct tape... is this a good perminate solution?

Thanks,

Ben

[azdesertrhino]

Don't think the duct tape is going to be a permanent solution. Duct tape is good stuff but not that good.

We ran Chimney Rock here in Tucson yesterday. Ripped the sidewall out of one 35x12.5x15 and punctured another one (both on the passenger side). Only had one spare. Was able to put a plug in the front and get it home.

Guess it's time for some new rubber.

Also need to do some more fender trimming on the front. Pretty soon I'm going to have a flat fendered XJ! :rolleyes:

[Jeeppeepin]

A fist sized hole in the soft top, A? Hmmm.

Find something you can stick out of it like a snorkel or a video camera.
Make use of the new modification.:D

[macinyart]

A couple of years ago I scuffed the right upper rear corner of my black soft top on a rock, (that's another story and it wasn't a rollover) and found some material at the fabric store at the corner (roughly) of Cave Creek and Bell road. It is south of Bell on Cave Creek. They had the exact match for the black top material. Then I used some high powered fabric glue, the name of which is gone from me, and it has been good for a long time. If you have a black top you might want to take a look at this. Good luck.:)

[sandman]

You might try a suture setup or heavy thread and a leather needle..

[AZXJ]

Don't think the duct tape is going to be a permanent solution. Duct tape is good stuff but not that good.

We ran Chimney Rock here in Tucson yesterday. Ripped the sidewall out of one 35x12.5x15 and punctured another one (both on the passenger side). Only had one spare. Was able to put a plug in the front and get it home.

Guess it's time for some new rubber.

Also need to do some more fender trimming on the front. Pretty soon I'm going to have a flat fendered XJ! :rolleyes:

Wow Jim, That didn't take long... :eek: you could add to the bump stops in the front to help keep the tires out of the fenders if you don't wnat to chop anymore sheetmetal..



On topic.... I like sandman's idea.. just sew it.. :D

[FrenchChili]

Ductape + canvas and rain don't work...I tried on my old top....a canvas patch kit is the way to go....or a new top:D

[YGOHOME]

ha, yes, the duct tape method sucks very much... I've had it taped for only a day and its already flappin in the breeze. I think the best solution will be to sew it best I can... then get some patching fabric and some fabric glue. I saw some at wal-mart actually so this week I get to test my martha stewart skillz.

Thanks guys!

Ben

[OlneyJeeps]

sewing aint gonna do crap (holes from needle will elongate,thread will deterioate)

From WalMart: purchase ($1.99) patch material (commonly used by moms on blue jeans) with closest color match
release pressure from top
From inside of top: place patch material covering tear (do not be stingy... allow material enough coverage on either side of tear)
using piece of wood covered with scrap tshirt or other cloth as backing, use iron (set on medium) to patch
permatex vinal repair goop on outside to make repair "invisible"

I highly reccommend that everyone with a soft top put patch (before you need it) on inside of top above doors where contacts ( look at just about any top 3+yrs old and you will see exactly where contact causes tear) support

"It's a good thing" Martha

[dragon51]

I ended up putting a rubber patch where the spreader/strecher come's in contact with the soft top, it was starting to wear

[YGOHOME]

I ended up using some heavy denim along with some adhesive E3000 from the same fabric store. Sets very fast almost instantly and is 100% waterproof and didn't require me to remove the softtop at all.

by the way, Gorilla Glue, is terrible for fabric in case your considering it... it takes 2 - 4 hrs just to set and it expands 3-4 times its size so it pushes the fabrics away from each other. I scrapped that after I saw it wasn't going to work and thats when I went to the E3000 which is tons better for this.

Thanks,

Ben

[T.C.'S TOY]

You might try a suture setup or heavy thread and a leather needle..

This is a good idea and when you are done run a finger full of silicone over the stitching and it should last you quite awhile.....Thom (T.C.'S TOY):)

[danno]

I didn't see this thread in time to comment, but, for future...

I have used Shoe Goo... Its really the same thing as GOOP. Its a flexable waterproof adhesive which bonds just about anything to anything.

http://www.amazinggoop.com/