Convertible Top Stitching Fix

gbhrps

Ladies and gentlemen,

I've not needed to do this on my 2016 Roadster, but have used this simple fix years ago on a previous convertible. I thought it would help someone here.

At the convertible top edges (next to the glass) the fabric top has a binding stitched to it, that as it ages, will break its stitching at the places where the top folds back onto itself. The stitching wears out, breaks, and allows the binding to start to unfold.

The solution is a new top, or if you wanted to stretch that repair out for a few more seasons (assuming that the rest of the top is is reasonably good condition), you could do the following.

Get a new container of Super Glue that has the smallest/sharpest point pen end that you can find. With the top in the up position, you can go from stitch point to stitch point and apply the tiniest pin point spot of glue right at the hole where the needle went through the material.

You can even use a tooth pick or similar to hold the thread at the stitch hole while the glue sets (in seconds). By applying just a spot of super glue to the stitch hole and not on the thread between the holes (this allows the material to still flex between the stitch holes), the material can still bend and move without cracking if over glued.

If you are careful, you can do an invisible repair that holds extremely well, and will allow you to put off that top repair for a few more years.

It just might work for you.

Gene

Spoiler

Hope I don't need this, but thanks for posting a great cost saving idea to be able to get a little more life out of these tops