Roof tearing by windows

Akhan45 · 07-09-2020, 05:26 PM

So my convertible soft top fabric is starting to tear. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I saw a post where there was a TSB for tearing of the soft top fabric near the window, but I’d like to confirm if the tearing that’s occurring on my car is due to the same reason.

gbhrps · 07-09-2020, 07:39 PM

Akhan45,

I can't help you with the post you're looking for, but I do recall that it had more to do with the window fraying the fabric when the door was opened/closed, due to an alignment issue with the glass.

I can tell you that you can save/repair what damage you have there yourself, if you're so inclined. I've done this job on a convertible I owned years ago with great results.

The trick is to purchase a curved needle for this kind of work and from a tarp/convertible repair shop source the same weight and colour of thread.

Then you start about 3 thread stitches back from where the thread is missing, and restitch everything back together making sure to use the same needle holes in the top material and the edge cover.

Watch some YouTube videos on how the needle work is done to hide the lock loop on the bottom when sewing leather/etc. on automobiles.

Sew to 3 stitches beyond the separated section, and then on the underneath seal the last 2 stitches with waterproof fabric glue, applied with a toothpick to lock everything down.

Done carefully the job shouldn't take 45 minutes to complete, and should be almost invisible that a repair has been made. Good Luck!

Gene

Akhan45 · 07-10-2020, 09:40 AM

Gene, thanks for your help! The tsb was in relation to window misalignment, and I think that’s what’s going on with my car. I’ll reset the window adjustment, and buy all the stuff to stitch the tarp back. Moms been sewing for 30+ years so she’ll be able to sew it in no time!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bobgonz · 09-15-2020, 10:40 PM

I just fixed mine last month with locktite fabric vinyl and plastic glue that dries clear and is flexible. I bought all the material to sew it but I freaking suck at sewing and gave up after a while trying to get the stitch spacing right. It seems really strong with just the glue and ill probably just touch it up when it starts to tear again until I just ending up replacing the top. Not having the stitches really piss me off tho gosh darn ocd

07-09-2020, 07:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
gbhrps Base Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 213 Drives: 2016 RDSTR TS 6spd Rep Power: 7996	Akhan45, I can't help you with the post you're looking for, but I do recall that it had more to do with the window fraying the fabric when the door was opened/closed, due to an alignment issue with the glass. I can tell you that you can save/repair what damage you have there yourself, if you're so inclined. I've done this job on a convertible I owned years ago with great results. The trick is to purchase a curved needle for this kind of work and from a tarp/convertible repair shop source the same weight and colour of thread. Then you start about 3 thread stitches back from where the thread is missing, and restitch everything back together making sure to use the same needle holes in the top material and the edge cover. Watch some YouTube videos on how the needle work is done to hide the lock loop on the bottom when sewing leather/etc. on automobiles. Sew to 3 stitches beyond the separated section, and then on the underneath seal the last 2 stitches with waterproof fabric glue, applied with a toothpick to lock everything down. Done carefully the job shouldn't take 45 minutes to complete, and should be almost invisible that a repair has been made. Good Luck! Gene Spoiler and Akhan45 like this.

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07-10-2020, 09:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Akhan45 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 40 Drives: 2014 Nissan 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 7	Gene, thanks for your help! The tsb was in relation to window misalignment, and I think that’s what’s going on with my car. I’ll reset the window adjustment, and buy all the stuff to stitch the tarp back. Moms been sewing for 30+ years so she’ll be able to sew it in no time! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-15-2020, 10:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
bobgonz Base Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 2 Drives: 2010 370z roadster Rep Power: 5	I just fixed mine last month with locktite fabric vinyl and plastic glue that dries clear and is flexible. I bought all the material to sew it but I freaking suck at sewing and gave up after a while trying to get the stitch spacing right. It seems really strong with just the glue and ill probably just touch it up when it starts to tear again until I just ending up replacing the top. Not having the stitches really piss me off tho gosh darn ocd