How do you fix a fabric top on a convertible?

Step 1: Clean the repair area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt or body oils which may impact a good bond onto the convertible top. Step 2: Trim fraying edges with scissors. Step 3: Apply a piece of Tenacious Tape (included in the Soft Top Repair Kit) over the damaged area.

How much does it cost to replace a top on a convertible?

The Estimated Price For Replacing A Convertible Top Runs From $900 To $1500. The price of replacing a convertible top is largely dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. But in most cases, the costs include the following: One replacement top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)

How long does a canvas convertible top last?

General Usage & Problem Areas:

• A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years.
• Never put a convertible top down when the temperature is below 60 degrees.
• Never leave a convertible top down over night.
• Never store a convertible for extended periods of time with the top down.

Can a convertible top be repaired?

Repairing a convertible top is not as easy as stitches and patches. So that’s one of the reasons you see convertible tops with duct tape instead of patches — there just isn’t an adhesive that does the job well. So you’ll need to use something to seal your tear and hold the patch and that’s why people use stitching.

Why isn’t my convertible top go down?

If a convertible top simply doesn’t go up or down when you engage the switch, the cause may be a bad fuse, lift cylinder, or relay. When a convertible top gets stuck in the process, it is most likely caused by a lift cylinder or a broken cable.

When should I replace my convertible top?

Tops generally last 10-12 years depending on care, storage, maintenance, and amount of use. That being said, we have seen tops that are 15 years old that still look good so there are many factors.

Can you go through a carwash with a convertible?

Thanks to modern, soft brushes as for example SofTecs and the correct washing chemicals, convertible drivers can also wash their car safely in a gantry car wash or conveyor tunnel system.

Why you shouldn’t buy a convertible?

Yes, a convertible has negatives. It costs more to buy, maintain, and insure. It isn’t as roomy as an equivalent coupe, and it has safety and security issues. It might be a little noisier and a bit less comfortable as well.

How often does a convertible top need to be replaced?

Why is my convertible top not going up?

If a convertible top simply doesn’t go up or down when you engage the switch, the cause may be a bad fuse, lift cylinder, or relay. When a convertible top gets stuck in the process, it is most likely caused by a lift cylinder or a broken cable. Ironically, sometimes the issue simply lies in a broken switch.

How do you diagnose a convertible top problem?

Use a digital multimeter to check the lines feeding the convertible top motor. Every time you press the convertible switch, you should read between 11-13 volts at the pump. If you are not getting any current at the hydraulic motor, you may have an electrical problem or a defective switch.

Can a convertible top be repaired at home?

Knowing some repair convertible top repair techniques will come in handy if your convertible roof has broken or developed a rip. Making small repairs is actually quite simple and can be performed by any do it yourself beginner. By repairing a car convertible top yourself, you can save a great deal of time and money.

What kind of material is a convertible top made of?

Vinyl, on the other hand, would need to be replaced. GAHH’s canvas (cloth) convertible top materials are constructed using a “three-ply” method that has an acrylic or polyester/acrylic exterior (facing) and a cloth lining (backing).

Do you need to take convertible top off frame?

Instead, most tears happen in other locations. For these convertible top repairs, you’ll need to take the convertible top off the frame for the popular stitch-patch-and-seal job. And it’s this fact — the need to take the convertible top off the frame — that presents the biggest hurdle in repairing your convertible top.

Can You stitch a hole in a convertible top?

Stitching, of course, presents issues with waterproofing, so any stitches done will need to be sealed, so you don’t get water through the repair. If you need to use a patch, you’re going to need to remove the top from the top frame to do machine stitching, which will give your patch the best chance to work.