convertible top repair

That's a fine and dandy solution if my checkbook was fatter. I have the
same problem as Chief's, but the tear is about an 2". So I think the
solutions Chief wrote were ok, except that sewing up the rip will look
pretty fugly.

This weekend I will iron a patch from the underside with the idea of *just
slowing down* the rip. (That solution has been posted here awhile back)
Then as disposable funds are available, the *correct* solution will be
applied. i.e. new top.

So what does a new top go for? (with install)

Marc L.





"Scott Van Nest" wrote in message

> Here is the solution to convertible top repairs. from a google search of
> the archives.
>
> Message 2 in thread
> From: Bill S. (bills2@optonline.net)
> Subject: Re: Convertible top repair?
>
>
> View this article only
> Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.ford.mustang
> Date: 2003-06-16 22:57:35 PST
>
>
> Simple, replace the top, as those vinyl repair kits will only make a
> temporary fix................
>
>
> Bill S.
>
 >> Stay informed about: convertible top repair 

On my 86 ragtop, I had a smaller (about an inch) tear and I ironed on a
black patch from the inside, and it lasted ~2 yrs till I sold the car.
Cooincidentally though, I saw the car about 6 months later, and the whole
back looked like samurai car detailer had his way with it

ANNNNYYYY WAY!

I took the car to an upholstry shop, hoping to get some answers from them.
As I suspected, they pretty much shot down the idea of a hand stitch job
(BTW, I agree it would be ugly, but.....) the options they gave me were

1. Remove the top, and machine sew in a repair panel on both sides, so it
looks more factory-ish $200.00

2. Replace the whole top with a new one... $450.00

He said he would guarantee the patch for a year, which I thought was pretty
good. My concern is that 6 months later if I get another rip, I'll be
wishing I spent the $200.00 towards a new one.

I think I *might* cheap out and see if I can get any joy from an iron on,
however it's right where the top flexes a lot, so I am skeptical as to
whether it will last more than a week. Although since it's getting cooler,
I won't be dropping the top for 6 more months or so, so maybe I could wait
till spring.


"CasinoMaker" wrote in message

> That's a fine and dandy solution if my checkbook was fatter. I have the
> same problem as Chief's, but the tear is about an 2". So I think the
> solutions Chief wrote were ok, except that sewing up the rip will look
> pretty fugly.
>
> This weekend I will iron a patch from the underside with the idea of *just
> slowing down* the rip. (That solution has been posted here awhile back)
> Then as disposable funds are available, the *correct* solution will be
> applied. i.e. new top.
>
> So what does a new top go for? (with install)
>
> Marc L.
>
>
>
>
>
> "Scott Van Nest" wrote in message
>
> > Here is the solution to convertible top repairs. from a google search
of
> > the archives.
> >
> > Message 2 in thread
> > From: Bill S. (bills2@optonline.net)
> > Subject: Re: Convertible top repair?
> >
> >
> > View this article only
> > Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.ford.mustang
> > Date: 2003-06-16 22:57:35 PST
> >
> >
> > Simple, replace the top, as those vinyl repair kits will only make a
> > temporary fix................
> >
> >
> > Bill S.
> >
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: convertible top repair