thelemur

When I bought my car the prior owner had glued some fabric strips at the common wear points on the top. I just noticed another spot that looks like it is wearing. Can anyone recommend a material to use and/or where to get it?

S360

i bought the patch that Honda sells. it was around $30 and it was about a 6x6in. square of the same material as the factory top

thelemur

Hrmm I guess that would suffice. I was hoping for something smaller and cheaper

kap

Go to a local fabric shop. I got the vinyl fabric for under $2 (4" by 40" or so). Then I got some rtv silicon. Works like a charm.

thelemur

Hrmm, a fabric shop, would that be like an upholstery shop? Being male I have never actually been in a fabric store, nor do I know what they look like or are called lol.

kap

i just opened up google maps and searched "fabric shop" on my phone. I think it led me to a joannes. They usually sell stuff for a higher price, but it's no where near $30 for a 6"x6" patch.

I had a 1/2" tear, so i:
:lightly sewed up the tear
:wiped off the underside from oil and dirt (with alcohol or something similar)
:cut vinyl into an oval patch (box-y patches come off easier)
ut a layer of rtv evenly on the patch
:stuck the patch on and held it for a bit. If any rtv gushed out through the rip onto the outer side, wipe it off
:24 hours later, inspect for imperfections
rofit

results:
had it for about a month, and it seems very flexible and works really well. and unless you are actually looking for the tear, you can't really see it (probably bc it was only a 1/2" rip anyways.

S360

sorry, i haven't looked at the patch in a long time. it's in a box so i just kind of estimated from memory. i looked up the part on Honda's parts site and it says $27.63 for (300x300). i'm guessing that's millimeters? which is about a square foot. either way, it looks like you can find some much cheaper alternatives! good luck!

That Guy 1987

You have any rips in the top yet or just grey areas showing wear?

thelemur

The wear is actually on the underside. There's a spot right in the center that looks like it's been rubbing on something. You can't see it from the outside, but it makes me paranoid!

That Guy 1987

I know many aren't going to like this responds but unfortunately you may just being delaying the inevitable. I feel the best thing you can do is prevent dry rot by using 303 or ragg top. Sorry dude don't mean to sound like a negative Nancy but I would start to save up for another soft top or a hard top. Just replaced my soft top but got a great deal on one. Had a TINY tear and before you knew it in a month it was 4 inchs from just putting the top down once in a while. After this one it's a muguen replica for me.