MTFCA Forum

One more question. My 26 touring has a very presentable but very old top that has a few small ( smaller than a nickel) holes. I am concerned that when I get it back on the road that the wind will cause the holes to tear. Any ideas on patches? I was thinking about just cutting pieces of black vinyl fabric and using contact cement to patch them from the inside. Any better ideas?

Thanks again and God Bless,

Joshua A Powers

I wore a small hole in my top from the repeated abrasion from putting it up and down over the years, I did just what you suggested. I cut a patch about the size of a silver dollar, then glued it to the inside over the hole. Then, after the glue dried, I took a needle and black thread and hand sewed it to hold it permanently in place.

If you are not particularly interested in period correct, for under twenty bucks a roll of black Gorilla Tape would be quick and easy. Placed on the underside I would think it would hardly be noticed.

I've posted before about the amazing stuff you probably already have in a little tube called ULTRA BLACK or The Right Stuff!!

I bumped the top of my Torpedo trying to get into my trailer before putting the top down. This was a very small tear but a dab of Ultra Black and it's been good for years. Also used it on a leather car seat that was starting to wear and OH I almost forgot the fraying Coach purse handles for the wife's pricey purse made her really happy.

Also good for that pesky freeze crack on the side of the block cause it sticks very well and also flexes unlike JB Weld.

Best of All.... To glue that oil seal to the block on the T crankshaft preventing that oil leak that ends coating the whole underside of the car!!

my '19 roadster had a severely back-slanting top and of course it did not mate to the windshield worth a hoot. I removed the back of the top from the body, cemented a 3" wide black vinyl strip across it (with a 1" overlay for bonding) and retacked into place. Then I sealed the edge of the vinyl to the original top with ULTRA BLACK RTV. It has worked very well and is surprisingly unobtrusive

I would not hesitate to spot-patch a small hole like you are considering. I'd do it on the outside and carefully apply a fillet of RTV around it.

the adhesive I used is really second to none (and I've tried several). I have found that this Loctite product is wonderful. After 3 years of the top being TIGHT, the strip across the back/bottom shows no signs of releasing it's 1" wide bond.

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Plastic- ... 2230&psc=1

good luck

It has been recommended to me by Steve Thum in St Louis to use repair patches that are applied to scuba diver gear. Probably can get some at a dive shop. Should come with really good glue or sealant.

DHort wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 20, 2022 2:51 pm

It has been recommended to me by Steve Thum in St Louis to use repair patches that are applied to scuba diver gear. Probably can get some at a dive shop. Should come with really good glue or sealant.

With that type of repair just how deep can I drive my Coupe?

Ultra black will make a good repair, you might consider using the urethane RTV used to seal windshields. I once spread it (kinda like peanut butter) over an original closed car top that was basically sound, but prone to "weep" a little in a heavy rain. Got several more years of service out of it before it was replaced with new material.