Has anyone successfully repaired a rip in their soft top?
 

I have a rip in the material to the right (passenger side) of my rear plastic window....just about in the center of the panel.

Has anyone repaired a rip where the end result was acceptable? I was thinking of using some of that iron-on fabric repair patch material on the backside. Maybe taking the top off (with frame) and somehow positioning a portable sewing machine so I can sew together, then do the same on the other side to have a matching seam. (The top will probably be too tight afterwards though)

Perhaps using some matching scrap top material to make a less notable patch....

I know this sounds far fetched but I'm looking for a interim solution short of total replacement.

All ideas welcome.

On a BMW I had the tear repaired by a shoe shop. If you are going to the trouble of removing the top from the car then go the rest of the way. I couldn't find a canvas shop but was directed to a shoe shop that had a heavy duty sewing machine. In 1990 the repair set me back $12. It was a four inch tear and it was cross stitched with a piece of backing material. The repair wasn't obvious.

I was thinking that the top could be removed with the frame intact.

I agree that if going to the trouble of removing the top from frame then a new top should be installed.

Does anyone know a supplier that would provide me with a patch of material? I'd love to preserve the MB interior design if going this route.

Or perhaps someone has replaced their (Tobacco?) brown soft top and has the old material...?

http://www.worlduph.com/e-mail.html

Rick -- World Upholstery (link above) offers to send a free sample -- it might be enough and if not you might ask them to sell you a piece of material of sufficient size.

I recall reading a post or web site where someone suggested taking a piece of matching colored material, and good upholstery (or otherwise waterproof) glue, sliding the patch piece under the tear and gluing the the original torn flaps down onto the patch -- you would get the most unnoticeable repair that way, I think.

Regards,

That is a common place for the canvas to tear as the top ages. You can expect the other side to go soon too.
I repaired the black top on my 450, and was fairly pleased with the results. I got a piece of matching canvas (Sunbrella) from a guy who makes boat covers. Black was easy, of course; your brown may be a harder match.
I cut identical canvas patches, one for each side, and used contact cement to attach them to the outside of the roof. If you cut the patches in the proper shape, trace their outline on to the roof and are very careful with applying the glue to the roof (sort of like coloring inside the lines...) you can get a repair that will only be noticed on close inspection.
This is only a stopgap measure. Once the canvas starts to rot like this, you will need a new roof sooner than later.

Excellent ideas...Thanks guys. Please keep them coming as I'm sure many will benefit in the future.

I agree that when one part goes other spots are not far behind.

Dan,

Thanks for the suggestion...I'm familiar with WU and will give them a call. I just have to figure out which of the three browns I have. Now I have to find the Cardex MB sent me way back.