Soft top repair

[tie6044]

Has anyone sewed a soft top by themselves? I have a newer camo soft top that pulled apart from the plastic piece that slides above the windshields. I took it to a place that can stitch heavy material but they said their machine would probably crack the plastic. I almost think it is going to have to be done by hand using the existing holes. Just wondering if it needs any special type of thread or anything else I need to know about trying it.

 

[TeufelHunden]

You could use a "Sewing Awl". They're available from many sources. Here are some examples: Stewart Manufacturing Company (120) Speedy ... $8.83 - OutdoorPros.com Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl, 2 Needles, Bobbin ... $9.97 - CheaperThanDirt Bainbridge Internati Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl $25.99 - West Marine

 

[rgregj]

Tie,
I had the same problem with my soft top, but the hard plastic channel that rides in the windshield frame was trashed too. One of the guys on SS had removed the hard plastic completey and used a piece of rope and an adhesive called pliobond and made an envelope for the rope and glued it together. Anyway, I did the same for mine. That was two years ago and it still works fine. If you do a search for "pliobond" on the site you should get a couple of hits. If you need it, I can get some pictures of my set up.

Greg

 

[Barrman]

Pliobond, non waxed dental floss, 8 needles, 1 pair of gloves and 2 pair of pliers is what I used to sew my top back onto the plastic thing at the front. took about 4 hours and has lasted since October.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I used my industrial sewing machine to re-stich the plastic channel back on. I used the pliobond to adhere it prior.

 

[combat32]

The real question is what is a good substitute for the plastic channel? I have a good spare top with no channel left, I know I can stitch it back together just need a replacement channel.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

My Dad sewed one back together again, I'll ask him what he did. I know he sealed it all after he was done with something...

Still on the truck as far as I know.

 

[dm22630]

The real question is what is a good substitute for the plastic channel? I have a good spare top with no channel left, I know I can stitch it back together just need a replacement channel.

Electrical wire

CANVAS BIKINI TOP FOR THE M35