Off topic - repairing soft top knife slash

[Joe R.]

Sorry if this is off topic, but I thought some of the experienced folks here might have a suggestion. A friend recently had his (non-Corvette) black soft top cut with a knife or razor during an attempted break in. The cut is clean and about six inches long. The soft top is in otherwise excellent condition.

He has asked me for suggestions about how he could repair this. I suspect there may be some standard repair methods, with some being better than others, but I have no experience with this type of repair.

The exterior of the top is textured vinyl, while the interior surface looks like it has some sort of fabric backing. The car is just a driver, so the repair does not have to be invisible, but it would be nice if it was at least reasonable looking (and weatherproof). He would like to do the repair job himself.

Any suggestions?

[Bill E.]

Re: Off topic - repairing soft top knife slash

Joe, I had the same thing happen to my '74 only it was plain old vandalism... about an inch long clean cut.

I can't tell you how to fix it but I can tell you how not to fix it. I bought a vinyl repair kit that included a glue/solvent that remains flexible and powdered dye that was applied while the glue/solvent was still wet.

The repair looked great and lasted until the top was raised and lowered a few times. I now have a piece of duct tape on the inside and am planning on having the top replaced this winter unless your post comes up with solution. Good luick, Bill