dr.apex

I just picked up a 98 Gt ragtop. It has, what looks like, a cigarette burn on the top. Its about the width of a cigarette and about an inch long.
Is there a patch kit available to patch it up?
Also, the ragtop is tan and I'd like for it to be black. Is there a ragtop dye to make it black. I've looked around a lil but only found dye that is for faded black tops. They specifically say not for changing color.
Thanks

dr.apex

anyone???

teej281

Just get a new top. Thats the only way youre going to fix your hole and change the color.

H0SS302

Yea just get a new top.. dont cheap out on it.

Z28KLR

Depending on where the hole is (this probably won't work if the hole is in a spot where the top creates a crease when it folds up), you might be able to patch it with an innertube patch kit. If it works it'll look like sh**, but it will also keep the water out until you can get a new top.

dr.apex

Last night I found a leather/vinal patch kit called "liquid leather". It supposedly has an assortment of different colored patches as well as patch dyes to "perfectly" match it to the application. I ordered it up, so I'll update you guys on how it works.
I just hate to waste the cash on a new top considering the one I have is in pristine shape minus the cigarette burn.

I found the dye also, but I'm a lil apprehesive about it. I'm going to contact my local Ford dealership to get a piece of OEM Vinal so I can test it out. If it doesnt work, then I'll go ahead and consider a new top.

teej281

I dont think it will work well...it will probably look like crap.

dr.apex

What makes you say that? Have you ever tried dying a vinal top? Do you have any experience with the product?

teej281

No, but if its a patch, youre going to visibly see the lines of the patch and then you have the chance of dying the patch and some of the top around it a different color than the rest of the top. This would only be a quick fix til i could put money together for a top...and that would be my next thing on the list of things to buy for my car. That is probably meant to be used by professionals...so if you do it yourself, it might not turn out top notch.

dr.apex

i see what you're sayin, but the way this patch works is by applying it from underneath. I needs to be cut bigger than the hole and taped to the underside of the vinal top. you then, take the color matched liquid vinal and fill it in level and level it. once it's level, you let it sit for a determined amount of time until it gets tacky. It comes with pattern stamps that you press onto the patch so that you can match the vinal patern. Once it completley cures, you then remove the tape from underneath. It's claims to be undetectable, or at least, damn near it.
I understand that the top is 12 years old and it will need to be replaced eventually. My thing is, if I can seal this hole and make it look good for now, I can throw the few hundred that the top would cost, at somethin else for now.
If it doesnt turn out right, hey, it was a $15 loss. I think its worth a shot.
I'll post pics of the hole, pics of the repair process, and the finished product when it come in.