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MG TD TF 1500 - Torn Top

I need some suggestions for repairing too small tears in my top. (don't ask)

This top came with the car and it is a natural not a synthetic material.

TIA
Mort

M Resnicoff

I would be tempted to sew them using a matching colour thread then put a small patch on the underside of each to make leaktight.
Dave H
es1

I wonder if an Iron-on patch would hold when it gets wet. It is available in many colours. I think it would be quite inconspiculous.(sp?)
Byron W,
Byron Warwick

Always sew a rip, even if you put a patch on the back. Make sure the patch has similar stretch properties to the hood material or it won't pull flat when the hood is up.
Dave H
es1

Closer examination revealed that the fabric is multilayered and these tears do not go all the way through.
Would a glue that remains flexible work?
Can anyone recommend a product?
Mort
M Resnicoff

It might, but it could be very difficult to do without making a mess. You would need to lift out the cut thread ends of the fabric as much as possible, then put a smear of adhesive in the cut hole and try and place the threads back in an orderly fashion before the adhesive dries. Getting the amount of adhesive right would be difficult. Better if the adhesive was heat sensitive, then you could take as long as you like putting the fibres in place, then iron over to seal together. Some standard contact type adhesives might do this. The only other way that I can think of is to push the threads into position and iron flat, then using a fine tip applicator add a few drops of cyano to bond together. Could also be messy. In both cases it might be best done with the hood / top up and fully stretched in position. Before doing anything its probably a good idea to get a scrap of spare fabric of the same type, duplicate the damage, and see which repair technique works best - practice makes perfect.
Dave H
es1

Gym shoe sole repair comes in a tube, stays flexible..not sure if that would be any use in this application or not. Regards, Tom
tm peterson

This thread was discussed between 01/04/2017 and 04/04/2017

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