A good upholstery shop can patch and sew just about anything but I don't
think you'll be happy. Unless it is right next to the window, they can
put a piece underneath the tear about 1 1/2" x the length + 1 1/2".
Making sure the tear is pulled together, sew around the outer edge of
the patch. Then go back and forth over the tear itself in a very tight
zig zag pattern. If the edge of the tear wants to stick up, another
stitch along the tear (both sides) can finish it up. You could add a
little vinyl/fabric glue between the patch and the top for good measure.
Finally, be sure to weather proof the stitching so you don't have a leak
into the interior. If you are going to repair it - do it quickly as the
longer you wait the harder it is for the tear to be pulled together.
My opinion: Your brother may not like it, but go for the new top.
Carl
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Middlesworth [SMTP:jape@email.unc.edu]
> Sent: Monday, October 26, 1998 8:06 AM
> To: triumphs@autox.team.net
> Subject: How to repair rip in conv top
>
>
> My brother cruises into town while I was away and borrows the keys to
> the
> MGB from my wife. That was okay, but he decides that all you have to
> do
> to get the top down is to undo the latches in front and then force the
> whole thing back and down behind the seats.
>
> Needless to say, I've now got a couple rips in the top, the biggest of
> which is about 6 inches long and sits between the side vinyl window
> and
> the driver's door window. Is there some easy way to make an
> acceptable
> repair that will last a couple years or should I just send my brother
> a
> bill for a new top?
>
> John Middlesworth
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