TenMidgets

My top is in pretty good shape except for one spot that I noticed has become a hole and seems to be growing each time I raise and lower the top.

Is there anything I can do to stop it from becoming larger and forcing me to get a new top sooner than I'd like? It is only the top layer that is torn, the secondary black layer is fine. Any way I can stitch it?

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Closeup view:



Thanks,
Bill

Fun71

My top developed a hole in that location shortly after I installed it - I think I had the material too tight in that area. Anyway, I patched it with a small piece of top material that I think was left over from the front bow area after I did some trimming during the install. I cleaned around the hole very well using a solvent, cut the patch into a rounded shape so there weren't any corners to lift, then glued it over the hole using 3M weatherstrip adhesive. That patch held for over 10 years and wasn't very noticeable, but my top is black (as was the adhesive) so it didn't stand out.

jaunty75

MDchanic

That's the place where they tear, and it's usually a steady process of deterioration from here.

You can try to patch it, and that may work for a while, but in the end, it will be a 12" tear, especially once the wind gets at it.

You do most of your driving with the top down anyway, right?

- Eric

TenMidgets

Thanks for the replies guys. Kind of what I feared/expected, similar to a small crack in a windshield...over time it just gets larger.

Guess its time to start saving my pennies for a new top to be installed next year. I fear this is about a $1500 hit from what I understand...bummer!

MDchanic

You can do it yourself - just takes patience, a helper who doesn't mind bad language, and a place where you can leave the car undisturbed for a few days while you go at it.

- Eric

oldcutlass

I would try patching it as stated above.

Koda

Try patching it, nothing to lose.

Indy_68_S

Maybe loosely stitch it prior to patch for added strength ?

Noticeabilty? Make the patch an Olds logo rocket shape & put one on the other side too so they match !

oldcutlass

The problem with any logo on the outside is that its on a fold when the top goes down. I doubt it will stay.

Tedd Thompson

Non Oldsmobile. I have repaired a hole (very small 3/8 inch ) by using a strip of woven nylon belt material same color as the top (black) and a thin layer of epoxy glue. It has held up for over 6 months so far, looks good and it is put up and down a lot..... Tedd

hookem horns

I have the same issue now on both sides and know a top replacement is in my future. In the meantime, I glued a patch of black vinyl on the backside and used tear-aid on the exterior. Another reason to drive top down most of the time....

ELY442

Mine was quite similar but on the passenger side and the cut was about 6 inches long. I just got my top done and it cost me $850. The installer told me that be careful of bringing your top down in cold weather. Also, while the installer was cleaning up, I happen to look inside the my glove box and I was reading the car owners manual, There's a little instructions on how to bring your top down and folding the top. Look inside you owners manual.

brown7373

Not an Olds, by 1970 Bonneville in the early 90s complete with Jaunty's duct tape solution, and in 2016 as it nears completion of a 2nd restoration.

RROLDSX

Back when I had convertibles, I used to put the top half down then get out and chop a fold in each side before putting it all the way down to prevent the sharp outward folds that would develop. Not sure what the owner's manual says but I would start there for preventative maintenance.

61Bat

Beautiful Bonne sir!

Fun71

Yep, this is the way it's supposed to be done and is what's in the manual as stated above. Most folks are not aware of this and just activate the switch and let the top go down.

TenMidgets

Thanks for the replies!

Took it to my upholsterer today and he said the reason this happened was the padding inside didn't extend far down enough and the top wore on the metal knuckle over time.

Bringing it in next week for a patch and additional padding he recommended to get me thru the summer and hopefully beyond...?