Gary's 2 442-S

I am really trying not to replace this top. I just put it back on after it sitting on the self the last couple years during my restoration. It has this one tear on the right rear near the window shown in the first couple of pictures. I glued a piece of black fabric behind it but it is still noticeable.
My question is has anyone of you gentlemen repaired a tear and if so what did you do? Also will the creases/wrinkles in the material straighten out. The top was folded while I had it stored. Other than that one tear the canvas is in very good shape.

Any direction or suggestion is much appreciated.

Thanks
Gary

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redoldsman

I had a very small tear in the top on my 54 about 3 years ago when part of the top mechanism came loose as I was putting the top down. It was an almost new top. I took it back to the trim shop an they put a patch on the backside with contact cement. Fortunately it was above the pad so it does not show from the inside.

Fun71

My top tore in the same location shortly after I installed it. I cut a small circle of leftover material from the windshield top vinyl, glued it on with 3M Super Weatherstrip adhesive, and it held for over a decade.

Gary's 2 442-S

Thanks guys for your input. Much appreciated. I did glue a patch behind it as well. I ordered a product off of EBAY called LIQUID STITCH. Once I get it I plan on brushing it over the tear to see if it will fill it in just a bit better. After I get it on I will post the results.

Gary

72KeysCutlass

Hello Kenneth, I saw in your post you installed a new top and I am assuming you were the one who removed the old one. I am trying to remove the back of the top w/o damaging it. Any tips on how to do this or where to find a video would be great. Thanks, Dave

72KeysCutlass

Hello Gary, saw your post. Can't help much w/ any advice but was hoping you might be able to help me. I am trying to remove the back of the top w/o harming it and have no idea how it comes out. Any tips on how or where to find a video would be great. thanks,Dave

Gary's 2 442-S

Dave

There is a bracket assembly that goes around the rear of the top in the trunk area that attaches to the body of the trunk area. You will be laying in the trunk at times to unbolt those brackets. There are three of them. Here are a couple of videos that will show the brackets during the installation.

Fun71

Be aware that the "back of the top" is composed of two pieces - the rear window curtain and the main roof section. They are both stapled to the rear tack strip (lower edge, below deck) and the rear bow (upper edge, above window). I think trying to remove it from the rear (which is backwards from installing the top) will get you into trouble.