Cloth is better. In terms of durability from folding they're pretty compatible cloth tops are much better if you fold your top in the cold. Vinyl tops become stiff and brittle in the cold so they're more likely to crack/rip from being folded when cold than cloth.
Thank you. Perfect video, mine is a small tear on my ‘99 Miata, just a few inches back from yours . Silver on black too, 80 k….. perfect except for this small tear. Greetings from SoCal 😎
Yeah I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm sure it's possible to do a better job than I did, but since I moved this car has been in storage until I can find a shop space in Dallas, so in the meantime no one has to look at it haha.
Dude, go back and look at your video at the 8:20. You have the adhesive spread out in a rectangular shape and then put rounded patches that clearly extend beyond the adhesive by about an inch. The next day you lift the patch (where it's peeling) and you can clearly see that it doesn't have any adhesive on the back. It's not the patch, it's you.
I needed to replace my top on my 95 formula firebird. I bought a good top an instructional video a cheap pneumatic staple gun. It seemed pretty straight forward. I paid $350 for the top which is a two piece with glass window. Cheapest shop was $750 for install. I accomplished my own install. It looks good. Next time I'll gladly pay $750.
Here's the link to the kit I bought. As with many of these kinds of things, it looks like there are a lot of similar kits that probably perform similarly. Hope it helps! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJVCPGI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ok, you didn’t show us what happens when you open the top. So did the tape hold up when the top folds down? The left side looks pretty good. Did you change gloves when you started the right side? That might be where you made your ‘mistake’. My 2008 has the same stress cracks. And on the left side, right where you taped it, a previous owner used silicone snd it looks like a big booger. But I think I may try your tape with maybe some flex seal on the inside surface. But bottoms line, we both need new tops 😃
This held up much better in terms of flexibility when folding the top down compared to gorilla tape/caulk, however I think you're spot on saying ultimately a new top is in order if you want to restore the aesthetics.
If you're looking for something to keep the water out - it seems to do that. But if you also want to be able to park your car without shame, maybe look elsewhere lol
Vinyl is picky about what works on it. If it doesnt say it works on vinyl odds are it wont work after awhile. Even black "gorilla permanent" tape doesnt work.
Doesn't look all that bad! Can't wait for the top replacement video. I'm "torn" between vinyl or cloth on my Miata.
Cloth is better. In terms of durability from folding they're pretty compatible cloth tops are much better if you fold your top in the cold. Vinyl tops become stiff and brittle in the cold so they're more likely to crack/rip from being folded when cold than cloth.
Great video. Got a few good laughs and got some ideas for my Miata rag top which is also needing replaced some day …
Definitely not a long term solution - but keeps the water out. Hopefully you can do yours better than I did mine lol.
Thank you. Perfect video, mine is a small tear on my ‘99 Miata, just a few inches back from yours . Silver on black too, 80 k….. perfect except for this small tear. Greetings from SoCal 😎
Glad it was helpful, I'm sure you can do better than I did!
I'm sure glad I saw this. I was about to order this product but will try something else.
Yeah I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm sure it's possible to do a better job than I did, but since I moved this car has been in storage until I can find a shop space in Dallas, so in the meantime no one has to look at it haha.
Thinking about using only unglued patch material and contact cement.
Dude, go back and look at your video at the 8:20. You have the adhesive spread out in a rectangular shape and then put rounded patches that clearly extend beyond the adhesive by about an inch. The next day you lift the patch (where it's peeling) and you can clearly see that it doesn't have any adhesive on the back. It's not the patch, it's you.
My thoughts exactly!!
Thanks for sharing buddy.
I needed to replace my top on my 95 formula firebird. I bought a good top an instructional video a cheap pneumatic staple gun. It seemed pretty straight forward. I paid $350 for the top which is a two piece with glass window. Cheapest shop was $750 for install. I accomplished my own install. It looks good. Next time I'll gladly pay $750.
Thanks for sharing! When I replace this top I'm definitely going to consider having a shop do it to save the hassle.
I’ve heard the same from other capable DIYers
Can you link the kit?
Here's the link to the kit I bought. As with many of these kinds of things, it looks like there are a lot of similar kits that probably perform similarly. Hope it helps!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJVCPGI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ok, you didn’t show us what happens when you open the top. So did the tape hold up when the top folds down? The left side looks pretty good. Did you change gloves when you started the right side? That might be where you made your ‘mistake’. My 2008 has the same stress cracks. And on the left side, right where you taped it, a previous owner used silicone snd it looks like a big booger. But I think I may try your tape with maybe some flex seal on the inside surface.
But bottoms line, we both need new tops 😃
This held up much better in terms of flexibility when folding the top down compared to gorilla tape/caulk, however I think you're spot on saying ultimately a new top is in order if you want to restore the aesthetics.
Is it water proof..that's what you need. Until you can it fixed
That tool is thread pick, used to cut existing sewn thread.
Thank you! To this day I didn't know what that was until reading your comment.
My Miata is torn in the same place
I have seen other soft top Miatas with the same issue. It must be a high stress point.
I’m looking for a repair to last 1 year. Doing the interior this year and trying to spread the cost. This kit is clearly not an answer
If you're looking for something to keep the water out - it seems to do that. But if you also want to be able to park your car without shame, maybe look elsewhere lol
2:24 pause
Vinyl is picky about what works on it. If it doesnt say it works on vinyl odds are it wont work after awhile. Even black "gorilla permanent" tape doesnt work.
Thank you for the comment. I'd have to agree with you based on my limited experience with it.
Oof 4 years??
We've definitely all been there with putting things off with quick fixes until they really need attention.
Definitely not a how-to video.
dude don't buy that kit, that's just asking for punishment, its clearly a totally crap product
I would just buy a new roof
Yeah that's the ideal situation lol (They're expensive though!)
Nice snot work it’s the 2020 look. #socialdistancing #don’ttouchmycar
Haha, yes, it does seem rather timely doesn't it
You talk too much on your videos no time to hear about your stories just wanna see how it’s done so you lost me