Automotive

best duck tape to repair convertible top?

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  • Jan 23rd, 2015 9:02 am
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Jan 20th, 2015 1:02 am
RobinHouse [OP]
Newbie
Jan 3, 2014
7 posts
1 upvote
toronto

Jan 20th, 2015 1:02 am

best duck tape to repair convertible top?

My car was burglarized and they cut into the canvas top to get into the car. I just read that "100 mph" duck tape is used by pit crews on race cars and a few dyi convertible repair posts suggest using high quality duck tape. I'm not familiar with brands but the posts suggest not using standard grade canadian tire stuff because the adhesive is not strong enough and it will come off within a few weeks. I'm looking for suggestions on the best adhesive brands that are easy for the public to get their hands on. I'm looking for specifics like brand and where to purchase industrial grade high adhesive water/weather proof tape etc.
19 replies
Jan 20th, 2015 1:31 am
JohnB
Deal Fanatic
Sep 5, 2002
6630 posts
964 upvotes

Jan 20th, 2015 1:31 am

Its 3m tape you can get it at an auto parts store.

Some is double sided some is like regular tape.
Jan 20th, 2015 6:37 am
michelb
Deal Fanatic
Jul 4, 2004
7366 posts
4540 upvotes
Ottawa

Jan 20th, 2015 6:37 am

Your roof damage should be covered by your insurance. Just call them and get them to replace the roof.
Jan 20th, 2015 7:17 am
tjayl
Deal Addict
Nov 21, 2007
1213 posts
91 upvotes
Kitchener

Jan 20th, 2015 7:17 am

I've tried all sorts of tapes and adhesives to fix a damaged convertible top and unfortunately none are a lasting solution. They might work for a month, but it looks terrible and eventually falls off and leaves a mess.

In warm weather, tape gets soft and falls off leaving a big goopy mess. In winter, the tape gets brittle and falls off.

You could try a vinyl shop like one that makes boat covers, and see if they can repair it properly. They will likely have to take the top off to repair it.
Jan 20th, 2015 9:28 am
RobinHouse [OP]
Newbie
Jan 3, 2014
7 posts
1 upvote
toronto

Jan 20th, 2015 9:28 am

michelb wrote: ↑Your roof damage should be covered by your insurance. Just call them and get them to replace the roof.
tjayl wrote: ↑ You could try a vinyl shop like one that makes boat covers, and see if they can repair it properly. They will likely have to take the top off to repair it.
My car is about 20 yrs old it's not worth reporting to insurance or getting it professionally repaired (unless the repair is <$100 which I doubt), esthetically it's already in fair condition but runs perfectly mechanically- otherwise I'd sell the car for parts- I intend on attempting to stitch and fix it but I'll probably not be driving it anymore in poor weather.
Jan 20th, 2015 10:00 am
zekester
Member
Dec 28, 2005
409 posts
776 upvotes
Toronto

Jan 20th, 2015 10:00 am

You can also try a product for tent repairs like Tear Aid - http://www.tear-aid.com/ . You sig. says you're in Toronto so you can pick up Tear Aid at MEC.
Jan 20th, 2015 10:06 am
googoo
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Dec 11, 2003
5731 posts
199 upvotes
Toronto

Jan 20th, 2015 10:06 am

Gorilla glue is awesome so I assume everything they make it is :) No, seriously!

Can you not simply get a shop to make a small patch to mend the cut?? and use the car ONLY for the sunny days of summer with the top down!
--------------------------------------------------------------
HEATWARE.... if you bought from me ... thanks
Jan 20th, 2015 3:39 pm
milolai
Deal Fanatic
Dec 24, 2005
5822 posts
1662 upvotes

Jan 20th, 2015 3:39 pm

while the repair at a professional will not be $100 -- It might not be much more.

not sure where you live but i used T&M Trim to fix a tear in my prior car - i think it was under $200
Jan 20th, 2015 3:45 pm
Supahhh
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Aug 12, 2007
4685 posts
830 upvotes
Waterloo

Jan 20th, 2015 3:45 pm

RobinHouse wrote: ↑My car is about 20 yrs old it's not worth reporting to insurance or getting it professionally repaired (unless the repair is <$100 which I doubt), esthetically it's already in fair condition but runs perfectly mechanically- otherwise I'd sell the car for parts- I intend on attempting to stitch and fix it but I'll probably not be driving it anymore in poor weather.
unless its a jeep soft-top I'd say it may be worth it to get it professionaly repaired as its approaching "Classic" status due to its age.
Jan 20th, 2015 8:26 pm
redgreen
Jr. Member
Feb 28, 2007
166 posts
23 upvotes
Toronto

Jan 20th, 2015 8:26 pm

Dirty thieves, believe in Karma :-)
Jan 20th, 2015 9:54 pm
jzmtl
Deal Addict
Jun 14, 2008
4476 posts
3383 upvotes
Montreal

Jan 20th, 2015 9:54 pm

If you don't want to pay for repairs, get a speedy stitch from MEC and do it yourself, less than $20 I think.
Jan 20th, 2015 10:36 pm
spike1128
Deal Expert
Oct 7, 2010
15180 posts
5557 upvotes

Jan 20th, 2015 10:36 pm

Best to use glue that's meant to repair the soft top material and then used waterproof liquid sealant just to seal the part that's been glued on.
Jan 21st, 2015 7:23 am
michelb
Deal Fanatic
Jul 4, 2004
7366 posts
4540 upvotes
Ottawa

Jan 21st, 2015 7:23 am

I'd still check with your insurance company as I think this falls under comprehensive coverage and I don't believe it will have any affect on your policy or price. You probably have to pay the deductible though.

If it's better for you just to tape it up, gorilla tape might work pretty well but I think eventually, it will fall apart with the wind and water. In your place I would try something like "Eternabond" tape (I'm just not sure how well it sticks to vinyl / fabric) or 3M VHB (they sell several different versions so you'll want the type that sticks to your top material and obviously that's 1-sided. I would also tape from both sides if possible.
Jan 21st, 2015 9:16 am
felixdd
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May 19, 2003
5091 posts
692 upvotes
Ancaster

Jan 21st, 2015 9:16 am

If your entire roof's slashed, I doubt the 3m stuff will hold. One would think that stuff's mainly used for small repairs (which yours likely isn't), and won't be very long-lasting

If it touches water a few times (e.g. even morning dew), it'll likely start peeling.

Just stitch it, then soak it in glue/waterproof sealant. I'm sure that stuff exists out there. It won't be as quick as duct tape, but you can take pride in your finished product being waterproof and "good as new" :)
Jan 21st, 2015 6:05 pm
Lumber-jack
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Jul 13, 2010
1996 posts
401 upvotes
Ottawa

Jan 21st, 2015 6:05 pm

It would be helpful if you told us what the top is made of and/or the vehicle since tops can be made from various fabrics such as vinyl and canvas-like (it's not) If you are looking for cheap and somewhat sturdy I would try like one suggested a repair kit for camping and go to MEC (stay away from CT and such as they don't have selection or quality). Another thing is the gorilla glue but you still would need fabric to mend it with. You want to make sure the two ends are secure so the cut doesn't spread (it probably will).
.
Jan 21st, 2015 6:54 pm
fusion2k2k
Deal Addict
Apr 6, 2008
1807 posts
1167 upvotes

Jan 21st, 2015 6:54 pm

I have a Mazda Miata convertible and my top had a few small (2-3inch) holes when I bought it. I called up a vinyl repair place and he came to my house and fixed it all for like $80 I think it was. He stitched it closed from the inside and then patched and repainted the outside so it looked brand new.
Jan 23rd, 2015 9:02 am
ezdjeep
Newbie
Apr 28, 2017
41 posts
6 upvotes
Oshawa, ON

Jan 23rd, 2015 9:02 am

I used Gorilla Tape on my Jeep last year. Doesn't look too good and only lasts a few weeks but worked okay.

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