How would you guys go about repairing these rips in a Jeep top? Any way to make it look pretty?
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs6.postimage.org%2Fv4nx3a7el%2Fjeepripped_2.jpg&hash=1ff65c77abae1b6c0370f45ae5b54531) (http://postimage.org/image/v4nx3a7el/)
http://postimage.org/image/v4nx3a7el/
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs6.postimage.org%2Fos8rtg4cd%2Fjeeprip.jpg&hash=7c039b39e53ee2ef7dc236166d269196) (http://postimage.org/image/os8rtg4cd/)
http://postimage.org/image/os8rtg4cd/
If you can take the top off I'd sew a triangle on it and one matching on the other side. If it has to be done while installed just glue a triangle patch and hand sew it on. Seal the stitching and give it back :)
How old is the top and what is the overall condition of the rest of it? If the vinyl
is dry, repairing can be a waste of time since the top has to come off anyway.
Replacement Jeep tops are relatively inexpensive. But that does depend on your
customer's point of view not mine.
I've directed Jeep owner's here for replacement tops.
http://www.quadratec.com/showcases/quadratec_exclusive/quadratop/
If the customer is set on a repair, I would say the cleanest way would be to insert
a couple of layers of fabric with a strip of webbing for strength between the inner and
outer layers , double-stitch it in about 3"either side of the rip or as far as you can and
at least 1" above the tip of the rip. Then turn the edges of the rip under and do a finish
stitch. If you sew a patch on the outside it will look like a repair. For removing the top
and making the repairs I would charge 1.5 hours and no guarantee. Also take into
consideration how any rubber welt is attached and if you can put it back on. If you sew
through the rubber welt it will just rip along the stitch line in short order.
Try to use the OEM stitch lines and inner/outer layers to your advantage.