Mk3 Cabriolet Hood Repair

[yoyo62]

1994 2.0l Avantgarde Cabrio. The vinyl hood is in reasonable condition apart from;

The stitched/bonded seam over transverse bar 5cm above rear window is coming apart. The split is on the offside top corner and is about 10cm but slowly getting longer.

Various hood companies have said it's can't be repaired and a new hood is the answer. They are probably right but before I spend a fortune on replacing the hood can anybody share tips or experiences of similar problem?

I'm tempted to try and close the gap with some glue and then slap a Tear-Aid clear repair patch over the top and see what happens. Not a permanent answer but might last until winter.

[yoyo62]

Here's an update on what I did to repair my hood for anyone who is interested.

Bought some glue called VLP (Vinyl/Leather Repair) from a very helpful company called Plastidip (www.plastidip.co.uk) and a tube costs about £5. The also sell a product that patches vinyl if the rip/hole is big.

I used the glue to stick the 10 inch gap in the seams on my hood back together. Seems to have a worked a treat. The glue dries clear but is visible so don't expect an invisible mend but it's flexible and waterproof and seems to be holding up well to the stresses and strains of opening and closing. I'll let you know if it stops working.

Means I don't have to replace my roof immediately so I'm happy.

BTW I did buy some tear-aid patches but because I'd treated my hood with Autoglym Bumper Care they wouldn't stick to the vinyl.