Soft top advice needed.

[OEFISHER]

The stitching on the front of the top (where it connects to the plastic piece) keeps failing. The first one came apart and I got a new top and it has only lasted a couple of years. the rest of the top is in great shape. Any suggestions as to how to reattach it? The plastic is so hard I'm not sure it can be resewn. If I'm being an idiot be kind

 

[cattlerepairman]

I'd find a place that does boat covers or truck tarps and have them fix it.

 

[Warthog]

Many members have used the j-strip plastic that boat shop use. The old plastics gets so hard that it can not be sewn. Only issue is that most of it comes in grey.

Other options are to use Pylo-bond, pop rivets, or other fasteners.

 

[searls84]

I had mine re-sewn at a saddle/leather shop. worked great, and the thread was much thicker than factory.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Pop rivets spaced about 1.5 inches apart seem to work. Did mine that way about four years ago and they are still holding just fine. If the plastic is too brittle, you can get a piece of vinyl siding with a lip on it and use that in place of the plastic. Rattle can paint will cover the pop rivet washers and any vinyl that shows.

 

[Jeepsinker]

It helps to fill the leading edge of the seam with a sealer or glue as well. It keeps the wind from getting under the edge and lifting the vinyl away from the plastic.

 

[OEFISHER]

Thank you all for all the advice.

 

[youngDUMP]

I used seal all from autozone and pop rivets every 8-10"s. Worked very well.

 

[Seth_O]

My stitching let go 4-5yrs ago on the recovery. I fixed it with a piece of vinyl siding with the J lip from Home Depot and a bottle of good epoxy. Once the epoxy was applied (the entire length of the siding piece) I clamped them together with a 2x4, and then applied a bead all along the front to prevent wind getting underneath and between the vinyl top and the siding piece. Quick shot of OD spray paint and it looks pretty good imho. And its held up for the last 4-5yrs with no problems!

 

[Akicita]

I bought mine in 2010 from Ken Kublo in Pennsylvania. Five years alter, it still looks like new on the inside.
Ken has a website. You can look him up. I have no idea what he charges for a new one plus shipping now.
There is probably a dealer closer to where you are.