Factory Soft Top Repair / Maintenance Advice

[AutoCrat]

So I went back to closely inspect the top and for the first time I found few scuffs at the very rear end from inside which seems like a damage due to snap buttons (No damage whatsoever from the outside on outer layer). Looks like it happened during it’s folded operation (definitely not in my ownership as I only folded it down once for couple of days and drove only on pavement for about 25-30kms max). This could possibly be a cause for that bigger scuff mark also although not sure where that thing is rubbing. I would like to know is this a common issue with Wrangler soft tops? I am still fairly new to wrangler and learning each day, such as recently understood Sailcloth & Twill are two different materials .

So I guess these scuff marks from inside do make outer layer vulnerable and susceptible to tears. I bought this Jeep for its originality and love this top for its 18 years old patina and character. I don’t want it to end up in a scrap pile for just one tiny tear, top is still in awesome condition for most part.

I know it’s an old top and something will fail at some stage, I was considering buying another OEM / Bestop replacement top may be in a different colour for fun. My plan was / is to preserve this top carefully and put it back once the Jeep is ready to sit in a museum.

Please guide me to the best way to get “sailcloth patched” and what all you guys are doing to prevent these scuffs from happening and maintaining?

Thanks in advance.

 

[txbemis69]

google search for jeep sailcloth repair points to some kits on amazon. not sure if this would be an option being your halfway around the globe. local upholstery shop is where i’d start looking for answers.

 

[AutoCrat]

google search for jeep sailcloth repair points to some kits on amazon. not sure if this would be an option being your halfway around the globe. local upholstery shop is where i’d start looking for answers.

Thanks will check on Amazon. I too was researching on net myself. Really Hoping to find some time to take it to an Upholstery shop and get some options. I am thinking a “Butenol or a tough Vinyl patch might do the trick but not sure if it will stick to sailcloth and how durable it will be.

Any suggestions on preventing the inside scuffs from happening? Is that a common issue? Wondering if there is any readymade solutions out there to reinforce that area.

 

[WWII Jeeper]

Hi Team,

We had a bad storm in my area few weeks back and unfortunately my Jeep got hit with tree branches and debris all across but more noticeably from the front. I posted couple of pictures in my blog but no one seemed to notice it. May be the way I posted it everyone thought I was very happy but it is totally opposite of that. I was only showing my frustration with a smile, as there is nothing much I could have done in that situation .

View attachment 352545

View attachment 352546

Among others unfortunately sot top got a tear damage on the top (Fortunately not very big) and some deep scratches on the windows. As usual I put it through my insurance and fair enough being 18-19 year old top they have their usual doubts. Soft top did have a scuff from inside around the same spot but no damage from top at least in my knowledge and it never leaked inside. I was talking to my claims manager who pointed out that based on inside photos there is an evidence of moisture traces and possibly it was damaged prior to this event. Although top tear is very small in comparison to what it looks like from inside.

View attachment 352559

View attachment 352557

So I went back to closely inspect myself few days back and for the first time I found few more following scuffs at the very rear end from inside which seems like a damage due to snap buttons (No damage whatsoever from the outside on outer layer). Looks like it happened during it’s folded operation (definitely not in my ownership as I only folded it down once for couple of days and drove only on pavement for about 25-30kms max). This could possibly be a cause for that bigger scuff mark also although not sure where that thing is rubbing. I would like to know is this a common issue with Wrangler soft tops? I am still fairly new to wrangler and learning each day. Such as recently understood Sailcloth & Twill are two different materials .

View attachment 352563

View attachment 352564

So I guess these scuff marks from inside do make outer layer vulnerable and susceptible to tears. Knowing this It would be unfair for me to put it through Insurance. I will ask them to take it out of my claim, anyways they got some outrageous quote ($7000 +). Yes that’s the fun of living in New Zealand and number one requirement is to get used to of some insane pricing . Besides I bought this Jeep for its originality and love this top for its 18 years old patina and character. I don’t want it to end up in a scrap pile for just one tiny tear, top is still in awesome condition for most part.

I know it’s an old top and something will fail at some stage and anyways prior to this event I was considering buying another OEM / Bestop replacement top may be in a different colour for fun. My plan was / is to preserve this top carefully and put it back once the Jeep is ready to sit in a museum.

Please guide me to the best way to get “sailcloth patched” and what all you guys are doing to prevent these scuffs from happening and maintaining?

Thanks in advanc

Hi Team,

We had a bad storm in my area few weeks back and unfortunately my Jeep got hit with tree branches and debris all across but more noticeably from the front. I posted couple of pictures in my blog but no one seemed to notice it. May be the way I posted it everyone thought I was very happy but it is totally opposite of that. I was only showing my frustration with a smile, as there is nothing much I could have done in that situation .

View attachment 352545

View attachment 352546

Among others unfortunately sot top got a tear damage on the top (Fortunately not very big) and some deep scratches on the windows. As usual I put it through my insurance and fair enough being 18-19 year old top they have their usual doubts. Soft top did have a scuff from inside around the same spot but no damage from top at least in my knowledge and it never leaked inside. I was talking to my claims manager who pointed out that based on inside photos there is an evidence of moisture traces and possibly it was damaged prior to this event. Although top tear is very small in comparison to what it looks like from inside.

View attachment 352559

View attachment 352557

So I went back to closely inspect myself few days back and for the first time I found few more following scuffs at the very rear end from inside which seems like a damage due to snap buttons (No damage whatsoever from the outside on outer layer). Looks like it happened during it’s folded operation (definitely not in my ownership as I only folded it down once for couple of days and drove only on pavement for about 25-30kms max). This could possibly be a cause for that bigger scuff mark also although not sure where that thing is rubbing. I would like to know is this a common issue with Wrangler soft tops? I am still fairly new to wrangler and learning each day. Such as recently understood Sailcloth & Twill are two different materials .

View attachment 352563

View attachment 352564

So I guess these scuff marks from inside do make outer layer vulnerable and susceptible to tears. Knowing this It would be unfair for me to put it through Insurance. I will ask them to take it out of my claim, anyways they got some outrageous quote ($7000 +). Yes that’s the fun of living in New Zealand and number one requirement is to get used to of some insane pricing . Besides I bought this Jeep for its originality and love this top for its 18 years old patina and character. I don’t want it to end up in a scrap pile for just one tiny tear, top is still in awesome condition for most part.

I know it’s an old top and something will fail at some stage and anyways prior to this event I was considering buying another OEM / Bestop replacement top may be in a different colour for fun. My plan was / is to preserve this top carefully and put it back once the Jeep is ready to sit in a museum.

Please guide me to the best way to get “sailcloth patched” and what all you guys are doing to prevent these scuffs from happening and maintaining?

Thanks in advance.

End of last year I crashed in Wyoming and the road sign I took out flew up and landed on my top. It crushed the top of the passenger door, buggered up the top header, both allowing snow and rain to get in. I bought a roll of Flex Tape of all things, and it sealed everything up fine. It's adhesive is super strong, and I'm sure a small patch of it would seal that rip pretty well. The tape has kind of a rubbery feel to it, so you might be able to add some stitching to it as well. That's if you want to go that route.

Ray

 

[txbemis69]

Thanks will check on Amazon. I too was researching on net myself. Really Hoping to find some time to take it to an Upholstery shop and get some options. I am thinking a “Butenol or a tough Vinyl patch might do the trick but not sure if it will stick to sailcloth and how durable it will be.

Any suggestions on preventing the inside scuffs from happening? Is that a common issue? Wondering if there is any readymade solutions out there to reinforce that area.

wouldn’t know about caring for the inside as i run a hardtop or no top. best of luck and post up what you come up with.

 

[2001slvrstntj]

I have not noticed those “wear” spots but don’t run with my top down for long periods of time. Could be the way it was folded too I guess. Hopefully others will chime in, good luck.